The Ugly Sneaker Trend

The last time I remember labeling a pair of sneakers “ugly” was when my little sister had been awarded a pair of twinkle toes. I was nine, and they were too girly. It’s 2018 now. We’re not talking about exhaustingly cheerful, rainbow light-ups. Balenciaga, a high-end Spanish fashion company, has brought the ugly sneaker game to a whole new level. Clunky and chunky, the fun, hilariously debatable mashup between running shoe, space shoe, and dad shoe, has rocketed its way up to the top fashion controversies.

“Triple S”, the sneaker’s name, is a colossal specimen of layered rubber. With soles easily two inches high, the shoes emanate a vibe that shouts “retro”. They are “dad-ish”. They are ugly. And I am thinking to myself, “Where can I get a pair?”— that won’t be selling for $850 dollars. As with a lot of articles of clothing or shoes that I invest my time with, and I’m sure many people have encountered this problem—the biggest trouble is finding a way in which to wear the article of clothing or shoe without looking ridiculous. Any person endeavoring (and accomplishing) to wear these shoes in a way that is stylish and chic, has completed a feat of brilliance. It takes a lot of cleverness to pull off a hunk of rubber. I congratulate and envy anyone who possesses that talent.