Ugly shoes stand out

In an era when fashion trends come and go faster than you can lace up your sneakers, one movement has proved its staying power: ugly shoes.

- Louisa Lim

Once a polarising fashion statement, these unconventional designs have, in 2024, found their place as an essential part of modern wardrobes.

From oversized platforms to quirky mules, ugly shoes continue to evolve, with the world's leading designers and brands fully embracing their appeal.

Spanish luxury brand Balenciaga, for instance, has taken the trend to new heights - literally.

At the Spring/Summer 2025 showcase at its Paragon flagship in November, the standout piece that got everyone talking (and giggling) was a pair of 18cm platform boots for men which debuted at Balenciaga's Shanghai runway show in May.

These towering shoes are audacious, theatrical and perfectly emblematic of the ugly shoe movement.

The fashion house is releasing a ready-to-wear version with 8cm heels, hitting stores in 2025. This scaled-down iteration retains the bold aesthetic while being more practical for everyday wear.

Meanwhile, New York-based knitwear brand PH5 has added its own playful spin to the ugly shoe trend.