6 "Ugly" Summer Sandal Trends I'm Refusing to Ditch

If I had it my way, my summer wardrobe would consist solely of bikinis and big T-shirts, but since that doesn't really fly in the real world, I find myself letting loose a bit more in other areas of the sartorial spectrum. One of those areas just so happens to be footwear. While I am all for a chic shoe moment, summer always gives me the courage to get experimental with my shoes, and this season, I am leaning hard into the six "ugly" sandal trends ahead.
As we've said time and again, "ugly" trends aren't really ugly at all; they simply aren't as "pretty" as, let's say, a delicate kitten heel and definitely feel a tad riskier to test out. Make sense? Ahead, I have listed out the six "ugly" summer sandal trends that I love a lot. Some of the selected are ones you've certainly heard of before, while others are fresh to the scene, but either way, I am here to welcome them into my closet with open arms. After you see how versatile and fun each trend is for yourself, you'll most likely be in full agreement.
Fisherman Feet
Fisherman-style sandals are just the new sandal trend we needed this summer. These caged-in shoes are practical but feel oddly exciting. While it's definitely on the chunkier side, this is one sandal trend that doesn't appear to be "pretty" on the foot, but it sure as hell looks good nonetheless.
Shop the trend:
Casual Clogs
We started to see the rise of clogs back in the fall, and now, the clog-sandal movement is well underway. Fit with a clunky wooden sole and a simple leather buckle across the toes, once again, this is not a trend that necessarily flatters the foot, but I don't remember the last time I cared about that, so here we are.
Shop the trend:
Sporty Selections
This one is not new by any means, yet it continues to show up on the feet of fashion girls across the globe. This sporty sandal trend looks perfect with everything from dresses to athletic shorts and doubles as an easy house shoe, which we all need right now.
Shop the trend:
Toed-Tied
Having a piece of leather or fabric tied around your big toe is definitely an interesting look, but it's one that continues to bubble as the temperatures rise. From flat sandals to wrapped-up high heels, this is one sandal detail that will have heads turning all summer long.
Shop the trend:
Fresh Flatforms
It's been a hot minute since we've seen flatforms pop up as a major trend, but apparently, summer 2020 is their time to shine. These large and loud shoes require a brave wearer, but as we've seen all across social platforms, this sartorial platform is worth the risk for a killer ensemble.
Shop the trend:
Fancy Thongs
Heeled thongs also rose up to fame last summer, but there is no slowing their roll as we head full-force into summer 2020. These fancy flip-flops are the perfect versatile shoes to wear with everything from formal to casual seasonal attire. And while the trend itself might make you cringe a tad at the 2000s nostalgia, it's one that I plan on diving back into ASAP.
Shop the trend:

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
10 Spring Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
Bring on the compliments.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Katie Holmes's New Sandals Are Causing Controversy on Reddit Right Now
Here's why.
By Drew Elovitz
-
I Hate to Say It, But These 7 Sandal Trends Have Got to Go—7 I'm Shopping Instead
It's not you. It's me.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Style Rut? I Have Something for That—33 Stellar Spring Picks From Nordstrom, Zara, and Madewell
I see chic outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Try Any of These 5 Spring Shoe Trends, and You Won't Be Able to Stop Staring at Your Feet
I'm obsessed.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
It's Back: The Humble Sandal Trend That New Yorkers Love to Hate
Spotted in L.A.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Calling It Early: This Will Be Summer's Biggest Sandal Trend
Easy, breezy.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Everyone Will Run to Buy This '90s Sandal Trend After Seeing What Hailey Bieber Just Wore
It's still going strong.
By Allyson Payer