Bizarre footwear has been very much “in” with the cool girls in 2026. This is evident in the so-called “Ugly Shoe Summer” trend seen on TikTok and Instagram, where fashion girlies are trading minimalist elegance for unusual shoes.
A clear manifestation is the rise in popularity of Mason Margiela’s split-toe tabi flats and near-translucent jelly shoes from brands like Melissa. If you have been following fashion on social media recently, you’ve most likely seen stylish personalities and celebrities wearing these trending “ugly” shoes. Even as we move beyond summer, the “ugly” shoes trend will continue to stick around, and it honestly makes sense.
Earlier this month, Havaianas collaborated with Studio Constance on a kitten heel that exposes all your toes except the big one for its Spring/Summer 2027 runway show at Copenhagen Fashion Week, and it is a true love it-or-loathe it piece.
Havaianas has yet to announce whether or not these heels will be available for purchase, but I personally think these freaky pumps are something I would want to get for myself for their edge and styling possibilities.
Don’t believe me? Well, there’s this theory called the “Wrong Shoe Theory,” developed by stylist Allison Bornstein. It asserts that wearing an unconventional shoe with a simple outfit creates the ideal combination.
This is because instead of finishing a look with a typical “pretty” shoe, you elevate it with something purposefully unexpected. The less obvious shoe, therefore, adds personality to the outfit. As Bornstein puts it, it’s about “pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to create looks that feel more unexpected.”
I like to think about it this way: If you wear a pair of shoes that is so out of place that it goes with quote-on-quote nothing, then by default, it must go with everything. Now, that, my friends, is “girl math.”
So, if you want to stand out yourself and turn a basic outfit into something more memorable, here are other unique and funky footwear designs, from locally made to internationally crafted shoes, that you can add to your wardrobe for the upcoming season that I want to call “Funky Shoe Fall.”
1. Vi-B ECO by Vibram
Starting strong with the forerunner of “Ugly Shoe Summer” that is expected to seamlessly transition into the fall is the Vibram FiveFingers design, a five-toe slip-on ballet flat that, as the name implies, separates all of your toes and gives you the appearance of walking barefoot. I like to say that this is the tabi’s cooler, younger sister.
Photo: IG @vibramfivefingers
2. Butterfly Wedge Cedar by Cora and Bear
With their soft vegan suede material in dark brown and cream with a dark blue accent on the thong, these Marikina-made mini wedge sandals by Cora and Bear add just the right amount of funk and personality to any outfit.
Photo: coraandbear.com
3. Phases by Jeffrey Campbell
Keeping in line with the suede and toe-separation design is a stiletto heel by Jeffrey Campbell, featuring an unconventional silhouette that does not discriminate against which toe to show, highlighting each one out in the open, which I find reminiscent of leather fingerless gloves.
Photos: jeffreycampbellshoes.com
4. Dottie MJ Flats by Renegade Folk
Bored of regular Mary Jane shoes? These locally made closed-toe flats by Renegade Folk elevate the classic design with different kinds of bold animal prints. If you want to try them on in-store, they have branches across the metro.
Photo: renegadefolk.com
5. STRAITS-F by Jeffrey Campbell
Jeffrey Campbell truly did it again, combining an animal print-like fabric with one of the most popular colors of the summer—teal. This mixed-material sling-back square-toe wedge in “Black White Dot Teal” is truly too eye-catching to pass up.
Photo: jeffreycampbellshoes.com
6. Parang Bakya Max by JOS Mundo
Speaking of mixed materials, JOS Mundo’s wooden platform sandal, also made in Marikina, features a navy- or silver-colored leather thong, contrasting blue stitching, and plaid accents on the sole.
Photo: jos-mundo.com
7. Mobius Mid by United Nude
Last but not least is a slip-on that definitely stands out from the side thanks to its hollow loop-shaped heel, giving it a cool futuristic vibe. Plus points as well for its different color combinations. I myself own a pair in “Summer Hues,” and I am obsessed with the teal and hot pink colorway.
While every pair on this funky shoe list brings its own distinct personality, they all share one thing in common: a way to include a bit of fun in your everyday wardrobe. Remember, fashion is all about experimentation in finding what speaks to you. So, from one fashion girly to the next, what pair would you want to strut out in?
