The "Ugly" Shoe Trend Every Fashion Person Is Wearing Now

The “ugly-chic” pool slide trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The look—we’re talking plastic slip-ons first made popular by Adidas—re-entered the scene in a major way a few seasons ago. (You probably remember wearing them in high school—I sure do). And while they’ve undoubtedly been around since then, it seems they’re hitting the fashion scene in full force right this minute.
After spotting street style superstars like Gigi and Bella Hadid out and about in the slides, I decided it might be time to test the look out for myself. Why? Well, personally, I’m not that into flip-flops (unless I’m at a pool or a beach), so this sportier look seemed like a better fit for me. I get the ease of slipping on some sandals and running out the door (the same functionalities as flip-flops), but the overall vibe just feels cooler and more fresh. Plus, hey—if the It girls are doing it, why not me, right? And believe it or not, it’s not just celebs wearing pool slides out in real life. Fashion A-listers and editors like Eva Chen, Leandra Medine, and Allure Editor in Chief Michelle Lee have also stepped out in the sandals over the last few weeks—further proving that this is the must-have shoe silhouette of the moment.
What do you think? Are you into this trend? Go on to check out how It girls are wearing their slides right now. Plus, shop the popular Adidas sandals along with other rubber slides if you’re ready to test out the look with me.
On Gigi Hadid: The Mighty Company Provence Bomber Jacket ($795); 7 for All Mankind B(air) Ankle Knee Hole Skinny Jeans ($179); Versace Palazzo Empire Tote ($2935); Adidas Adilette Slides ($30).
On Dakota Fanning: Adidas Adilette Slides ($30).
On Bella Hadid: Adidas Adilette Slides ($30); DG Sweatsuit ($110).
On Eva Chen: Adidas Adilette Slides ($30); Truss bag.
On Michelle Lee: Adidas Adilette Slides ($30).

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
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