Shunned or adored, “ugly” shoes are gaining ground

Fashion genius or tasteless joke, ugly shoes are far from unanimous. And yet, they continue to charm the most prestigious brands and trendiest it-girls. A roundup of pairs to adopt if you’re feeling even the slightest bit daring…

by Louise Menard.

Published on 25 April 2025. Updated on 19 June 2026.

The polarizing “ugly shoes”: a polarizing” trend

Nicknamed “ugly shoes” because of their odd and initially unappealing appearance sometimes, these shoes seem to be making a stronger comeback than ever on the fashion scene. Showcased on several runways, including at the Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2024–2025 show through the Doll Pumps, ugly shoes have also become a staple in celebrities’ wardrobe.

Charli XCX in Uggs, Sarah Jessica Parker in studded clogs, and Irina Shayk strolling through New York in jelly shoes… Many stars have embraced these bizarre yet coveted footwear styles.

While the neon-studded flip-flops from the Fenty x Puma collab flew off the shelves, Birkenstock 1774 just revealed its latest nylon creation — quilted Velcro sandals, a reinterpretation of its signature Arizona model.

But one question remains unanswered… Would you dare to take the plunge? Between a love of kitsch and all things oversized, boldness and a quest for comfort, ugly shoes are, above all, a declaration of sartorial freedom.

selma kaci en crocs x simone rocha — Selma Kaci wearing Crocs x Simone Rocha. © Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images.

willow smith en birkenstock — Selma Kaci wearing Crocs x Simone Rocha. © Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images.

Outrageous footwear designed by top fashion houses

Sneakers, mules, sandals, ballet flats… Every model is out there in the wild. But if one pair deserved the crown of ultimate ugly shoe, it would undoubtedly go to Crocs. A brand that understood the disruptive power of these controversial shoes long ago.

After Levi’s, Hello Kitty, and Takashi Murakami, just to name a few, Crocs has multiplied its iconic collaborations with prestigious labels. Who could forget the urban design with interchangeable charms co-designed with Balenciaga, or the three collaborations with Simone Rocha, which gave rise to punk Crocs adorned with pearls and rhinestones?

And the sportswear universe is just as active. Salomon has teamed up with MM6 Maison Margiela for futuristic pink sneakers, while Asics joins forces with Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen to create unique waterproof sneakers. In short, from the pony-hair clogs by Acne Studios to the Barbie-pink flat sandals by Scholl x Balenciaga, our hearts are already won over.