Although it is subjective to determine which are the ugliest shoes in the world, as what is considered beautiful varies greatly from person to person, 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 be divisive. The Tabi Boots are a good example of a controversial model, as they feature a split design in the shape of a “horse’s foot”, 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 a thin heel, made in partnership with the Crocs brand for spring 2022.
Glamour Globe
3. Vetements
French fashion brand Vetements, led by Demna Gvasalia, is known for its unconventional approaches to fashion, including shoes that often challenge traditional aesthetic norms, including the use of fashion elements and everyday objects in provocative ways, such as the Lighter Heel Sock Boots.
Modes
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, a pair of high-heeled boots with an architectural design, featuring a peculiar shape reminiscent of a trap.
Met Museum
5. Jeremy Scott
American designer Jeremy Scott is known for his bold style and for pushing the boundaries of fashion. His collaborations with Adidas, for example, have included shoes with quirky and eye-catching designs, such as the Adidas JS Teddy Bear Sneakers. A sneaker with the upper covered in a teddy bear, it makes for a whimsical and unusual choice.
Sneakers BR
6. Balenciaga (part 2)
Although Balenciaga has already been mentioned on the list of the ugliest shoes, we believe it is worth mentioning another of its controversial models. This model can even be considered more “simple” compared to the brand’s previous model, since it is a common shoe, the Triple S Sneakers, bulky sneakers with thick soles and several layers, which generated controversy due to their chunky and disproportionate appearance.
Fashion Beans
7. Rick Owens
American fashion designer Rick Owens is known for his dark style and unconventional aesthetic. He has created shoes that can 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 can 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.
It is important to emphasize that fashion is a form of artistic expression, and these designers and brands often seek to challenge the norms and create something unique and provocative. What really matters is to seize the moment of inspiration and transform it into expression, and why not, a work of art?