'Ugly' Shoes Trend: 30 Styles That Deserve a Second Chance [PHOTOS]

Amina Ayoud and Elizabeth Grace Coyne

29 May 2024 at 10:44 am·3-min read

Many footwear silhouettes can fall under the category of “ugly” shoes, a trend that, despite its name, has become associated with some of the most popular celebrities and fashion influencers. Birthed from a widespread embrace of more comfortable silhouettes over the past few years, the trend is found in both high and low-end labels, including Crocs, Ugg, Balenciaga, Birkenstock, Maison Margiela, Subu, Lusso Cloud, Clarks, Dr. Martens and Adidas. Despite the trend’s name, the shoes aren’t “ugly,” given that that’s up for interpretation. The shoes are instead abrasive and statement-making, standing out from the norm.

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Balenciaga Speed Trainers

Balenciaga Speed Trainers; $895; balenciaga.com

Nike Air Rift Sneakers

Nike Air Rift sneakers; $88; nike.com

Birkenstock x Jill Sanders Velan Clog Sandals

Nike Air Rift sneakers; $740; birkenstock.com

Birkenstock Boston Big Buckle Teddy Shearling Clogs

Birkenstock Boston Big Buckle teddy shearling clogs; $195; bloomingdales.com

Chloé X Teva Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole Sandals

Chloé X Teva Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole sandals; $575; teva.com

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Slip-on

Birkenstock Boston soft footbed slip-on in “Taupe;” $158.00; birkenstock.com

Converse Run Star Motion CX Platform Sneakers

Converse Run Star Motion CX Platform sneakers; $120.00; converse.com

Givenchy Leather Chain-Link Accents Pumps

Givenchy Leather Chain-Link Accents pumps; $875.00; therealreal.com

Jil Sanders Leather Thong Platform Boots

Jil Sanders Leather Thong platform boots; $1,600; bergdorfgoodman.com

Bottega Veneta The Puddle Boots

Bottega Veneta The Puddle boots; $820; bergdorfgoodman.com

Subu x Sandy Liang Slippers

Subu x Sandy Liang slippers; $98; sandyliang.com

Loewe Black 3D Balloon Leather Sandals

Loewe Black 3D Balloon leather sandals; $1,199.33; lyst.com

Adidas Adifom Q Sneakers

Adidas Adifom Q sneakers; $50; snipesusa.com

Isabel Marant Bekett Sneaker Wedges

Isabel Marant Bekett sneaker wedges in “Taupe;” $680; revolve.com

Hoka Hopara Sneakers

Hoka Hopara sneakers in “Trellis/Mercury”; $134.95; zappos.com

J. Crew Convertible Leather Clogs

J. Crew Convertible leather clogs in “Rich Oak;” $129.99; jcrew.com

Teva Original Universal Sandals

Teva Original Universal sandals in “Gecko Neutral;” $15.83; teva.com

Gucci Women’s Rubber Slide Sandal

Gucci Women’s Rubber Slide sandal; $450; gucci.com

Melissa Possession Platform

Melissa Possession platform in “Lilac;” $109.00; shopmelissa.com

New Balance 9060 Sneakers

New Balance 9060 sneakers; $149.99; newbalance.com

Gap Silver Leather Ballet Flats

Gap silver leather ballet flats; $34.00; Gap.com

MM6 Maison Margiela Black Anatomic Boots

MM6 Maison Margiela Black Anatomic boots; $590; ssense.com

Crocs Blitzmen II

Crocs Blitzmen II; $49.99; Crocs.com

Blundstone Original 500 Series Chelsea Boot

Blundstone Original 500 Series Chelsea boot; $119; Blundstone.com

Gurkee’s Sandal

Gurkee’s sandal; $49; Gurkees.com

Nike Benassi Sandal

Nike Benassi sandal; $40; Urbanoutfitters.com

Shepler’s Durango Boot

Shepler’s Durango boot; $119; sheplers.com

Ugg Tania Boot

Ugg Tania boot; $175; Ugg.com

John Fluevog Magnum Loafers

John Fluevog Magnum loafers; $279; Fluevog

Dansko Professional Clogs

Dansko Professional clogs; $119.95; Zappos.com

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