With the abundance of fads, aesthetics, and -cores we have today, numerous factors come into play in discovering our personal style. There are now little to no limits to what one considers as fashionable. And in most cases in fashion, something typically considered as "ugly" can, at the same time, possess a chic quality of its own.
Enter: Ugly shoes. The name is pretty self-explanatory. These steppers may appear jarring at first but can actually impart an off-kilter, and occasionally, athletic touch to one's looks. They had their moment a couple of years ago, and it looks like they're due for a comeback.
The "Ugly Shoe" Trend, Explained
"Ugly shoes," in terms of today's sartorial conversation, can be considered a by-product of the prevalence of Birkenstocks and Crocs. (Remember when Phoebe Philo had her models walk in Birks for the Celine Spring 2013 show?)
The descriptor comes from the fact that they, well, don't objectively look so pretty at first. But when fashionistas were indoctrinated by the wrong shoe theory—which was all about going for the unexpected choice with one's footwear—ugly sandals were naturally given the spotlight.
Now that Birkenstocks has pretty much cemented its place in the wardrobe of the most fashionable, another silhouette is out to make a case for itself. Sportswear brands such as Keen, Hoka, Teka, and Chaco take the lead with the "so-ugly-it's-chic" look. These kicks are comprised of a chunky exterior, an ergonomic fit, and are usually waterproof. You might not be trekking through rivers if you're a city-dwelling fashion girlie, but these shoes are great options for rainy days on the pavement.
The idea behind the "ugly shoe" trend is to impart a touch of quirk or personality to your 'fits. They can accent a monochromatic streetwear look, or on the flipside, edge up a dainty dress or skirt OOTD. The bonus here is that they're extremely comfortable, given that they were created for rigorous activity on unkempt terrain. But hey, serving looks is a sport of its own, if you ask us.
Celebrities Rocking "Ugly Shoes"
1. Bella Hadid
In this day and age, all style trends are baptized by Bella Hadid. The supermodel was once spotted in New York City rocking a distressed leather coat, baggy cargos, and black Keen sneakers.
2. Anne Curtis
Locally, Anne Curtis has stepped out in a pair of earthy Hoka sneakers, which she teamed with a sultry Jacquemus dress and an array of gold jewelry.
3. BINI Maloi
The internet-proclaimed it girl of P-Pop, BINI Maloi has given the off-kilter sandals her stamp of approval. She wore a pair from Keen with a preppy OOTD she recently wore in Los Angeles
"Ugly Shoes" to Shop Now
The catalogs of Keen, Hoka, Teva, and other similar brands are dedicated to designs that can be considered "ugly sandals." Keywords to look out for include "hiking sandals," "trekking sandals," and even "orthopedic sandals."
Newport H2, $130 (approximately P7513.35), KEEN, keenfootwear.com
UNEEK Sneaker, $140 (approximately P8091.30), KEEN, keenfootwear.com
Hopara Sneaker, $135 (approximately P7,802.32), HOKA, hoka.com
Omnium Hybrid Hiking Shoe, $90 (approximately P5,201.55), TEVA, teva.com
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