The 7 ugly shoe trends you need to know

The one thing fashion girls love more than a sample sale? A really ugly shoe. This is a tale as old as time – or at least as the Balenciaga Triple S trainers, which arguably kickstarted the whole freaky footwear fad when they first dropped in 2017. These days, those chunky dad trainers look pretty tame compared to the increasingly weird shoes we’re now seeing on the streets. The girls are getting their toes out, turning their feet into hooves, and even digging out fashion relics from a trend cycle we once though we’d never revisit: the early 2010s.

Gasping in horror? Just wait. The biggest ugly shoe trends of 2026 are only for the bravest and chicest fashion soldiers among us – and that’s exactly why they’re worth trying. From Tabis and Vibram FiveFingers to witchy heels and pierced toes, putting something kooky on your feet is kind of like a sartorial cheat code: it makes every outfit look like it belongs in a street style gallery, even if you’re just wearing joggers.

They’re also a relatively low-stakes way to push your personal style to new heights. If you can feel comfortable – or, even better, genuinely cool – while everyone’s staring at your weird shoes, then you’ll feel more confident taking bigger fashion risks the next time you get dressed. You’ll be known as your local Carrie Bradshaw in no time. Here are the 7 need-to-know ugly shoe trends to help you on your way.

The classic Tabis

Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer

Easing in with the most ubiquitous ugly shoe of the past few years: Tabis. They’ve been worn by everyone from Dua Lipa to Zendaya to your favourite influencer, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Most people gravitate to Maison Margiela’s Tabi styles, which first launched in 1989, but they themselves are actually a high-fashion version of traditional Japanese socks that date back to the 15th century. Now, there are loads of options on the market: Tabis are available in basically every colour, texture and style. Think: ballet flats, loafers, boots and mules. Our suggestion? Start with the ballet flats and, if you get hooked, gradually expand your collection. Don’t worry about them going out of the style – these have been around for centuries, remember?