Don’t want to give up your go-to flats, everyday sneakers, and boring but comfy pumps? Don’t worry, girl, because you’re actually on trend.
Right now, fashion is having an ugly moment. In footwear, the clunkier, the uglier, and the more man-repelling, the better. Here are the five ugly shoe trends that fashionistas can’t get enough of this summer:
1. Fashionable Birkenstocks
Once the sole territory of crunchy hippie chicks, Birkenstocks are now being spotted on the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Mena Suvari, and Elle Fanning.
Sam Edelman “Allyn” Chain-Trim Sandals, $120
Charlotte Stone “Luke” Haircalf Cross-Strap Sandals, $158
Sixtyseven “Cara” Sandals, $79.95
2. Trendy Pool Slides
Should Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his love for Adidas rubber flip-flops be blamed for pool slides being on-trend?
Now donned by famous feet like Rita Ora’s and Khloe Kardashian’s, slides have since upgraded from their orthopedic rubber bumps to luxe fabrics, jewel embellishments, and smooth leather.
Marni Flannel Slide Sandals, $580
KG Kurt Geiger “Monarch” Embellished Haircalf Slide Sandals, $230
Jeffrey Campbell “Romero” Sandals, $95
3. Bold Wide-Strap Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals are back with an ugly vengeance.
Alexander Wang “Eva” Leather Sandals
Sol Sana “January II” Leather Sandals, $84.95
4. Chic Cutout Bootandals
We can trace the origins of the cutout bootandals trend back to the Balenciaga cutout booties. Well, at least we can say that Balenciaga found a way to make boots wearable in the summer.
Forever 21 “Jungle Frenzy” Cutout Booties, $79.80
Loeffler Randall “Yara” Buckled Sandal Booties, $395
5. Sporty Sneaker Sandals
If you don’t like the flat, no-support soles of summer sandals, sneaker sandals are your best bet.
Ash “Karma” Studded Sneaker Sandals, $174.95
Prada Linea Rossa Gabardine Flat Sandals, $495
Miz Mooz “Crosby” Rubber-Sole Sandals, $89.95