You have probably been reaching for the same pair of low-profile sneakers for the past few years. Maybe they are Sambas, maybe they are a similar slim silhouette that pairs effortlessly with everything from jeans to midi skirts. But lately, something has shifted. The sleek sneaker era might not be over, but a bulkier, more retro alternative is creeping into the spotlight – and two of the most closely watched women in fashion are leading the charge. The question is whether your shoe rotation is ready for an upgrade that starts at just $22.
Why the slim sneaker monopoly is finally cracking
For the last few years, sleek, low-profile sneakers have dominated nearly every street-style roundup and casual outfit formula. They were easy, versatile, and universally flattering. But fashion has a way of course-correcting, and the pendulum is now swinging toward something decidedly chunkier.
Katie Holmes and Bella Hadid have both been spotted wearing court sneakers – those big, athletic-inspired throwback shoes that bring a retro feel to just about any outfit. Holmes’s pair reportedly resembles the style made by Autry, while Hadid has been seen in the Coach Soho Sneaker, priced at $155 on Amazon. When two women with radically different personal styles converge on the same footwear trend, it is worth paying attention. So what exactly makes these oversized silhouettes so appealing beyond celebrity endorsement?
The answer is surprisingly practical. That chunky shape is not just a visual statement – it lends itself to serious, all-day comfort that slimmer sneakers often struggle to deliver. Court sneakers feature thick soles and generous cushioning, and shoppers consistently report being able to walk for hours without discomfort.
The seven pairs worth knowing about, from $22 to $155
The most budget-friendly entry point into this trend is the Dream Pairs Court Sneaker at $22 on Amazon. These look a lot like Holmes’s Autry-style shoes but come at a fraction of the cost. They are not made with real leather, which is the trade-off at that price, but shoppers report that they look far more expensive than they actually are and feel comfortable from the very first wear.
For those who want a mid-range option with throwback credibility, the Reebok Club C Double Sneaker is available for $68, down from its original $90 price. It features a chunky silhouette, a thick sole, and a clean white leather exterior, with six additional color options. Shoppers note that these are so well-cushioned and supportive that they can cover long distances without issue.
The Adidas Court 24 Tennis Sneaker comes in at $36, making it another accessible option for anyone wanting to test the chunky court shoe trend without a major financial commitment. Meanwhile, the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker – a podiatrist-approved pick – is currently $75, marked down from its original price of $110. The Project Cloud Platform Sneaker rounds out the mid-tier selections at $50.
At the top of the range sits the Coach Soho Sneaker at $155 – Hadid’s exact pair. The appeal here is Coach’s thick, sturdy leather and a simple design philosophy. With a silhouette that chunky, additional embellishments become unnecessary. All seven styles are available on Amazon, which makes comparison shopping relatively painless.
How to think about comfort versus style in a chunky sole
One of the reasons sleek sneakers held on for so long is the assumption that bulkier shoes sacrifice elegance. But the court sneaker trend actually solves a tension that many of us navigate daily: wanting to look polished while refusing to suffer through a full day on our feet. The oversized, athletic-inspired shape creates a retro aesthetic that feels intentional rather than clunky.
Nobody is suggesting you throw out your Sambas. These are not replacement shoes so much as complementary ones. The retro feel works particularly well with relaxed summer wardrobes – wide-leg trousers, flowy dresses, and casual denim all benefit from a slightly exaggerated sneaker silhouette. The comfort factor is the bonus that seals the deal, especially given that the podiatrist-approved option from Dr. Scholl’s sits comfortably in the middle of the price range at $75.
Whether you gravitate toward the $22 Dream Pairs as an experiment or commit to the $155 Coach pair that Hadid herself wears, the barrier to entry is remarkably low for a trend backed by two of fashion’s most influential figures.
The takeaway for your summer shoe rotation
The chunky court sneaker is not a passing whim – it is a correction toward comfort and retro character that sleek sneakers never quite offered. You now know that the trend spans from $22 to $155, that a podiatrist-backed option exists at $75, and that both Katie Holmes and Bella Hadid have independently embraced the look. The smartest move might be starting with an affordable pair, seeing how it reshapes your summer outfits, and letting your feet make the final argument.
