Although it is subjective to determine which are the ugliest shoes in the world, as what is considered beautiful varies greatly from one's personal taste, here is a list of designers and brands known for creating shoes that are often mentioned as controversial or outside the conventional aesthetic standard.
1. Maison Margiela
Luxury brand Maison Margiela, led by Belgian designer Martin Margiela, is known for its avant-garde creations, which often defy fashion conventions and can divide opinion. The Tabi Boots model is a good example of controversy, as they are boots with a design divided into a “horse foot” format, with the big toe separated from the other toes.
2. Balenciaga
Although it is a famous Spanish luxury brand, Balenciaga is also known for some of its launches being somewhat questionable, such as the Crocs with stiletto heels, made in partnership with the Crocs brand for spring 2022.
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3. Vetements
French fashion brand Vetements, led by Demna Gvasalia, is known for its unconventional approaches to fashion, including shoes that often defy traditional aesthetic norms, including the provocative use of fashion elements and everyday objects, such as the Lighter Heel Sock Boots, the boots with a lighter heel.
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4. Alexander McQueen
The late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was known for his dramatic and provocative creations, which included shoes with innovative and even eccentric designs, a good example of which is the Armadillo Boots model, a pair of high-heeled boots with an architectural design, featuring a peculiar shape reminiscent of a trap.
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5. Jeremy Scott
American designer Jeremy Scott is famous for his bold style and for pushing the boundaries of fashion. His collaborations with the Adidas brand, for example, included shoes with quirky and eye-catching designs, such as the Adidas JS Teddy Bear Sneakers. A sneaker with the upper part covered in a teddy bear, making it a whimsical and unusual choice.
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6. Balenciaga (part 2)
Although the Balenciaga brand has already been mentioned before in the list of the ugliest shoes, we believe that it is worth mentioning one more of its controversial models. This model can even be considered more “simple” compared to the previous one from the brand, since it is a common shoe, the Triple S Sneakers bulky sneakers with thick soles and several layers, and which generated controversy for its robust and disproportionate appearance.
Fashion Beans
7. Rick Owens
American fashion designer Rick Owens is known for his dark style and unconventional aesthetic. He has already created shoes that could be considered outside the traditional aesthetic norm, such as the Ramones Sneakers collection, high-top sneakers with a peculiarly high sole and a minimalist design that may be seen as eccentric by some.
The Echelon
Remember that fashion is subjective and what may be considered ugly by some people may be appreciated by others as a form of artistic and creative expression.
Importantly, fashion is a form of artistic expression, and these designers and brands often seek to challenge norms and create something unique and provocative. What really matters is to seize the moment of inspiration and turn it into expression, and why not, a work of art?