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Functional style -

The purpose of ugly shoes has evolved over time. From their functional beginnings to a bold style statement, they've had an unexpected effect on the world of fashion.

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Rejecting beauty standards -

The popularity of ugly shoes stems from a desire for comfort, practicality, and a rejection of traditional beauty standards in fashion.

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Standing out -

Embracing footwear that was sidelined for being too functional and ugly meant making a point of expressing individuality and standing out from the crowd.

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Social media effect -

The impact of social media apps like Instagram and TikTok shouldn't be dismissed. Their effect has been felt keenly in the fashion industry, as influencers who are not afraid to break away from traditional beauty standards and embrace unconventional styles gain large followings.

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Influencer impact -

These influencers have been instrumental in popularizing the ugly shoe trend, as their platforms demonstrate their unique fashion choices, acting as an inspiration to others.

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Democratization -

Social media has been key to the democratization of fashion. In the past, fashion was largely dictated by a small group of designers, editors, and retailers who controlled what was considered stylish.

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Disruptive -

With social media, ordinary people were given a platform to express their own sense of style and creativity. It disrupted the fashion hierarchy and allows for the rise of trends like the ugly shoe.

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Anti-fashion -

In the midst of the backlash against the fashion hierarchy, the concept of "ugly-chic" or "anti-fashion" has risen in popularity.

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Unconventional -

This can also be seen as part of a bigger movement away from what's considered conventionally beautiful or attractive, which is being challenged/rebelled against.

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Unconventional -

Embracing footwear that is considered unattractive or unfashionable by traditional standards enables people to make a statement about their individuality that rejects mainstream fashion.

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Retail response -

Retailers and designers have noticed. In response to social media popularity, they've created a a wide range of ugly shoe options.

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Experimentation -

It's now easier than ever for people to embrace the style and experiment with different looks, thanks to this response.

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Challenging the status quo -

Instead of the usual beautiful, sleek, and elegant designs that conform to societal norms, ugly shoes offer a refreshing change to the status quo.

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Risk-taking -

Ugly shoes allow people to take a risk with their fashion, to make it more playful and to take themselves less seriously.

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Comfort -

As well as making a statement and allowing people to to take risks with their fashion choices, ugly shoes offer a level of comfort that is unmatched by traditional fashion footwear.

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Comfort -

Ugly shoes are typically designed with practicality in mind, featuring chunky soles, wide widths, and durable materials that are perfect for everyday wear.

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Prioritization -

Wearing ugly shoes displays a prioritization of comfort over style. Ugly shoes can offer relief to people who prefer feeling good over fashion.

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A sense of freedom -

Unconventional and unattractive shoes push back against the idea that fashion should only be about looking good, giving wearers a sense of freedom.

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A luxury staple -

Chunky soles, unconventional shapes, and bold colors became such a staple in many people's wardrobes that the fashion world has had to catch up.

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A luxury staple -

Once-derided footwear designs have now become a luxury item, thanks to designers giving the styles their own unique slant.

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Christopher Kane spring '17 collection -

Christopher Kane set tongues wagging when he sent models down the runway in Crocs for his spring 2017 collection that was, he described, a "purposeful clash of clothing cultures in the collection, with the horticultural, the rural, and homemade, contrasted with the sleek, urban, and sophisticated."

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Sustainability -

Many ugly shoes are also designed with sustainability in mind, making their impact on the environment more positive.

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Sustainability -

Recycled materials, such as rubber and plastic, are increasingly used in the production of these shoes. These materials are durable and long-lasting.

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Resale and repurposing -

As more people buy and wear these shoes, there is a greater demand for second-hand options. This reduces waste and extends the lifespan of these shoes.

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Hokas -

Thick and chunky Hokas were created to be comfortable and improve running performance. They went on to become a favorite of the style set in LA, New York, and Miami.

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Birkenstocks -

Long-lasting and reliable, Birkenstocks have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. A summer staple, you can wear them again and again.

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Teva -

The Teva was the sandal of the '90s. Perhaps it can thank its recent, newfound popularity on a combination of '90s nostalgia and ugly shoe appeal.

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UGGs -

No one can deny the comfort of the UGG boot, which became popular on the surf scene in Australia, before becoming a worldwide shoe phenomenon.

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Doc Martens -

Fashionable, durable, and sustainable, Doc Martens are an investment, and the brand used to offer a "For Life" guarantee on one of their ranges. Although it's been discontinued, they provide high quality, undeniably ugly shoes, that never fail to be appealing.

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Crocs -

No ugly shoe list could possibly be complete without this addition. Perhaps the ugliest of ugly shoes (for now), Crocs did a fashion 180 degree turn to become cool in recent years.

Sources: (CNN Business) (Vogue) (Harper's Bazaar) (Byrdie) (Refinery29) (LinkedIn)

See also: Where in the world should you remove your shoes?

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