Colorful, chunky, and absolutely trendy: Ugly Sneakers
In 2019, the “ugly sneaker” once again stormed the fashion world-chunky, colorful, and absolutely on-trend. But what makes ugly sneakers so special?
In 2019, we celebrated the ugly sneaker as the season’s biggest trend: chunky, colorful, and loud. Fast-forward a few years, and it’s time to look back. What became of the ugly sneaker, and which shoes now dominate the streets?
- The ugly sneaker dominated fashion in 2018 and 2019, driven by the Balenciaga Triple S and the dad-sneaker hype.
- Since 2024, the ultra-chunky silhouette has lost ground. Sleek retro styles like the Adidas Samba or slim vintage runners have taken over.
- The thick shoe hasn’t disappeared entirely: if you’re wearing volume in 2026, you need a reason-usually genuine performance or an outdoor profile.
- The old styling rules still apply. A statement shoe needs a quiet outfit, or the look tips into costume territory.
- Zara, Nike, Puma, and others still stock these shoes, but the focus has clearly shifted toward low-profile designs.
What Were Ugly Sneakers Anyway?
A little reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, these shoes stood out with their oversized, chunky silhouettes, thick futuristic soles, bold color-blocking, and contrasting laces. Unlike minimalist sneakers, they were anything but basic-they were a statement. Balenciaga kicked things off in 2017 with the Triple S, and soon the entire industry followed, from luxury brands to high-street retailers.
Their appeal lay in the deliberate rebellion. A shoe designed to look intentionally clunky was a bold rejection of the sleek sneaker mainstream. That’s exactly what made them so powerful on Instagram, where the trend exploded from niche to mainstream in just a few months.
The Ugly Sneaker was never really ugly. It was a statement you could wear on your feet.
How Do You Style a Chunky Shoe?
This was a hot topic in 2019-and it still is, because the logic hasn’t changed. A loud shoe needs a quiet backdrop. Think mom jeans and a plain sweatshirt, a midi skirt with a denim jacket, or straight trousers paired with an oversized sweater. The key is keeping the rest of the outfit understated so the shoe can shine. Stack too many patterns, colors, and volumes at once, and you’ll end up with a costume, not a look.
Today, this balance is even more critical. Back in 2019, almost any chunky sneaker passed as stylish, but by 2026, the same model can feel dated if the rest of the outfit doesn’t align. The shoe alone no longer carries the look-it has to fit into the bigger picture.
What’s Become of the Trend?
The peak was around 2018 to 2020. Then came the backlash. Since 2024, stylists and trend reports have been pointing in a new direction: sleek, flat silhouettes, retro models like the Adidas Samba, narrow vintage runners, and warm earth tones instead of bold contrasts. The pure Ugly Sneaker aesthetic-big, loud, and attention-grabbing for its own sake-is on the decline.
That said, the chunky shoe isn’t extinct. It’s evolved rather than disappeared. Volume is still acceptable in 2026, but it needs a purpose. Today, that usually means trail or outdoor models with real grip, or performance sneakers where the thick sole serves a function. What started as a statement shoe has become a functional one that happens to bring volume along for the ride. So if you’ve got an Ugly Sneaker in your closet, don’t toss it-just style it for what it is today: a deliberate retro nod, not the latest craze.
Where Can You Still Buy Them?
The same retailers from back then are still around, though the selection has shifted. Brands like Nike, Puma, Zara, and Mango still carry chunky shoes, but their storefronts now highlight slimmer models. Online, the landscape is stable: Zalando and About You have been under the same umbrella since 2025, Asos is still in the game despite financial struggles and layoffs. If you’re hunting for the Dad Sneaker look, you’ll still find it-but it’s no longer a given. It’s now a conscious choice.
Is the Ugly Sneaker Worth It in 2026?
Short answer: as a trend purchase, no. As a stylistic tool, yes. If you love the shoe, keep wearing it-but style it as a retro accent in an otherwise clean outfit. If you want to blend into today’s street style, go for a flat retro runner instead. Both approaches are valid, because fashion moves in cycles. The next chunky sneaker wave will come-it’s just a matter of when.
Quick Answers
▸Will ugly sneakers still be trendy in 2026?
As a dominant trend, no. Stylists and trend reports have favored sleek, flat silhouettes and retro models like the Adidas Samba since 2024. The chunky shoe will serve as a deliberate retro nod in 2026, not a runaway hit.
▸How do ugly sneakers, dad sneakers, and chunky sneakers differ?
The terms largely overlap: they all describe sneakers with exaggerated, bulky shapes and thick soles. Dad sneakers reference the understated 90s style, chunky highlights the sole’s volume, and ugly was the deliberately provocative marketing term.
▸How do I style a chunky shoe without looking overdressed?
Keep the rest of your outfit quiet. A statement shoe needs a restrained ensemble-think straight-leg jeans and a plain top. Once color, pattern, and volume collide at once, the look tips over.
▸Which sneakers are in vogue in 2026 instead?
Expect slim low-profile models and retro runners, paired with warm earth tones like espresso and caramel instead of jarring contrasts. Volume remains acceptable, but only when functionally justified-think trail or outdoor styles.
For more on the color and fabric trends setting the tone right now, check our outlook on Violett and Cloud Dancer for Spring 2026 and our take on linen as the season’s fabric trend.
