What’s Behind the Rise of the Divisive Shoe?
If fashion had a group chat, polarising shoes would be the ones dropping chaotic memes at 2am. Unpredictable, divisive, and strangely addictive, these are the styles that split opinions and start conversations — sometimes heated ones. But that's exactly why we love them.
For decades, the wrong shoe has been the right move for those ahead of the curve. There was a time when wearing Maison Margiela's iconic split-toe boot could get you side-eyed in public. But as fashion continues to reject binaries and embrace hybrids, we’ve entered an era where ugly–cool is more than a trend — it’s an ethos.
Over the seasons, we’ve come to expect (and secretly enjoy) a bit of shock value with our shoes — remember those JW Anderson x Wellipets Frog clogs and Balenciaga x Crocs stilettos? And with searches for Puma's Speedcat Ballet up 440% on Lyst month-on-month, the hunger for hybrid footwear is far from slowing down.
Whether you’re a wrong-shoe theory loyalist or just flirting with the idea of fashion chaos, here are the standout polarising shoe trends defining this season’s style battleground.
Sneakerinas: The Hybrid You Didn’t See Coming
Half sneaker, half ballet flat, 100% controversial — sneakerinas are taking over fashion feeds with their Frankenstein energy. They promise comfort and elegance, but whether they actually deliver either is hotly debated.
From Miu Miu’s slip-ons to Puma's Speedcats — the 3rd hottest product in this quarter's Lyst Index — sneakerinas are what happens when your Y2K fashion dreams collide with a commuter’s practicality.
Love them if: You worship at the altar of balletcore but still walk 10k steps a day.
Avoid if: You like your shoes with a clear sense of purpose.
Jelly Shoes: The Nostalgia Trap
Once reserved for summer holidays and playgrounds, jelly shoes have slithered their way into the adult fashion conversation — and people have feelings. Some call them nostalgic, others call them impractical plastic nightmares. But with designers like Chloé and Gucci giving them a grown-up glow-up, jelly shoes are now sparkly, strappy, and surprisingly expensive.
Whether you wear them with socks (a statement) or on the beach (a classic), they’re proof that millennial-core has officially infiltrated luxury.
Love them if: You consider ‘childhood regression’ a valid fashion strategy.
Avoid if: You hate squeaky noises.
Sculpted Heels: Less Shoe, More Sculpture
Think architectural. Think abstract. Think: “Can you even walk in those?” From Loewe’s toy pumps to Alaïa’s geometric heel twists, sculpted heels are the fashion world’s answer to wearable art — emphasis on the art.
These are shoes that spark more questions than answers. Are they comfortable? Not really. Are they necessary? Absolutely.
Love them if: You think museum-worthy footwear is the next investment category.
Avoid if: You like your heels to obey the laws of gravity.
Technical Shoes: From Trail to Trendy
Formerly the domain of off-duty dads and hardcore hikers, technical shoes have become high-fashion catnip. Think toe-gripping soles, adjustable toggles, hyper-functional fabrics — now available in neon, metallics, and designer monograms.
The line between hiking boot and runway staple has officially blurred, with brands like Salomon, Hoka, and ROA winning loyalist fan bases in both streetwear and style-editor circles.
Love them if: You believe performance and polish can coexist.
Avoid if: You think Gore-Tex is best kept in the outdoors aisle.
Sock Shoes: The Footwear That Hugs Back
Imagine your favorite pair of compression socks had a secret life as fashion-forward footwear — that’s the vibe sock shoes are going for. Stretchy, second-skin, and unapologetically sci-fi, these are the shoes that slip on like a sock but somehow hold their own on the runway.
Balenciaga’s Speed Trainers walked so Bottega Veneta’s knitted sock boots could run. Sock shoes blur every boundary: between casual and formal, sneaker and boot, comfort and chaos. The appeal? Streamlined silhouettes and a snug fit that feels oddly comforting in a dystopian-chic way. The downside? Zero ankle support and a tendency to make your feet look like they've been vacuum-packed.
Love them if: You live for a sleek silhouette and can recite the Balenciaga x Vetements era by heart.
Avoid if: You need arch support or hate explaining that no, they’re not just very tight socks.