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As consumers, we frequently fall victim to the whims of the footwear world’s ever-changing trend cycle — quickly becoming smitten with Carrie Bradshaw’s go-to bejeweled satin pumps; cosigning the Y2K-era gladiator sandals that made a surprising comeback for Coachella 2026; or lining up to shop The Row’s quiet-luxury flip-flops, which propelled to popularity a summer back.
Whether you actively participate in this hype or stick to the sidelines, embracing buzzy shoe styles feels somewhat inevitable. And while certain viral footwear moments (looking at you, snoafers) have already given us major fatigue, others are exhibiting impressive staying power.
Out of this latter camp, nothing has been more captivating than the recent obsession with “ugly shoes.” When we say ugly, we don’t mean it in the traditional sense. These steppers aren’t necessarily unsightly or hard to look at; instead, they’re playful and provocative, a unique offering that manages to break the mold of the industry while turning heads with every step.
In that, “ugly shoes” evoke the strange appeal of the “wrong coat” theory that idolizes clashing outerwear and, in fact, have received their very own terminology with the “wrong shoe” theory developed by stylist Allison Bornstein.
Atypical shoes have always existed, and one glance back at the towering platform chopines of Renaissance Europe — whose height was a telltale sign of the wearer’s nobility — confirms the fact. So too were the heelless high heels of the late 2000s and early 2010s (a Lady Gaga nonnegotiable) part of this overarching search for novelty and status, vis-à-vis what we chose to put on our feet. The “ugly shoe” mania’s modern-day revival can likely also be traced back to the “camp” movement that began in the ’60s, driven largely by Susan Sontag’s essay “Notes on ‘Camp.’”
This time in history was all about accepting and understanding the unusual-slash-absurd, before applying it to personal fashion choices and life choices at large. The same rule applies, albeit on a smaller scale, to 2026’s “ugly shoe” tendencies.
The idea is currently looming so large in the public’s imagination that everyone from front-row Fashion Week attendees to celebrity tastemakers like Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, and Doja Cat have started incorporating controversial shoe silhouettes into their sartorial equations: showing special preference to brands like Maison Margiela (à la the infamous Tabi), Balenciaga, and Loewe, among others.
This season specifically, we’re witnessing a rise in glove shoes that mold to the feet, effectively mimicking skin, five-toe profiles that nod to the earlier “gorpcore” boom, and wooden-heeled clogs — which walked Bottega Veneta’s spring 2026 runway and are back for good in their autumn-appropriate, suede-wrapped manifestations.
Shockingly, “ugly shoes” have even permeated bridal footwear, with some women electing to don Birkenstocks, Sneex’s sneaker-heel hybrids, and Crocs on their big day.
Regardless of the occasion at hand, introducing personality-laden kicks into your rotation can instantly elevate even the most basic of looks, bestowing upon them a focal point and visual grounding force of sorts. Below, the “ugly shoes” you should be shopping online for fall — courtesy of heavy hitters like Nike.
Crocs Crafted Pony Hair Clog
Crocs’ proprietary Croslite material gets thrown out the window in this Crafted Clog, swapped for cowhide leather with animal hair that lends the slip-on a funky (yet somehow also refined) air. The star of the show is undoubtedly that deer print — acing one of fall’s hottest patterns while reaching into the realm of the unexpected. On a practical level, you’ll still be privy to the brand’s most outstanding features here, from 360-degree comfort to a durable outsole and pivoting backstraps (this time blessed with an adjustable fit).
The Western-coded wonder begs to be shown off with flared denim, faux furs, and mashups that are a bit more incongruous. After all, when Crocs dresses up its iconic shoe in pony hair, nothing is off the table.
Barefoot Magic Claw Five-Finger Shoe
Vibram FiveFingers, the original five-finger shoes, were initially targeted towards yacht racers before making their way into the hands of so-called “minimalist runners.” Now, they’re full-fledged fashion-crowd favorites: a little freaky, a little chic, and 100-percent beneficial for your health (enhancing bodily awareness, activating previously dormant muscles in the feet, improving balance, and encouraging a midfoot or forefoot strike).
