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

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

By Andrea Cheng and Samantha Sutton Updated Sep 26, 2016 @ 5:15 pm
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Ugly Shoes
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Controversial, confusing, strange, and quirky — in 2021, this is essentially how we describe our favorite footwear. Between super soft UGG boots and colorful, embellished Crocs, we've become unable resist shopping 'ugly shoes.' Chunky soles and fuzzy details are now known as elements that will amp up the simplest of outfits, and while the world loves to hate — and hates to love! — these unexpected styles, new ones seem to be produced every single year.

RELATED: I'm a Fashion Editor with a Closet Full of Shoes — But These Are My 8 Favorite Pairs

In fact, the history of high-fashion 'ugly shoes' is nearly a decade long, possibly beginning with Celine's Birkenstock-like sandal from spring 2013's runway. Ahead, we've rounded up our favorite pairs from each season since then, proving that 'ugly shoes' seriously have staying power, and just keep getting better and bolder.

 

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Givenchy, Spring 2022

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

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.

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Ulla Johnson, Fall 2021

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Jonas Gustavsson

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.

RELATED: 26 Questionable '00s Trends That Have, Unfortunately, Returned

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Jason Wu, Spring 2021

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

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.

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Bottega Veneta, Fall 2020

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

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.

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Simone Rocha, Spring 2020

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

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.

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Christian Dior, Fall 2019

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Peter White/Getty Images

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.

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Dsquared2, Spring 2019

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Getty

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

RELATED: So There's a New "Ugly" Dad Sneaker Taking Over Hollywood

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Paco Rabanne, Fall 2018

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Peter White/Getty Images

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

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Christopher Kane, Fall 2018

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

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

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Spring 2018, Balenciaga

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

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.

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Loewe, Spring 2018

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Getty

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.

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Coach, Fall 2017

Ugly Shoes
Credit: Estrop/Getty Images

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.

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Christopher Kane, Spring 2017

Christopher Kane, Spring 2017
Credit: Catwalking/Getty

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.

RELATED: These Under-$200 Shoes Secretly Appear On Every Major Movie and TV Set

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 Preen, Spring 2017

 Preen, Spring 2017
Credit: Estrop/Getty

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.

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Alexander Wang, Spring 2017

Alexander Wang, Spring 2017
Credit: Peter White/Getty

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.

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J. Crew, Spring 2016

J. Crew, Spring 2016
Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty

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.

RELATED: Sorry, Birkenstocks: There's a New Ugly Sandal Taking Over Hollywood

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Marc Jacobs, Spring 2015

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2015
Credit: Catwalking/Getty

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.

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Markus Lupfer, Spring 2015

Markus Lupfer, Spring 2015
Credit: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty

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. 

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Charlotte Ronson, Spring 2015

Charlotte Ronson, Spring 2015
Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty

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. 

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Dior Haute Couture, Spring 2014

Dior Haute Couture, Spring 2014
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Getty

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.

RELATED: This Jennifer Garner-Approved Fall Shoe Trend Has Been Viewed 32 Million Times on TikTok

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Marc Jacobs, Spring 2014

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2014
Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Getty

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. 

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Prada, Spring 2014

Prada, Spring 2014
Credit: Paolo Lanzi/Imaxtree.com

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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Celine, Spring 2013

Celine, Spring 2013
Credit: Catwalking/Getty

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. 

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By Andrea Cheng and Samantha Sutton

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    1 of 23 Givenchy, Spring 2022
    2 of 23 Ulla Johnson, Fall 2021
    3 of 23 Jason Wu, Spring 2021
    4 of 23 Bottega Veneta, Fall 2020
    5 of 23 Simone Rocha, Spring 2020
    6 of 23 Christian Dior, Fall 2019
    7 of 23 Dsquared2, Spring 2019
    8 of 23 Paco Rabanne, Fall 2018
    9 of 23 Christopher Kane, Fall 2018
    10 of 23 Spring 2018, Balenciaga
    11 of 23 Loewe, Spring 2018
    12 of 23 Coach, Fall 2017
    13 of 23 Christopher Kane, Spring 2017
    14 of 23  Preen, Spring 2017
    15 of 23 Alexander Wang, Spring 2017
    16 of 23 J. Crew, Spring 2016
    17 of 23 Marc Jacobs, Spring 2015
    18 of 23 Markus Lupfer, Spring 2015
    19 of 23 Charlotte Ronson, Spring 2015
    20 of 23 Dior Haute Couture, Spring 2014
    21 of 23 Marc Jacobs, Spring 2014
    22 of 23 Prada, Spring 2014
    23 of 23 Celine, Spring 2013

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