"Ugly" Shoes Are a Big Part of EmRata's Style, But Her New Sneakers Are Especially Controversial

When I first saw these images of Emily Ratajkowski wearing laceless sneakers, they brought back vivid memories of a very similar water-friendly style I used to be forced into as a kid at the beach. I've resented any similar-looking shoes ever since, so I'm amazed to report that I think Ratajkowski has just made them look incredibly cool.

This pair of slip-on python-print sneakers from the Brain Dead X Oakley Factory Team collaboration ($165) may be EmRata's most controversial shoes yet. Never one to shy away from talking point shoes, the model has been spotted in jelly flats, ballet sneakers, and mesh shoes on multiple occasions recently, but never a pair as divisive as this. Cut to the height and size of conventional sneakers, these shoes are designed without laces and instead are lined with a Lycra fabric that closely hugs the foot, keeping them in place and creating a Croc-sneaker hybrid.

As she's stepped out in her laceless sneakers several times over the past few weeks, it's clear that they're a new favorite in her collection. Ratajkowski proved their surprising versatility by styling them with a tailored miniskirt followed by baggy khakis and a fitted tank a few days later. As conventionally unattractive shoes, laceless sneakers have joined the "ugly-but-cool shoes" club, which counts Maison Margiela's Tabis as its most well-known member.

I swept through the wardrobes of celebrities this season, and EmRata isn't the only person I've spotted in sneakers sans laces as of late. Fellow model Iris Law recently took a pair for a stroll with a white ensemble.

Infused with gorpcore energy, these new sneakers are set apart from the slip-on sneakers of seasons gone by, like Vans' classic skater shoes, thanks to the thick-grip soles and sporty silhouettes. These shoes are set to rival traditional sneakers this coming season, so read on to get ahead of the game and shop the laceless-sneaker trend backed by Emily Ratajkowski and Iris Law.

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.