So, It Looks Like 'Ugly Shoes' Aren't Going Anywhere

No matter how hard we try, we can't escape clogs. For spring '22, you might want to trade in your classic wood pairs for this monochromatic, athletic-inspired version.

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.

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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 extreme.

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.

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.

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.

A sneaker? A sandal? A wedge? With Dsquared2's futuristic design, it's a 3-in-1 deal.

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Fluffy and bedazzled slides have nothing on this pom-pom shoe, which would surely steal the spotlight every time.

Christopher Kane continues to produce our favorite 'questionable' footwear, attempting to combine unexpected elements such as chunky black sneakers, spring-like heels, and jewels.

You're either team Crocs or you're not, but the divisive nature of this shoe hasn't stop brands from putting their own unique twist on the clog, whether it's adding a platform or creating statement-making Jibbitz for decoration.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

This leather-soled sandal, complete with a bulky, buckled ankle cuff, gave the average flip-flop a more fashion-forward twist. 

*This shoe was originally highlighted in an earlier version of this story. Alexander Wang has since been accused of sexual assault and InStyle no longer supports the designer.

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.

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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.

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. 

From a fashion POV, it's the minimalist version of the sporty sandal—velcro straps, no embellishment, a neutral color palette. To everyone else, they're Tevas. 

The prettiest sprinkling of floral sequins make these the chicest pair of Aqua Socks we've ever seen. It helps, too, that they're couture — and Dior.

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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. 

In an effort to elevate the 'ugliness' of a super chunky sandal, Miuccia Prada embellished the straps with fancy gem stones. 

Ah, quite possibly the 'ugly shoe' that started it all. Designer Phoebe Philo truly kicked off the ugly shoe trend when she debuted fur-cushioned Birkenstock-like sandals. Strange at first glance, yet completely irresistible.