Ugly shoes trend for women in 2024 : what changed
The joke became the headline. From clogs and dad sneakers to puffy platform slides, ugly shoes now set the pace of womenswear, not the punchline. Street style shows it, office corridors confirm it, and runways back it up. Comfort moved from guilty pleasure to visible choice.
The market tells the same story. Crocs, Inc. reported 2023 revenue of about 3.96 billion dollars, up year on year, per its annual results released in February 2024. Deckers Brands said UGG net sales rose around 16 percent to roughly 2.24 billion dollars in fiscal 2024. Birkenstock listed on the New York Stock Exchange in October 2023 after disclosing fiscal 2022 revenue of 1.24 billion euros in its SEC filing. Lyst’s Index repeatedly placed the Birkenstock Boston among the hottest products in 2022 and 2023. That is not niche buzz – it is mainstream demand.
From Crocs to Birkenstock and UGG : brands steering the craze
One big shift sits in lifestyle. Hybrid work loosened dress codes, and daily walking time went up for many commuters. Designers reacted. Chunky soles and orthopedic footbeds moved from practical to premium, with collaborations that sold out in minutes.
Crocs leaned into fashion collabs, turning foam clogs into conversation pieces while delivering scale. UGG rode the cozy wave with platform Tasman mules and bold slippers that crossed into daywear. Birkenstock pushed timeless comfort – the Boston and Arizona – into fashion’s inner circle, then opened its books for the 2023 listing. The trick each brand used : comfort first, then a silhouette that photographs well.
There is also a halo from earlier disruptors. Balenciaga’s Triple S in 2017 kicked off the unapologetic dad-sneaker look. Once that line was crossed, flats with straps, rubberized fisherman sandals, and puffy slides felt less risky and more fun.
How to wear ugly shoes without losing your style
Here is the real pain point many readers whisper about : how to make intentionally clunky shoes look sharp, not sloppy. The fear is valid. Proportions can go wrong fast. Let us adress that with simple moves.
Start with balance. A heavy shoe needs clean lines up top. Think straight-leg denim or a knee-skimming skirt rather than extra-wide puddle pants. Add one polished element – a crisp shirt, a structured blazer, a neat shoulder bag – so the look reads considered, not chaotic.
One real-life combo still works in 2024 : taupe Boston clogs, white socks, dark straight jeans, and a navy cardigan. It reads relaxed, pulled together, and city-ready. Swap the cardigan for a leather jacket and the mood flips to downtown cool.
Common mistakes pop up the same way. Overly long hemlines swallowing the shoe. Busy prints fighting chunky soles. Head-to-toe oversize with no tailored anchor. A quick mirror test from the side often catches it.
Try these fast styling anchors to keep the silhouette intentional :
- Pair chunky clogs with ankle-revealing denim or midi skirts to show shape.
- Match sock tone to shoe or pants to streamline the leg line.
- Choose one focal point – bold shoe or bold jacket – not both.
- Keep tops tidy : tucked tees, cropped knits, or sharp collars.
- Use color discipline : two neutrals plus one accent tends to sing.
- If in doubt, add structure with a blazer or trench and call it a day.
Data, dates, and staying power : is the trend here to stay
Numbers suggest this wave has legs. Crocs pointed to multi-billion dollar revenue in 2023. Deckers highlighted double-digit UGG growth for fiscal 2024. Birkenstock’s decision to go public in October 2023 signaled confidence in long-term demand. Lyst’s rankings across 2022-2023 confirmed repeated consumer heat on comfort-first icons.
Why it sticks now : value per wear. A robust sole and supportive footbed serve long commutes and weekend errands, then slide into casual office codes. That utility meets fashion’s appetite for texture – shearling, rubber, puffed nylon – which photographs well on social feeds and feels good in real life.
For anyone still on the fence, the missing piece is fit. The same shoe can look off when sizing runs long or wide. Check brand-specific guides – Birkenstock footbeds come in regular and narrow, Crocs sizing varies by model, UGG platforms change height and stance. Nail the fit and the silhouette clicks.
The practical move right now : pick one lane that fits your wardrobe – foam clog, suede mule, or dad sneaker – and style around it for a month. If cost is a concern, watch seasonal drops and outlet rotations tied to back-to-school and late winter. The market data shows momentum, but the daily win comes from a pair that earns its place on your floor, again and again.