The shoe that once drew eye rolls is walking back into the limelight in 2026. Think practical clogs, bulbous runners and unapologetically chunky soles that favor ease, durability and a wink of nostalgia.
The signals are not subtle. Crocs reported 2023 revenue of 3.96 billion dollars, up 11.5 percent year over year, driven by clogs and casual silhouettes (Crocs investor relations, 2024). The Birkenstock Boston clog topped the Lyst Index in Q3 2022 as the world’s hottest product (Lyst Index Q3 2022). Birkenstock’s 2023 stock market debut raised about 1.48 billion dollars at an 8.6 billion dollar valuation (Reuters, Oct. 2023). Together, those numbers map a clear path back to mainstream status for the so called “ugly” shoe.
2026 trend forecast: why the “ugly” shoe returns
Comfort has outgrown the home office and now drives daily dressing. Consumers reward shoes that deliver support, resilience and a touch of irony. Hybrids, city clogs and hefty runners tick those boxes with less fuss than delicate footwear.
Industry scale adds weight. Grand View Research valued the global footwear market at 387.7 billion dollars in 2022 and projected compound growth of 4.3 percent through 2030 (Grand View Research, 2023). Brands have repositioned around that comfort demand. Crocs spent 2.5 billion dollars to acquire Heydude in 2022, a direct bet on casual comfort silhouettes (Crocs IR, 2022).
Retailers like the format too. Chunky, durable shoes are easier to size, return and resell than fragile styles, which boosts margins and reduces waste. That matters as shoppers lean into cost per wear and repairability.
The pitfalls to avoid with clogs and dad sneakers
One common trap is going full oversized. A roomy shoe paired with loose everything can swamp the frame. Balance helps. Structured denim, a sharp blazer or a neat midi skirt restores proportion.
Color can trip people up as well. Loud pairs compete with saturated outfits. When the shoe shouts, let the clothes speak softly. Or flip the script, neutral shoe, playful knit.
Then there is context. Office settings tolerate comfort, yet they still read signals. Leather clogs with a closed toe feel more polished than foam garden pairs. Chunky runners with clean lines sail further at work than maximalist trail styles.
How to wear the “ugly” shoe in 2026 and still look pulled together
- Pair clogs with straight leg denim, a crisp shirt and a compact crossbody to keep volume in check.
- Style dad sneakers with tailored trousers and a fine gauge knit for a city smart vibe.
- Choose materials that age well, think oiled leather or suede, and rotate insoles for comfort that lasts.
- Keep hemlines intentional. Ankles showing with runners, trouser breaks shorter with clogs for cleaner lines.
Market signals, timing and what to do now
Fashion cycles rarely move at once. The first wave has been visible since 2022, when the Boston clog surged in search and sell through. The second wave builds as mainstream brands release easier, more refined versions that work beyond athleisure.
Price dynamics follow that ladder. Early pairs in premium materials hold value, especially when tied to a strong story or maker. Birkenstock’s market listing and Crocs growth show investor confidence that the category will carry on into 2026, not just peak and fade.
Practical next steps are simple. Test drive one versatile pair, keep silhouettes balanced, and save the wild shapes for weekends. If the closet already hides an older pair, a fresh insole and a quick polish often make it feel new. That small refresh is definitly the fastest route into the 2026 mood without overhauling everything.