- The “ugly shoe” trend has been popular since 2018.
- Now, major retailers like Fashion Nova, Nordstrom, and ModCloth are selling wild footwear online.
- Not only can you purchase heels that look like pianos, but you can also find sneakers with built-in socks.
- Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more stories.
Wild shoe designs have been rising in popularity amongst celebrities in recent years. Miley Cyrus, for example, wore heels shaped like her initials to the 2019 Grammy Awards, while Cardi B donned sneakers that created an optical illusion months earlier.
But, as is the case with most fashion trends, there’s much debate over whether or not these “ugly” shoes are stylish – some called for the trend to end in 2018, while others were in search of standout kicks ahead of Coachella in April 2019.
Still, the trend lives on today, with many major retailers making and selling unconventional shoe designs. Below, check out some of the most eye-catching shoes you can currently find online.
These flats from Jeffrey Campbell might bring back memories of school.
Though these shoes are perfect for back-to-school season, they can really be worn any time of the year.
Cost: $39.97
Find out more about the Jeffrey Campbell Pencil Me In Leather Flats here.
Your socks will always match your shoes when wearing these Maison Margiela sneakers.
While these sneakers do have built-in socks, they don't come with any laces or tongues.
Cost: $431
Find out more about the Maison Margiela Men's Replica Sock High-Top Sneakers here.
Designer Betsey Johnson created floral heels that are truly unique.
Unlike traditional sandals with floral prints, these shoes include plastic flowers inside each heel.
Cost: $79
Find out more about the Betsey Johnson Beauty in Bloom Block Heels here.
To complete an edgy look, you can purchase goth-style Crocs on Etsy.
The black clogs are adorned with studs, spikes, and chains across each shoe. You can also choose to attach an additional spike on the side of each clog for no extra cost.
Cost: $150
Find out more about the HeavyCreamStore Goth Crocs here.
Fashion Nova is selling a pair of heels that might remind you of summer camp.
The five-inch heels feature white soles, clear straps, and pink string, which looks a lot like the material often used to make friendship bracelets at summer camp.
Cost: $16.98
Find out more about Fashion Nova's Hope Heeled Sandals here.
To combine two shoe styles into one, try thigh-high sneakers.
This designer pair has built-in socks that extend past the knee to create a look that's reminiscent of both sneakers and boots. Each shoe also comes with a crystal buckle.
Cost: $1,750
Find out more about Roger Vivier's Viv Run Over-the-Knee Sock Sneakers here.
You can feel like you're walking on a cloud in Ugg's slide-on sandals.
The shoes are said to combine "a slipper and sandal into one statement shoe," according to the brand's website. Each pair is made from sheepskin, and can be purchased in six colors.
Cost: $100
Find out more about the Ugg Fluff Yeah Slides here.
Read more: Urban Outfitters is selling the Steve Madden sandals everyone wore in the '90s - with a modern twist
Just in time for summer, Gucci has created bejeweled hiking sandals.
The shoes were designed to look mostly like standard hiking sandals, but with the name "Gucci" emblazoned on the front strap.
However, this specific pair really stands out as a result of the detachable brooch it comes with, which is made from crystals.
Cost: $1,250
Find out more about Gucci's Tinsel Sport Sandals here.
You won't need to wear socks with these shoes from Fashion Nova.
It's not uncommon to wear tights underneath boots or heels. This pair of neon-green pumps, however, takes the trend to another level by placing fishnet tights over the shoes.
Cost: $22.98
Find out more about Fashion Nova's Clever Thing Pumps here.
It might take some time to get used to walking in these Dolce & Gabbana sneakers.
Not only are these shoes covered in crystals, but the sole of each sneaker is attached to pieces of square and triangle-shaped foam.
Cost: $1,295
Find out more about the Dolce & Gabbana Crystal Logo Slip-On Trainer Sneakers here.
Dolce & Gabbana also designed sneakers that look as though they've been melted.
The black and white sneakers feature a heart design and red jewels attached to the heel, both of which are covered in glaze to create an illusion that the footwear is melting.
Cost: $1,195
Find out more about Dolce & Gabbana's Portofino Heart Melt Jeweled Sneakers here.
This pair of butterfly-inspired boots looks whimsical.
The sparkling purple boots include transparent wings attached to each lace, creating the effect of a butterfly.
Cost: $115
Find out more about the Dolls Kill Fairy Flossin' Glitter Boots here.
You're sure to stand out in these Jimmy Choo heels.
These four-inch heels are mismatched - one shoe features a bow on the back of its heel, while the other has a bow its strap.
Cost: $975
Find out more about the Jimmy Choo Aveline Bow Ankle Strap Sandal here.
You can turn any event into a party with these disco-ball-inspired shoes.
At first glance, these heels standout as a result of the tiny mirrors that cover them. But when taking a closer look, you can see that a miniature disco ball is also included in the heel of each shoe.
Cost: $661
Find out more about the Balmain Jeni Disco-Ball Platform Sandals here.
These Stella McCartney sneakers take the idea of platform shoes to a whole new level.
Not only do these star-studded dress shoes feature a chunky sole, but they also include an extra layer of foam to create a three-inch heel. You can purchase them in black or silver.
Cost: $900
Find out more about Stella McCartney's Elyse Platform Derby shoes here.
Katy Perry designed a wild pair of fruit-inspired sandals.
Jelly shoes are reportedly coming back into style, and Katy Perry seems to have jumped on the trend with these lime-inspired shoes.
But what makes her design unlike any other is the fact that there's no strap connecting the lime charm to the rest of the shoe. The sandals are also said to smell like citrus, according to reviews on Forever 21's website.
Cost: $48
Find out more about the Katy Perry Fruit Sandals here.
Katy Perry also helped to create a pair of sneakers that looks like a cheeseburger.
The shoes appear to be another version of the bedazzled burger sneakers Perry wore to the Met Gala in May 2019.
Cost: $129
Find out more about the Katy Perry Collections The Munchie sneakers here.
Music fans will love these piano-inspired heels created by Saint Laurent.
While these heels may not be as wild as some other shoes on the market, they're still anything but conventional.
Cost: $995
Find out more about the Saint Laurent Abbey Piano Ankle Sandals here.
These boots aren't like other Western-style shoes out there.
The white shoes feature a ripped piece of denim at the ankle, making it appear as though you're wearing jeans.
Cost: $850
Find out more about the Golden Goose Western Young Boot here.
If you prefer the look of worn sneakers, Maison Margiela has a pair for you.
The brand is currently selling a pair of black, white, and pink sneakers that appear to be covered in clear glue. The sneakers also look scuffed in the back, and feature a square of duct tape behind the heel.
Cost: Approximately $1,751.
Find out more about the Maison Margiela Bubble Gum Mix sneakers here.
These sneakers from LOEWE are unlike any other pair on the market.
Each shoe curls in the front, giving the sneakers an "elf-like" feel, according to the product's description online.
Cost: $483
Find out more about LOEWE's Suede Sneakers here.
- Read more:
- These new cronut-inspired sneakers are made to look like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs
- Kate Middleton just dispelled a royal-protocol myth in her latest outing with the Queen
- Nike designed a sneaker with a flared heel that looked like a water ski in the 1970s - and customers had a surprising reaction when the shoe was recalled for causing injuries
- These sneakers are partly made out of gum found on the street