The Rise of These "Ugly" Sneakers Is Something I Can No Longer Stay Silent About

I've been quietly clocking the rise of this "ugly" sneaker trend. Over the course of this spring, I noticed an uptick in a certain sneaker style that I can only describe as, well, surprising. The fashion crowd has never shied away from a controversial pair of shoes—as we've seen time and again with It sneakers such as the Balenciaga Triple S and the New Balance 990s. So when the stylish women on my Instagram feed started donning this next style, I wasn't completely shocked. But I did start taking note of their appearances, and now, it's time I break my silence on this rising fashion-person style. The kicks in question? Asics Gel sneakers. 

Yes, that's right. The sneakers popular among dads everywhere have rebranded themselves as the next insider must-have, following in the footsteps of New Balance. And after the brand collaborated with menswear designer Kiko Kostadinov on a few exclusive colorways, it seems that Asics has never had more buzz. Scandi cool girls are another reason why I'm betting big on Asics. They're usually 10 steps ahead of us when it comes to what's cool, and my Stockholm and Oslo feeds tell me that Asics is their latest sneaker obsession, which means the rest of us aren't far behind. 

One thing's clear: These sneakers have officially made it onto my radar and shopping list. Ahead, take a look at some standout styling moments with Asics sneakers and shop all the colors the must-have sneakers come in.

The sneakers' athletic feel brings a cool twist to any casual outfit. Tap into the sporty vibe by pairing them with "dad" staples like a bomber jacket.

Fashion people adore a pair of comfortable but funky shoes to wear with their off-duty outfits for errands and coffee runs. I'm betting everything that Asics are the next It shoes for casual days.

With plenty of color options to choose from, style the rest of your 'fit around the sneakers' color scheme for one cool and cohesive ensemble.

There's no denying that Asics sneakers are on the "weird" end of the style spectrum, and fashion people are tapping into that eclecticism by wearing them with clashing aesthetics. It's chaotic, but it works.

Scandi girls, for the most part, are favoring the sneakers against a backdrop of neutral tailoring to really give them their moment.

Utility-inspired pieces, from cargo pants to cargo skirts, happen to pair especially well with the sporty kicks, as seen here.

This butter-yellow colorway is already creating a stir in our editors' Slack channels.

The sneakers are inherently sporty, but they live their best lives in non-athletic outfits. It's all about the contrast.

With plenty of colors to choose from, there's an Asics style for everyone.

Fashion people may be waking up to this sneaker trend, but its athletic roots mean that the kicks do double duty with fashion and function.

Up next, see the 8 things that make up our cool-girl starter pack for summer 2022.