The brand new clog from UGG is the newest iteration of the widely popular yet controversial “ugly” shoe trend — wherein heeled Crocs and Birkenstocks have reigned supreme.
The $150 Enterprise Daze clogs — a clunky, unisex slipper-sneaker hybrid that mixes the box-stitched comfort of the brand’s iconic Tasmans with the supportive soles akin to trainers — have turn into the most well liked celebrity shoe after the resurgence of the Ultra Mini boots.
Model Gigi Hadid was spotted in a pair of sand-colored Enterprise Daze kicks this week, styling the outdoorsy footwear with blue jeans, a plain white T-shirt and a leather bomber jacket.
Meanwhile, “Saltburn” star Barry Keoghan was photographed in the colourful green colorway together with a gray sweater vest and black athletic shorts.
While the ultra-bulk tread appears fit for climbing, the shoe’s assimilation into casual street style is a component of the growing “gorpcore” aesthetic, marked by incorporating athletic-style shoes into every day wear — and even high fashion.
At Recent York Fashion Week, models walked Collina Strada’s runway in puffed, ruffled and multicolored UGG boots. In Milan, Marco Rambaldi paired a two-piece set fabricated from delicate, sheer fabric with heavy, lace-up UGGs, while in London, emerging designer Tolu Coker included a pair of UGG clogs on the catwalk.
The Post has reached out to UGG for comment.
If anything, the A-list approval of the clunky — and Gen Z beloved — footwear is confirmation that the so-called “ugly” shoe trend is here to remain.
As InStyle author Faran Krentcil put it: “Ugly, but make it fashion, but also make it viral!”
In recent times, some kicks have played into the buzziness of shock factor, akin to MSCHF’s Big Red Boots and its yellow iteration in partnership with Crocs, Loewe’s playful balloon heels or Louis Vuitton’s bizarre human leg knee-highs.
There’s also the rise of furry pumps — perfect for winter, the beastly footwear rose to prominence on recent runways for Burberry, Gucci and Dauphinette — and the regular popularity of Maison Margiela Tabis, which may very well be considered the unique “ugly” shoe.
The polarizing pumps have been likened to a horse hoof by critics as a consequence of the controversial split-toe, and have left fashion experts divided as as to if the weirdness is rebellious and high-brow or simply a high-cost faux pas.
Nevertheless, the Tabis are beloved by many a celeb, including Dua Lipa, Rosalia and Olivia Rodrigo.
Meanwhile, other consumer-loved styles were a touch more practical, like Mesh ballet flats, sold by “It” girl labels akin to Sandy Liang and The Row, which gained traction last yr as fashionistas ditched their traditional sandals for the shoe with more visual intrigue yet still suitable for the summer scorchers.
Just like the heavenly plush-ness offered by cult-favorite UGG shoes, ’90s-era chunky dad sneakers have also made a resurgence in recent times, as seen on Adam Sandler, who sported a pair of neon-hued HOKA trainers on a recent red carpet.
However the comfort of aforementioned “ugly” shoes isn’t reserved for older generations; Gen Z fashion influencer Clara Perlmutter prefers “geriatric trainers” together with her leather trousers or maxi skirts, she told InStyle.
The love of the “ugly” shoe is maybe a symptom of the “unsuitable shoe theory,” coined by stylist Allison Bornstein, wherein style savants pair garments with a shoe that’s the antithesis of an outfit, akin to sneakers with dresses or sandals with slacks.
Someway, the intentional choice of two “unsuitable” shoes makes an ultra-chic right. By doing so, it makes an outfit feel “dynamic and interesting,” Brooklyn-based content creator Toiby Hayes previously told The Post.
“This is the reason I believe the unsuitable shoe theory is so necessary,” Bornstein said in a TikTok video on the time. “It type of signals that there may be some intention and selection, and due to this fact it gives your look personality.”
