"They're Pretty Ugly, But I Love Them": An Editor on the Most Divisive Sandals of Summer 2026
Our take
## Our Take: Embracing the "Ugly" – A Reflection of Shifting Beauty Standards
The recent resurgence of intentionally divisive footwear, as explored in Who What Wear UK’s “They're Pretty Ugly, But I Love Them,” signals a fascinating evolution in our understanding of beauty and style. Deputy Editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans’ spotlight on “cult” and controversial shoe trends – split toes, soleless styles, and the like – isn't simply about highlighting bizarre designs; it’s a commentary on a broader cultural shift towards embracing the unconventional and rejecting the relentless pursuit of universally accepted aesthetics. After years of hyper-curated Instagram feeds and a focus on flawless trends, there’s a palpable yearning for something real, something a little… odd. This echoes a similar rebellion we've observed in other areas of fashion, as demonstrated by the embrace of the [Romantic Top Trend Making Heatwave Dressing So Much Easier], where Victorian-inspired details offer a refreshing departure from the streamlined minimalism of recent seasons. It’s a move away from striving for perfection and towards valuing individuality, even if it means looking a little “ugly” along the way. The focus has shifted from mimicking a prescribed ideal to expressing a personal truth through self-selected, sometimes challenging, style choices.
The appeal of these “ugly” shoes lies, in part, in their subversive nature. They are a direct challenge to traditional notions of what is considered fashionable or desirable. They’re a declaration of independence from the dictates of mainstream trends, a visual embodiment of “I wear what *I* like.” This resonates strongly in a climate where authenticity is prized and performative perfection is increasingly scrutinized. Consider how the charm-jewelry trend, as explored in [I Took the Charm-Jewelry Trend to the Hamptons—Here’s How I Styled It], also embodies this desire for personal expression. The layering of meaningful charms becomes a wearable narrative, a tangible representation of individual experiences and values. Both trends, seemingly disparate, share a common thread: a rejection of homogenous aesthetics in favor of unique, personalized style statements. Furthermore, the article’s mention of PVC poufs and other unconventional materials echoes a broader design exploration that prioritizes texture and tactile experience over purely visual appeal – a sensibility also reflected in the growing demand for [The 6 Best Hydrating Foundations for a Dewy, Glowing Complexion], where comfort and a natural finish are paramount.
This isn't the first time we’ve seen a cycle of embracing the “ugly.” Remember the Croc phenomenon? Initially derided, they eventually found a dedicated following, proving that even the most polarizing designs can gain traction when championed by a confident and discerning audience. However, the current wave feels different. It's less about ironic adoption and more about genuine appreciation for the unexpected. The rise of these divisive shoes isn't just a fleeting trend; it’s a symptom of a deeper cultural conversation about beauty, self-expression, and the freedom to define one's own style. It's a move away from chasing fleeting trends and towards cultivating a personal aesthetic that feels honest and authentic, even if it doesn’t conform to conventional standards. The "cult" following these shoes garner speaks to a desire for community and shared rebellion against the status quo, creating a space where individual expression can flourish.
Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to consider how this shift in perspective will continue to influence the broader fashion landscape. Will we see a further blurring of the lines between “high” and “low” fashion? Will designers continue to experiment with unconventional materials and silhouettes? More importantly, will consumers continue to prioritize authenticity and self-expression over the pursuit of universally accepted beauty standards? The rise of the “ugly” shoe suggests a future where individuality reigns supreme, and the most compelling style statements are born not from conformity, but from a fearless embrace of the unexpected. Perhaps the question isn’t *what* we wear, but *why* – and the answer, increasingly, seems to be: because it feels right.
You're reading Worn Weird, Who What Wear UK’s monthly column, where I, acting deputy editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans, will spotlight the fantastical world of shoes. From split toes to soleless styles (yes, really), I'm covering the most "cult" and controversial pairs money can buy. Think PVC poulaines, furry exteriors, thick wooden clogs and anything else weird and wonderful sparking hot debate online. They might be a little silly; they may repel men (if not, what’s the point?), but that’s fashion, darling!
This month, I’m debating the "five toe" sandal trend, which I guess you could say are like Vibram Five Fingers (another controversial shoe) but in sandal form. Pioneered by Australian label Curtsy, they have the freaky-shoe girls frothing at the mouth. Scroll to discover more.
Certain things keep people awake at night. For some, that might be serious things like money, work or relationships. For me, it's the Curtsy wedge sandals, which I haven't stopped thinking about since the moment my thumb first double-tapped them a few months back. Designed with an extra-wide, circular footbed, a sculptural, narrow wedge heel and—the pièce de "pedi" résistance—a leather thong strap between each toe, they are simply so attention-seeking in their originality, so deliciously divisive in their design, that they're a shoe for fashion girls, and fashion girls only.
When it comes to trends, you don't need to be a fashion critic to know we're in a bit of a foot fetish era, yearning for a specific type of "freaky" shoe. Be it princess courts, jelly mules, the Chanel naked sandal or the clear-plastic, ultra-pointed brogues showcased at the men's spring/summer 2027 Saint Laurent show, shoes are becoming the hottest topic and the most debated subject in both luxury and independent collections. Whilst we might all still love a handbag or a good pair of earrings, it's footwear we're more willing to have fun with.
The crème de la crème of the strange shoe movement has to be the Maison Margiela Tabi, which is famous for its camel-toe-like split, which forces a gap between the big toe and the other four. Whilst now they've become widely accepted—even worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner—there was a time a few years ago when wearing the Tabi would get several second glances on the tube, and, if you found yourself in a group of straight men, you'd be the foot of every joke.
Then there are Vibram Five Fingers, too. An orthopaedic, minimalist trainer-but-not style designed for comfort, breathability and lightweight wear, they were once reserved for those practising martial arts, hiking or weight- lifting, but are now cropping up regularly amongst the best-dressed Hypebeast types in East London, Berlin and New York. I'd argue that these five-finger styles from Curtsy are the elevated sandal equivalent; the natural progression that we perhaps should have seen coming.
Hailing from Australia, Curtsy offers these spectacular styles in black, bone and red, with the wedge heel and as flats. Perhaps the latter will become the new Havaiana flip-flop; who knows? If you prefer a higher heel, I've also come across some stilettos in olive-green and black suede from Jeffrey Campbell being revelled in and raged over on TikTok.
I'm also enjoying seeing how people style them. Footless tights and socks are an emerging cult accessory that have been trending for the last few months, and are perfect for these silhouettes. They also go hand in hand with toe rings, another breakthrough Y2K trend emerging this summer. But what five-toe shoes truly call for is an excellent pedicure, because there's no question that eyes will be on your tippy-toes should you choose to wear them. Whilst, yes, you could go for a simple colour (my preference would be Barbie pink or turquoise), a French tip with a square shape, perhaps in silver chrome (drool!) would be the ultimate choice.
Let the record show that these shoes are not for everyone. They will just as easily divide a room or the group WhatsApp as they will your toes, but that's why I love them! Just don't forget to carry a blister plaster (or five) when you first wear them.
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