But while Vibram’s groundbreaking conversation starter clocks in at over $100, this Amazon alternative from Barefoot Magic keeps things affordable. Grounding, soft, and washing machine–friendly, the style gives the sneakerina fascination a run for its money and is frequently praised by reviewers for feeling “like a light hug.”
J.Crew Verona Lace-Up Flat
During its spring 2026 presentation, Celine bet big on the jazz shoe… and it paid off almost immediately, with A-listers (think Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Corrin) promptly starting to flaunt the lace-up kick in settings such as airports and red carpets. The jazz shoe, a dance-class must-have, was adapted from ghillies and ballet slippers; it’s punctuated by a low profile, a foot-contouring fit, inherent flexibility, and an aesthetic that straddles the line between elegance and plain weirdness. There’s something unsettling about it, but that’s the whole point.
J.Crew’s version draws inspiration from the oxford while being covered in eel-embossed leather. With its higher-than-average vamp, the Verona Lace-Up grants added coverage and is thus able to transition masterfully from warmer to colder seasons. That Rutabaga hue, in the meantime, acts as a chameleon — meshing well with bright-red, pleated maxi skirts, dark culottes, and beyond.
Melissa x Y/Project Court Clog
This shoe can best be described as a mix between a clog and a work of art, with design codes that nod to “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” and “The Smurfs” in the same breath. The collaboration product made by jelly-sandal sensation Melissa and the avant-garde, now-shuttered Y/Project achieved immediate virality upon its release two years ago; luckily, most sizes of the pictured colorway are still in stock for your enjoyment and 15 percent off.
Crafted out of 100-percent PVC, the clog is flexible, durable, and “light as air,” according to Melissa.
The geometric embossment here imparts a royal feel, and you’ll be further pampered by the slip-on’s bubblegum and tutti-frutti smell: a signature touch of the brand that birthed it. The fantastical creation is finished off with an upward-curving toe and a block heel.
As for what to pair the Court Clog with? We recommend using it to jazz up any jeans-and-tee combo on the horizon, during the balmy days of early fall.
Nike Jordan Pointe Women’s Shoe
Balletcore is still alive and well with this Nike Jordan Pointe sneaker: debuted earlier in the year and marked by whimsical flair (peep those metallic overlays and dancerly ribbons that wrap around the calf).
The shoe’s outsole is quite chunky, reflecting the look of some better-known Jordans while doling out non-slip grip for walking, running, or perfecting your pirouettes. We love that the Jordan Pointe’s incognito lacing system allows you to wear those ribbons either close to the foot or extended along the leg — with the former suiting baggy denim and the latter being a match for shorter-hemmed ensembles.
The stepper’s Barbie-pink counterpart sold out in a flash, so waste no time in grabbing this feminine, futuristic style if you’re long overdue for a statement piece.
Nike Air Rift “Florette” Shoe
The Tabi has divided our generation, but what if we told you it originated in 15th-century Japan, coming to life as a split-toe sock worn with wooden thong sandals? Sensing that the fashion set was craving a return to tradition, labels like Maison Margiela — and now Nike — said “yes” to the big toe–separating silhouette, placing it squarely in the 21st century via bold colors and finishes.
The Swoosh’s Air Rift “Florette” variation features a thermoregulating mesh upper with easy hook-and-loop closures. Despite a low-pro appearance, the Air Rift is loaded with other bells and whistles like Air cushioning in the heel, a plush, foam-packed midsole, and rugged tread for remaining steady on all types of surfaces. Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention those floral appliqués dotted by silver rivets, the ultimate cherry on top of an already unforgettable shoe.
Its name is derived from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, which is not in vain, seeing as how Nike engineered the model with direct input from this country’s barefoot, long-distance runners.
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Meet the Authors
Amina Ayoud was a Commerce Writer for Penske Media, where she wrote stories about everything from celebrity style to new footwear releases. Ayoud cultivated a deep appreciation of fashion history and the luxury industry early in life. In her free time, she’s a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic. Ayoud attended Virginia Commonwealth University and studied fashion merchandising along with mass communications. After college, she worked on Fashion Snoops’ Culture team and as a beauty writer for Allure, WWD, Footwear News, Glamour, and more — before landing at Billboard.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guides. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on the buzziest footwear trends of the day and how to shop them online.
