Highsnobiety We like thicc soles and we cannot lie

Sneaker trends, just like the entirety of human existence, undergo evolution. The dad shoe trend gave way to overly chunky sneakers, which in turn gave way to what we’re affectionally calling crazy sole sneakers.

One of the biggest proponents of crazy-soled shoes has been Matthew Williams, who designed a proprietary sole unit for his 1017 ALYX 9SM footwear and has used it for everything from boots to clogs. He’s not the only one, though. Both the world of luxury and sportswear have explored the possibilities of sole units in recent seasons.

Crazy soles come in all shapes, sizes, and aesthetics, and our selection has you covered, whatever your taste.

The undisputed champ of the crazy sole, Balenciaga’s Toe Sneakers are nothing short of an alien arrival to the footwear world. A raised heel provides the main visual impact, but separated toes help the style along the way, too.

This luxury take on the hiking shoe trend is characterized by a rugged sole unit that extends way past the beginning of the upper with a protective mudguard.

The Japanese designer has chiseled a spot for himself by reproducing iconic silhouettes and breathing new life into them with exaggerated features.

Margiela’s signature Tabi split-toe holds the visual power to redesign any shoe and in a spectacular turn of events, its most recent project was the Reebok Instapump Fury. The already otherworldly sneaker is now even more alien — and we’re loving it.

Virgil Abloh looks to workwear styles as guidance for this brown leather silhouette that sits atop an exaggerated serrated sole unit. Splattered paint to the toe box rounds out the essence of the style.

Maison Margiela’s Replica Sneaker is, usually, a bastion of minimal sneaker design. Not this time. A bubbled sole unit steals the show from the signature German Army Trainer-inspired upper.

This collaborative silhouette features smooth, curving lines run throughout the design, linking the incongruous upper and sole unit.