The Ugly Shoe Trend I Never Expected to See in 2019

We’re just over a week into 2019, but there is already a new “ugly” shoe trend on our radar. Last year saw the rise of plenty of “ugly” shoe styles, including chunky sneakers, the flip-flops, and orthopedic sandals, but now another one is entering the fashion scene. Get ready for the return of platform shoes, everyone.

With influencers like María Bernad and Courtney Trop embracing the latest wave of “ugly” shoes in the form of platforms, they’re guaranteed to have staying power on the fashion scene. Though platform shoes were notably popular in the ’00s, they have since been forgotten for sleeker, single-sole styles. Recently, though, it occurred to me that they are making a comeback in a range of styles. I’ve been seeing everything from glittery Miu Miu heels to raised combat boots—and even Saint Laurent boots towering at 5.5 inches high. The one trait each of them shares, though, is the signature platform that hasn’t been popular in the last decade. Scroll on to see how fashion girls are wearing the controversial trend.

platform-shoes-275828-1546906266291-image

(Image credit: @fionazanetti)

platform-shoes-275828-1546906168502-image

(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)

platform-shoes-275828-1546906431767-image

(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

platform-shoes-275828-1547077717744-image

(Image credit: @carodaur)

platform-shoes-275828-1546907123302-image

(Image credit: @mvb)

platform-shoes-275828-1546909379134-image

(Image credit: @monikh)

A photo posted by on

platform-shoes-275828-1546907465786-image

(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

platform-shoes-275828-1546908363024-main

(Image credit: @jennymwalton)

platform-shoes-275828-1546908174110-image

(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

Next: the one trend I'm skipping in 2019.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.