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High-fashion footwear has evolved. Gone (mostly, but not totally) are the days when models sashayed down runways in unwearable heels. Today's top styles favor comfort and unconventional beauty above all else, with chunky sneakers, Ugg slippers, and embellished Crocs, having a moment. In fact, we'd go as far as to say that ugly shoes are in. To get a closer look at the trend, we're taking a look back at the most standout designer footwear of the past decade.
From New York to Paris, we've rounded up our favorite ugly shoes straight from the fashion runways, ahead.
Givenchy, Spring 2022
No matter how hard we try, we can't escape clogs. For spring, you might want to trade in your classic wood pairs for this monochromatic, athletic-inspired version.
Ulla Johnson, Fall 2021
Perhaps it's because we lived through the ballet shoe trend of the aughts, but the ribbon ties combined with a rounded toe are giving us intense flashbacks to a questionable time for fashion.
Jason Wu, Spring 2021
Teva-style sandals are still a statement all on their own, but the mixed prints and extra bits of material took this trend to a whole new level.
Bottega Veneta, Fall 2020
Sure, they were bright green, super clunky, and kind of cartoonish, but Bottega Veneta's boots were also 100% biodegradable, instantly making them a must-have.
Simone Rocha, Spring 2020
The thick white soles of these silver Mary Janes made it look as if this design was actually one shoe layered on top of another. However, our focus should have probably been on the addition of tube socks, since the sweet pairing became one of the hottest footwear trends of the year, babydoll shoes.
Christian Dior, Fall 2019
Between the kitten heel, the plaid print, or the sock-inspired ankle detail, this boot reminds us of an elegant Christmas stocking. All that's missing is a candy cane.
Dsquared2, Spring 2019
A sneaker? A sandal? A wedge? With Dsquared2's futuristic design, it's a 3-in-1 deal.
Paco Rabanne, Fall 2018
Fluffy and bedazzled slides have nothing on this pom-pom shoe, which would surely steal the spotlight every time.
Christopher Kane, Fall 2018
Christopher Kane continues to produce our favorite questionable footwear, attempting to combine unexpected elements such as chunky black sneakers, spring-like heels, and jewels.
Spring 2018, Balenciaga
You're either team Crocs or you're not, but the divisive nature of this shoe hasn't stopped brands from putting their own unique twist on the clog, whether it's adding a platform or creating statement-making Jibbitz for decoration.
Loewe, Spring 2018
Fashion is always looking for a way to update the classic sneaker, but we're not quite sure if a long, curly, elf-like toe is it.
Coach, Fall 2017
Ready for something really out of this world? Feast your eyes on Coach's version of the Moon Boot, complete with metallic coloring and plaid laces.
Christopher Kane, Spring 2017
When did Crocs emerge as fashion's must-have shoe? It's possible it started with Christopher Kane's runway, where we spotted these marble-printed babies embellished with mineral stones.
Preen, Spring 2017
In another high-fashion 'ugly shoe' collaboration, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi teamed up with UGG for Spring 2017, releasing black and white, bow-bedecked sandals (some were flatforms, others were just flat), They don't look anything like UGG's popular, comfy boots, but the news of this joint venture alone was enough to make this list.
J. Crew, Spring 2016
Dr. Scholls took advantage of the ugly shoe trend and partnered with J. Crew on a collaboration full of chunky slides. Shoppers could take their pick from a variety of colors and seasonal gingham prints.
Marc Jacobs, Spring 2015
What, exactly, made us fall in love with these clunky velvet-lined Dr. Scholls-look-alikes? Was it the velvet? Or that it hit a nostalgic note? It was probably all of the above.
Markus Lupfer, Spring 2015
While they're arguably more nostalgic than 'ugly,' glitter jelly sandals got a grown-up makeover at Markus Lupfer's spring 2015 presentation. A blue pair included iridescent studs and gems, as well as a heeled silhouette.
Charlotte Ronson, Spring 2015
From a fashion POV, it's the minimalist version of the sporty sandal — velcro straps, no embellishment, and a neutral color palette. To everyone else, they're Tevas.
Dior Haute Couture, Spring 2014
The prettiest sprinkling of floral sequins makes these the chicest pair of Aqua Socks we've ever seen. It helps, too, that they're couture — and Dior.
Marc Jacobs, Spring 2014
It was only a matter of time before Tevas got their time in the spotlight. Marc Jacobs riffed on the sporty sandal with rope-like straps, a rubbery sole, and a Victorian-inspired goth gown as its fashion pairing.
Prada, Spring 2014
In an effort to elevate the 'ugliness' of a super chunky sandal, Miuccia Prada embellished the straps with fancy gem stones.
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