The Controversial Sandals That Are Trending This Spring

As a young fashion-obsessed kid in the late ’90s, I can vividly remember certain trends I either really, really wanted for a while, managed to somehow force my mom to buy me, and/or admired from a close distance as my older sister and her friends got to wear them. One thing that actually ticked all those boxes eventually was a certain shoe trend I finally got into just as it was on its way out.

Remember platform sandals? Not the refined Saint Laurent–endorsed styles that are common today (and that you’ll perhaps wear under a dress or with jeans). I’m talking about the chunky flatform styles made famous by the likes of Steve Madden and Rocket Dog that featured either a wide band across the vamp of your foot or, better yet, a thong-sandal situation. Does that jog your memory a bit? Perhaps you just recalled rolling your ankle once or twice because of them? (I can’t be the only one…)

While my feelings are clearly mixed, these shoes are the latest in a slew of controversial footwear trends popping up this season, joining the ranks of sporty sandals, wedges, and thong heels. Not only have Steve Madden and Rocket Dog brought back their versions in collaboration with Urban Outfitters (naturally), but trend-setting brands like Ganni and Simon Miller are offering versions too. While I'm still unsure how I feel about the trend, I think it's best if you decide for yourself, so keep scrolling to see (and perhaps shop) the trend…

First, the originals:

More '90s-inspired platform sandals:

Up next? 42 basics you have to buy from Shopbop, Topshop, and Net-a-Porter right now.