Trends are a funny thing: what might have been considered unwearable five years ago can suddenly become a must-have. No-one could have predicted that chunky, brightly coloured and self-consciously ugly trainers would replace slim and minimal sneakers on the feet of stylists, influencers and other fashion types, but that’s exactly what has happened: almost every high-end brand, from Balenciaga to Gucci and beyond, has come up with their own variation on the theme, with the high-end price-tag to match.

Of course, pre-dating the trend by a measure of decades are the original dad trainers themselves: made for function rather than fashion, styles like the New Balance 991 and Nike Air Span II give the authentic ‘dad look’ at a fraction of the price of the high fashion versions, and now the Three Stripes are readying their own entry into the fray: the YUNG-1.

 

While not strictly a re-release, the YUNG-1 shares much of its DNA with adidas’ Falcon Dorf runner from 1997, with only slight tweaks to the silhouette and branding, and an overhaul of the materials and cushioning to bring it in line with its new lifestyle orientation. Displaying asymmetrical panelling in a mixture of premium suede, synthetic nubuck and mesh, set atop a bulky yet lightweight sole unit, the YUNG-1 makes a major statement on-foot while retaining all-day comfort.

As to what to wear them with, there are no rules: go full sportswear, pair with a relaxed suit for a high-fashion edge, or rock with washed jeans and a tucked-in tee for the full dad effect. Releasing in-store and online on the 20th of June at 11pm priced at £99, the adidas Yung-1 is the perfect entry point to embrace the chunk this Summer.