As a new season rolls around, unsurprisingly, a new ugly trend is on the horizon. This one has taken the fashion world by storm, from the runway to social media influencers. It´s time to chuck out your chunky trainers in exchange for a pair of dad-inspired Velcro sandals.
For many, this trend might be reminiscent of your childhood, parents forcing you to wear comfortable yet practical shoes – and that´s exactly what they still offer, comfort and practicality. You may feel sceptical towards the rubber soles and utilitarian details which were once reserved for out-of-place tourists, outdoorsy folks and grandmas, but this shoe trend has recently reached a much wider audience, thanks to the influencers bringing sport sandals into the mainstream.
They’ve been around for some years: Marni presented them back at SS15, followed by Chanel SS16. Like most trends, this one has excited a niche customer for years – but has only recently been appropriated by fashion´s power house: Prada. Their Logo Embossed Leather Canvas Sandals have taken over the fashion world, and are sure to be all over your Instagram feed. The SS19 runways continued to demonstrate that this style is as cool as it is comfortable, with designers including Anna Sui, Cecilie Bahnsen and Sandy Liang embracing the ’90s-throwback sandals in their collections. Whether you choose the most talked about sandal (within a reasonable price range) Teva Velcro sandals, the blinged out version by Gucci or The Row´s minimalistic leather version; these sporty sandals may feel a little tricky to style.
So, how can you infiltrate this slightly awkward shoe trend into your wardrobe? Whether you’re heading to next weekend’s Glasto, or just feel like donning some sporty chic, pair them with cycling shorts in summer’s hottest colour trend: neon. If that´s not bold enough, wear your sandals with tie-dye socks to complete the look and ensure you’re standing out from the crowd. If you fancy wearing your new ugly sandals on the daily, style them with straight jeans, a cute crop top and some fun accessories. Alternatively, pair a maxi/midi dress with some glitter socks. Despite their nerdy connotations, the socks and sandals combination will garnish any outfit this summer.
By Helene Grastveit
Artwork by Sasha Green
