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 Know You're Stylish If You Replace Your Hoodie With This Equally Comfy (But Much Chicer) Jacket Trend
-
I Just Spotted the Easiest Way to Dress Up Casual Jeans For Fall on a Celeb in Milan
This three-piece outfit is as elegant as it is cool.
-
FYI: If You Wear This Dated Sneaker Trend in Fall 2025, Make Sure It's With Baggy Jeans
Because Gwyneth Paltrow says so.
-
Want Trendier Sneaker Outfits? Try This $7 Hack I'm Copying From Amanda Seyfried
Genius.
-
Forget Minimalism—at Prada, Pastel Coats, Frankenstein Skirts, and (Lots of) Jewels Marked a New Era in Fashion
Say hello to every item chic people will be buying come spring 2026.
-
Not Black, Not White: The Very 2025 Sneaker Color Trend Fashion People Are Wearing to the Airport RN
Spotted on Emily Ratajkowski at JFK airport.
-
Spotted at JFK Airport: The Anti-Trend Sneakers Olivia Wilde Swears By for Long-Haul Flights
Affordable, comfortable, and beloved by It girls in London, Paris, and NYC.
-
The New Prada It Shoes for Fall 2025 Are Here, and They're Vintagey Cool-Girl Heels
As seen on Lily James in NYC.