6 "Ugly" Summer Sandal Trends I'm Refusing to Ditch

If I had it my way, my summer wardrobe would consist solely of bikinis and big T-shirts, but since that doesn't really fly in the real world, I find myself letting loose a bit more in other areas of the sartorial spectrum. One of those areas just so happens to be footwear. While I am all for a chic shoe moment, summer always gives me the courage to get experimental with my shoes, and this season, I am leaning hard into the six "ugly" sandal trends ahead.
As we've said time and again, "ugly" trends aren't really ugly at all; they simply aren't as "pretty" as, let's say, a delicate kitten heel and definitely feel a tad riskier to test out. Make sense? Ahead, I have listed out the six "ugly" summer sandal trends that I love a lot. Some of the selected are ones you've certainly heard of before, while others are fresh to the scene, but either way, I am here to welcome them into my closet with open arms. After you see how versatile and fun each trend is for yourself, you'll most likely be in full agreement.
Fisherman Feet
Fisherman-style sandals are just the new sandal trend we needed this summer. These caged-in shoes are practical but feel oddly exciting. While it's definitely on the chunkier side, this is one sandal trend that doesn't appear to be "pretty" on the foot, but it sure as hell looks good nonetheless.
Shop the trend:
Casual Clogs
We started to see the rise of clogs back in the fall, and now, the clog-sandal movement is well underway. Fit with a clunky wooden sole and a simple leather buckle across the toes, once again, this is not a trend that necessarily flatters the foot, but I don't remember the last time I cared about that, so here we are.
Shop the trend:
Sporty Selections
This one is not new by any means, yet it continues to show up on the feet of fashion girls across the globe. This sporty sandal trend looks perfect with everything from dresses to athletic shorts and doubles as an easy house shoe, which we all need right now.
Shop the trend:
Toed-Tied
Having a piece of leather or fabric tied around your big toe is definitely an interesting look, but it's one that continues to bubble as the temperatures rise. From flat sandals to wrapped-up high heels, this is one sandal detail that will have heads turning all summer long.
Shop the trend:
Fresh Flatforms
It's been a hot minute since we've seen flatforms pop up as a major trend, but apparently, summer 2020 is their time to shine. These large and loud shoes require a brave wearer, but as we've seen all across social platforms, this sartorial platform is worth the risk for a killer ensemble.
Shop the trend:
Fancy Thongs
Heeled thongs also rose up to fame last summer, but there is no slowing their roll as we head full-force into summer 2020. These fancy flip-flops are the perfect versatile shoes to wear with everything from formal to casual seasonal attire. And while the trend itself might make you cringe a tad at the 2000s nostalgia, it's one that I plan on diving back into ASAP.
Shop the trend:

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New YorkBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and managesBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
Spotted in Paris's Poshest Arrondissement: Kendall Jenner in the "Boring" Pants I Now Need
My baggy black trousers are going on hiatus.
By Allyson Payer
-
Prada, Dior, and Givenchy: I'm Crossing Off Items on My Luxury Beauty Wish List During This Short Sale
Here are my top 10 picks.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
The 2025 Vacation Edit: Every Cool Trend and Brand to Pack in Your Suitcase
Ready your PTO.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Called the Cuffed Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim Style
Style the jeans like a fashion person.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Fittingly, Elizabeth Olsen Just Wore the Controversial The Row Sandals Everyone's Talking About
They've gone viral, folks.
By Allyson Payer
-
Spotted on Hailey Bieber: The Chicest Shoe Trend to Wear With Pedal Pushers This Summer
Period.
By Eliza Huber
-
Yes, Jelly Sandals Are In, But There's Only One Color Stylish Women Are Wearing Them In
It's not red.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves Effortless Vacation Essentials—25 Gap Finds That Caught My Eye
Many are even on major sale.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
If The Row, Khaite, and Toteme Feel Too Expensive, Here Are 33 Pieces to Try Instead
Bring on the luxe-looking outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Is How All the Cool L.A. Girls Will Wear Summer's Biggest Sandal Trend
Guess it's time to order a pair.
By Allyson Payer