It's Not Just You: This "Ugly" Sneaker Trend Is Everywhere

Sometimes there's a trend that's just so bad that it's good. For me this season, it's the "ugly" sneakers you've spotted on many a street style star over the last few months. I have a feeling anyone but my dad (who really does wear shoes that look like this) would offer nothing more than a puzzled look when pressed about the rise tech sneakers, but there's something so charming about them I can't resist.
While I admit the clunky soles and unpolished details could easily skew unflattering, on the feet of fashion's top trendsetters, they feel surprisingly cool. But what's the real appeal? In part, the shoes give me flashes of nostalgia for the chunky Sketchers I wore as a typical '90s child. And as we see the '80s power suit and '90s grunge resurfacing these days, so too have retro sneakers come back to haunt us.
But besides a love of the things we wore when we were young, the sneakers are part of a greater shift across the industry. Over the past few seasons, we've seen fashion move away from the pervasive minimalism of the earlier aughts, skewing into two distinct directions: a romantic ultra-feminism, and a playful, referential vein that seems to be constantly poking fun at itself and the fashion industry as a whole (the Vetements effect, if we'd so desire to give it a name). These sneakers toe the thin line—while there will be those who can't stand the trend, that quirkiness will draw others in. So are you ready to take the plunge? We're showing off a few ways to style them below, and then shopping out our favorite pairs.
Style the sneakers with an elegant skirt for a cool contrast.
Embrace the athleisure trend by styling them with sweats.
A polished suit and sneakers looks oh so cool.
Black sneakers fly under the radar.
Don't be afraid to pair them with sleeker pieces like a polished suede coat.
Chunky sneakers look cool balanced out with a miniskirt or short dress.
Try balancing out romantic hues like pink with chunky statement sneakers.
Use the sneakers as commuter shoes.
Try color coordinating for a cool twist.
Here's how to try a pop of color. Want more? Here are the ballet-flat sneakers to try.
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Sunscreen Filters Abroad Are Totally Elite—Here's Why They're Not Available in the U.S. Yet
It's a bummer, but I have hope.
By Shawna Hudson
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
French and Spanish Women Just Confirmed It: This Pretty Sneaker Outfit Will Rule Summer 2025
Here's the proof.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Bella Hadid Just Wore the Elegant Spring Sneaker Trend I'm Benching My Suede Ones For
And in Paris, no less.
By Allyson Payer
-
In Case You Were Wondering Which Pretty Sneaker Trend Anne Hathaway Would Wear, It's This One
This just in from the streets of NYC.
By Allyson Payer
-
Lila Moss Just Wore the Prada Bag Everyone Wants But No One Can Find
It's so cute.
By Drew Elovitz
-
I'm So Into Nordstrom's Sneaker Department—These Styles Are the Coolest
Fresh silhouettes.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Wait—Did Elsa Hosk Just Intro the New It Bag of 2025?
One word: Prada.
By Allyson Payer