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2026 is the year of the ugly shoe
FASHION is in a state of flux whereby it’s stuck on what to do next when it comes to footwear.
What’s hot and what’s not is anyone’s guess with brands doing anything they can to stay relevant and pushing the boundaries to downright bonkers.
Just when you thought you’ve got to grips with the never-ending cycle of trainer trends that change more often than the price of petrol, they then start throwing out crazy shoe trends.
And I’m not talking about a new wave of Crocs fans or that Uggs are “back” for the eighteenth time.
I’m talking about shoe trends that are created out of sheer madness that, if we’re honest, nobody asked for.
And celebs are the fools lapping them up.
But who can blame them, if a top, swanky fashion trend tells you that shoes that resemble pig trotters are cool then you should believe them, right? Wrong.
Here are the ugly shoe trends you need to swerve and what to wear instead to still stay on trend.
CAMEL TOES
This fashion month TV titan Oprah Winfrey has made multiple appearances on the front row nestled between the most popular celebrities of the moment and industry icons like Anna Wintour.
The 72 year-old hit the prestigious Chanel show in Paris this month wearing a white trench coat with black piping with matching monochrome accessories, but all eyes fell to her feet.
Yes they are hot-off-the-catwalk Chanel heels but they are also like camels feet created by the dark line up the centre.
Swap for…The High Vamp Pump
Think of a ballet pump that sides don’t expose the entire foot with a heel and thats the High Vamp Pump.
Glove-fitting for the foot that’s comfortable, closed toe and a heel height that doesn’t make you feel like you’re going to stack it, its the more stylish and better looking alternative to a camel toe heel.
FUR SHOES
Cheltenham goer and celebrity Georgia Toffolo aka Toff, 31, hit the prestigious race course this week for the festival in erm, furry heels.
Now, if you’re hitting a racecourse in a damp March in the UK you might think that it would be muddy – especially a seasoned racegoer like Toff – but she didn’t care and wore shoes that looked as though she’d stepped on rodents.
Ugly, impractical road-kill looking footwear has no place in your wardrobe, let alone Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Swap for…Pony Hair
You can wear fur shoes, just make sure the length is ultra short – otherwise known as pony hair.
Faux fur shoes add texture and add interest to the most plain of outfits without being ostentatious or bizarre.
Just avoid heels and or grass.
RIGGER BOOTS
Actress Nina Dobrev, 37, arrived at the Miu Miu fashion show in Paris this week dressed head-to-toe in the brand including their new boots.
For the past few years brands have duped Miu Miu’s buckled boots but will they be doing the same with their new £1,610 rigger boots that would be better suited next to a cement mixer than a catwalk?
We hope not.
Swap for…Slouchy Boots
Millennials don’t panic, we’re not dusting off round-toed and purposeful slouched boots just yet.
Instead, look for boots that essentially are really wide on the ankle and calf so they slouch naturally with a defined toe shape that’s very cool-girl meets boho.
SNEAKERINAS
If ever there was an unnecessary hybrid trend we didn’t need, it’s the sneakerina otherwise known as a trainer-meets-ballet shoe.
With A-list fans like Emily Ratajkowski who bucked the trend back in 2024 when walking the dog, to Nicole Kidman wearing a pair to the airport they’re a tricky to style shoe that can be left to celebrities.
Swap for… Trainers
TROTTERS
Maison Margiela first released their ‘Tabi’ shoe in 1988 and since has floated in and out of fashion, but for 2026 its stomping back.
From Rihanna to Miley Cyrus, who became the face of the brand in 2025 and wore a pair in London, the pumps they’re a hit with all A-listers but their pig trotter style, £750 flat shoe is nothing to be desired.
And aswell as looking ugly they look uncomfortable.
Swap for… Loafer
Some styles of shoes will always be timeless and whilst the ballet pump is having a moment that could all change, however loafers are always a fail safe.
Opt for more sleek styles than chunky as they can look dated.
WEDGE TRAINERS
In the 2010’s Isabel Marant released the wedge trainer and we all went made for them, high street dupes and all.
But naturally the style faded like much of the style from that era like leather look leggings and ginormous scarves.
However these days Gen-Z royalty like Blue Ivy Carter, 14, and North West, 12, are making them popular again but we would suggest you skip it and don’t relive the trend-trauma.
Swap for… Regular Trainers
Don’t fall under the trend spell and think for a second you should give wedge trainers another spin.
Stick to what you know and that’s a good, comfortable and practical trainer that doesn’t lack style but you can wear in the gym and in real life too.
