We’re not ones to throw around the word “ugly” but something is happening in the world of footwear that can only be described as such. Despite the connotations, it’s not necessarily used derogatorily, though. Simply put, it’s just season of the ugly shoe.
You might be thinking, “Why would I want to wear anything ugly?” But ugly shoes are actually the hottest shoes to be wearing now. In a world saturated with filtered, gorgeous, perfect items and images, ugly is the new hot, and we’ve got you covered on how to navigate such a topsy turvy aesthetic.
Styling an ugly shoe is all about what you pair it with. A clog expertly styled with chic denim is an instant hit, while slides with a pair of wide-leg trousers is effortless elegance at its finest. If beauty can be subjective, so can “ugly,” so rethink everything you’ve been told about aesthetically acceptable footwear and shop our favorite styles below (spoiler: you might be surprised at how gorgeous an “ugly” shoe can be).
Jazz-Style Shoes
One silhouette we noticed standing out on the spring/summer 2026 runways was the jazz shoe: a flat lace-up shoe that’s a middle ground between a sneaker and a Mary Jane. Celine showcased a variety of the simple silhouette in a variety of colors, while Jil Sander and Sportmax kept things neutral. If you loved the silhouette of the viral mesh flats, chances are you’ll love a jazz shoe this season and the next.
Zara Leather Lace-Up Shoe
Camper Casi Myra Leather Shoe
Proenza Schouler Glove Lace Up Flat
Larroudé Liza Sneaker
Now 30% Off
Heeled Loafers
When I think of heeled loafers I think of a school uniform—but listen, the Gossip Girl aesthetic is back. This resurgence started last fall, when Victoria Beckham, Burberry, and Alexander McQueen sent heeled loafers down the runway. And now, a variety of styles have hit the market. Whichever color or heel height you choose, a heeled loafer adds a sense of sophistication to any outfit.
Vince Lennox Monk-Strap Loafer
Bottega Veneta Astaire Pump
Cos Croc-Effect Heeled Loafer
Church’s Prudence Penny Loafer
Chunky Clogs
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again: boho is back. An unforeseen consequence? The clog your art teacher used to wear should now be in your closet, too. Fear not, this subjectively ugly shoe is chicer than ever now—just take a look at Bottega Veneta’s latest runway show (we’re still thinking about that chrome pair).
Simon Miller Studded Bubble Clog
Dolce Vita Camyn Heel
Now 26% Off
Massimo Dutti High-Heel Clog
Now 66% Off
Schutz Piper Leather Pump
Le Monde Beryl Black Shearling Clog
Simple Slides
An easy slide is a must-have if just for convenience. Sure, you might think they look like house slippers, but shoe designers have found a way to design slides that are acceptable outside, too. Streamlined and effortless, a great pair of slides is essential for the quiet luxury aesthetic.
Ancient Greek Sandals The Slipper
Alex Mill x Margaux The Clara
Jenni Kayne Suede Ashby Clog
Now 25% Off
Grandma Pumps
Characterized by a high vamp, low heel (usually a cone heel), and full foot coverage, the pumps your grandma wears to church are now what the It girls are wearing, too. The spring/summer 2026 runways prove this trend, with Chanel and Diotima showcasing styles with these markers. The silhouette might’ve once felt outdated, but it’s actually quite flattering in modern designs. In many such cases as this, our grandmas were onto something.
Emme Parsons Veneto Leather Kitten-Heel Pump
The Row Liisa II Leather Pump
Bimba y Lola Cone-heel Pump
Proenza Schouler Glove Heel
Garden Clogs
You’ll notice there are two clog categories here, but this one is more specific and just as essential to the ugly shoe conversation. The Martha Stewart lifestyle has now infiltrated our footwear but we’re not complaining. You don’t have to have an expansive Hamptons garden-scape to enjoy the comfort (and straight up vibes) of a garden clog. These are jelly shoes for women who mean business, though whether you go with rubber or leather, and whether you wear in an actual garden or beyond, one fact remains the same: the garden clog wearer is not one to be messed with.
L.L. Bean Light Wellie® Garden Clog
CamperLab Traktori Leather Clog
Hunter Elana Casual Slip-on Clog
Boat Shoes
We saw the renaissance of boat shoes a few seasons ago after Miu Miu’s groundbreaking showing, and they’re here to stay. Perhaps the ultimate “ugly” shoe, boat shoes are just a more casual loafer—and really just as versatile.
Black Suede Studio Davy Boatshoe
Vagabond Shoemakers Hillary Shoe
Scarosso Ginevra Brown Shoe
Technical Sneakers
Toe shoes, dad sneakers, hiking soles…all of these have something in common: They’re technically ugly. Or rather, they’re “ugly” because they’re ultra-technical. Comfort and practicality is the main priority for these shoes, but thanks to brands like Salomon and Vibram gaining massive popularity among the fashion crowd (Copenhagen Fashion Week, anyone?), they’ve become an It aesthetic, too. Beauty is pain, but “ugly” comfort is the move.
Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic Sneaker
Now 20% Off
Vibram Fivefingers Groundsplay Shoe
Moncler Trailgrip APEX2GTX Sneaker
Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex Sneaker
Oakley Meridian Low Ext Sneaker
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