Summer A Trend that Defies Conventional Style

This summer, fashion enthusiasts are trading in their sleek, high-end footwear for something decidedly more… unusual. Dubbed “ugly shoe summer,” this trend sees people embracing shoes that are not only unconventional but also, in some cases, downright bizarre. From toe-spreading styles to 3D-printed flip-flops, the likes of Vivobarefoot, Vibram, and Chanel are leading the charge with their most provocative designs yet.

The trend’s roots can be traced back to 15th-century Japan, where traditional thong footwear was all the rage. Fast-forward to the 1980s, when Maison Margiela’s split-toe tabi shoes first hit the scene. Originally intended to shock and provoke, these shoes have since become a staple of avant-garde fashion. Today, designers are pushing the boundaries even further, incorporating elements like 3D printing, visible insoles, and even metal toe rings.

Industry insiders like Dal Chodha, a lecturer at London’s Central Saint Martins fashion school, see this trend as a welcome respite from the homogenized styles that have dominated the fashion world for so long. “There’s a numbness to how we consume each other’s style today,” Chodha notes. “I relish the jolt of somebody going ‘what’s that?’ or seeing someone balk.” Chodha himself has a fondness for Vivobarefoot’s Achilles sandals, which feature a toe-spreading design that’s both functional and fashion-forward.

The success of ugly shoe summer can be seen in the sales figures, with searches for secondhand pairs on Depop up 296% since April. Brands like Balenciaga, Khaite, and Tory Burch are also cashing in on the trend with their own line of provocative designs. Even the Japanese artist Takashi Murakami has jumped on the bandwagon, launching a range of colourful cutout sliders bearing his signature grinning flower motif at Selfridges.

But what does this trend say about our society? According to fashion historian Ruby Redstone, it’s a sign of a growing desire for self-expression and individuality. “Weird shoes have always been in fashion,” Redstone notes. “Now, with social media, people are more confident in their choices and willing to take risks.” Redstone points to medieval flats with exaggerated pointed toes and elaborate French Rococo-style embellished heels as examples of how fashion has always pushed the boundaries.

The trend is also being driven by the growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. Brands like Vivobarefoot and Vibram are incorporating recycled materials and reducing waste in their production processes. “Ugly shoes are often made from more durable materials and are designed to last longer,” Chodha explains. “It’s a more responsible approach to fashion.”

However, not everyone is convinced that ugly shoe summer is a good thing. Some critics argue that the trend is simply a marketing ploy to sell more shoes. “It’s just another way for brands to make money,” says fashion journalist, Anna Wintour. “I don’t see anything particularly innovative or groundbreaking about it.”

Despite the criticism, ugly shoe summer shows no signs of slowing down. As the summer months draw to a close, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to express yourself, ugly shoe summer has something to offer.