Spring’s Ugly Shoe Phenomenon Sweeps the Runway

Complete with orthopedic-style soles, pool slide straps and ultra-utilitarian fastenings like Velcro, models marched the catwalk in cushy wedges, clunky square heels, squishy cork footbeds, roomy toe boxes and thick-soled sandals for a lesson in comfortable cool. Encapsulating a variety of styles, so far the ugly-chic sandal spawn has included a sequinned hiking shoe-and-sock combo at Prada, neoprene pool platforms at Marni, futuristic high-tops at VPL, spongy shower shoes at MSGM and actual Birkenstocks at Edun. 

Whether you feel excited, disgusted or plainly perplexed about fashion’s sweeping shoe trend, it’s a look that’s stomping on full speed ahead. See some of the sandal’s most memorable incarnations below and, while they may not be for everyone, at least they are comfy!

images: IMAXtree