High-end fashion brand Balenciaga is one of the greats. But their recent Crocs as part of their ugly shoe movement is questionable. We loved the sell-out "dad" trainers, and while that trend continues to gather momentum, designers are trying to out-ugly each other, says style director Louise Hilsz. No longer a punchline, everyone is now filling their shopping bag with chunky, ugly, and comfortable sandals. The BeautyEQ shares why we love it. Read on to find the best of the uglies.
Birkenstocks and Uggs have helped normalise ugly footwear; style and comfort are essential, with most brands seeing how far they can push the ug-factor. A decade or so ago, Crocs were a punchline. Our editor would not be caught dead in a pair of sweaty, domed-shaped foam clogs. Instead, they have become stereotypical fashion no-no, a shoe W Magazine noted reserved for "gardeners, nurses, Mario Batali, and families vacationing at Disney World". Time Magazine named them on a list of the 50 worst inventions. A Facebook group from 2009 called I Don't Care How Comfortable Crocs Are; You Look Like A Dumbass has more than 1 million followers. However, Crocs are back. Now, a brand famous for being ugly is signing up celebrities like Justin Bieber and Ruby Rose to collaborate; you'll find them on the feet of many a fashion influencer, including our style director. The pandemic has helped — who needs fancy shoes when you never leave the house? This week Balenciaga following on from their platform Crocs in 2017, has launched a Crocs heel and boot - and guess what, they both sold out within 24 hours.
Who better than our style director Louise Hilsz to show us all how to rock an ugly sandal. Seen here wearing ultimate ugly sandal, customised Crocs, while she has clearly nailed it - our editor Trudi Brewer is still not convinced. So what qualifies as an ugly sandal? Think chunky sole, thick straps, perhaps an element of rubber. Here’s what’s on offer to buy this season if you dare.
Crocs Bae sandal, US$128. Birkenstock Arizona Split sandals, $200. Louis Vuitton Paseo sandal, $2090. Yeezy Enflame slide, $400.
Dr Martens Voss Quad Fluffy sandal, $270. Twoobs The OG+ sandal, $149. UGG Fab Yeah Slide, $180. Gucci Mini G sandal, $560.
Mi Piaci Taz sandal, $260. Loeffler Randall Blaise sandal, $479. Chaos & Harmony Play sandal,$289. La Tribe Elke Braided sandal, $349.
For every festive occasion.