Extreme Shoes: Would You Wear These?
I've seen some pretty outrageous shoes this season. The scary part is that I've seen them at department stores, shoe stores and sites we all shop at, so they are attainable ... if you so dare! Read on to see exactly what footwear I'm talking about and the places you can find them at. To me, these shoes are not very flattering and hardly practical, but you tell me, would you wear these?
 |
A sandal + a boot = a sandal boot. The math is right, but what you get ain't so pretty. Do we really need a merging of winter footwear and a summer shoe? I (and probably many of you) would answer no, but it's everywhere this season! There high-heel sandal boots, flat sandal versions, even ones made of stretchy materials. The last one makes me have to ask what do you get when you have a leotard, plus a leather sole? Wouldn't wear sandal boots? I agree--the high boots are too much, but ankle booties, I like. Much cuter! Old Navy Ruffled Peep-Toe Bootie ($25) Michael Antonio Women's Stormy Bootie ($41.21) N.Y.L.A. Perrie Laser Cut Bootie ($99.99) |
 |
There are plenty of heels this season that will you make you go "inteeeeresting", perhaps followed up by a "I wouldn't wear that" expression on your face. You get me? The heel will start chubby and then morph into a super-slim heel at the bottom (like on the shoes pictured here) or the heel will be part-wedge, like on these pumps. The architectural heel certainly belongs in this category. I'm sure you've seen shoes where the heels are cut-off. Wouldn't wear funky heels? The heels on these are simpler, but the shoe will still make you stand out. Star Ling Cyprus Slingback ($70) Steve Madden 'Lorane' Pump ($90) Boutique 9 'Juvile' Sandal ($150) |
 |
Let's look at what we have here. Canvas sneakers, studs, high-heels, shredded holes (you know distressed is in), lace-ups, and to top it off, fraying up top! It's a mash-up of EVERYTHING and while mash-ups may work on Glee, they don't here--no way! What occasion would you wear these to anyways? I also saw these peep-toe high top sneakers. Would you step your foot in these? Wouldn't wear high heel sneakers? Stick to one-- either a canvas sneaker or casual heel. L.L. Bean Canvas Skimmers ($12.99) Crocs 'Hanalei' Canvas Wedges ($31.47) Converse Chuck Taylor Low Neon Sneaker ($33) |
 |
I was perusing online and I found these and did a double-take! Really, flip-flops without the straps and thong?! These sticky sandals have an adhesive, so they stick to your feet and apparently, they're re-usable! Just wash the sandals with soap and water when they get dirty and they attach to your feet again. Hey, I'm not a fan of tan lines, but I can't take these topless sandals seriously... no matter how many times I look at them! Wouldn't wear sticky sandals? If you'd rather go for the normal, here are some top flip-flop brands: Reef Flip-Flops (from $14.89) Haviana Flip-Flops (from $18) Rainbow Flip-Flops (from $44.95) |
 |
Life in plastic, it's fantastic? Miuccia Prada seems to think so. Prada's 2010 Spring/Summer collection is replete with plastic, clear heels. The inspiration behind them according to the designer? Go from the work to the beach? Yea.... riiiight! And clear heels just look trashy, even if they are designer. But you know designers want to wow and Prada's getting a lot of attention for these in the blogosphere, especially these chandelier shoes pictured here. DSquared2 also has clear shoes--too bad they're even more expensive and more unsightly! Wouldn't wear clear shoes? Make a statement with bejeweled or embellished footwear instead: Spiegel Multi-Strap Jeweled Sandal ($24) Nine West 'Smarts' Flats ($79.95) Talbots Bejeweled Sandals ($109) |
 |
Wedges come back in style every year, but this year, they've reached unimaginable heights. These Joe Jean's wedges pictured here have a heel height of 5 1/2"! The brands you'd expect to have ultra-high kicks do, including Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Dollhouse and BP. Wouldn't wear ultra-high wedges? Here are some lower wedges that are probably easier to walk in: Volatile 'Carmen' Sandals ($50) BP. 'Halee' Peep Toe Wedge ($60) Banana Republic 'Renee' Peep-Toe Wedge ($98) |
 |
If you're already against jelly sandals, then you probably won't understand the jelly pumps that are coming out. The most out there are by Vivienne Westwood (of course!). She's created these heart-topped pumps and crystal-balled shoes--they seem more like art than anything! These shoes also have some whimsical accents: these Chinese Laundry jelly sandals are adorned with a huge, playful bow and these jelly flats are designed to look like corals. Wouldn't wear these "out there" jelly shoes? I think these simpler jelly sandals are more chic: Grendha Romantic Jelly Thong ($28.75) Nanette Lepore Shell Jelly Sandal ($98) Tory Burch Jelly Drivers ($115) |
 |
Oxfords are on trend this year, but I haven't found a pair that I find attractive in any sense. How are these even flattering? Oxford flats, oxford heels or oxford shoe boots... I can't decide which is the most offensive of them all. Should we leave the oxfords to prep-school girls and celebs? Wouldn't wear oxfords? You can still rock the menswear look with these options. Merona Menswear Flats ($12.48) Calvin Klein 'Olicia' Pumps ($117.95) Steve Madden 'Trikki' Booties ($129) |
 |
What's your take on denim shoes? Are they wearable? I'm more put-off by them. AndI really hope no one would think to match them with blue jeans or anything denim. There's a reason those days are gone. But regardless of what we think, they've made a comeback. You'll find denim boots, wedges, sandals, flats and sneaks. Wouldn't wear denim shoes? I'm obsessed with nude shoes-- they're also on trend and they go with everything! RSVP Sascha Sandals ($79) Miss Conduct Platform Wedge ($79.99) Jeffrey Campbell 'Kayla' Flats ($119.95) |
 |
Don't think you'll actually be riding a bike in these! This shoe style is identified by studs, chains, buckles, leather and most importantly, edge. I'd include the trendy cage sandals in this category as well. Wouldn't wear these biker chic shoes? These don't seem as extreme, but still have "rocker-chic" in them: Studded Ballet Flats from Overstock ($33.99) BCBG Paris Metallic Sandal ($69.95) REPORT Signature 'Remson' Pump ($219.95) |
Did you get a kick out of these shoes? Share this with the other shoe lovers you know!
Share
And let's talk shoes! What other shoe trends (past or present) do you find fugly? I bet a lot of you will talk about crocs! Don't forget to tell me your take on the shoes above--good or bad!
Check out these summer shoes: Gold Sandals | Fit Flops | Knotted Sandals
We're doing a Mystery Shopper project! Learn about the Secret Shhhopper
Join us on YouTube! AOLShoppingTV
See hot retail news on our Daily Scout
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Share
And let's talk shoes! What other shoe trends (past or present) do you find fugly? I bet a lot of you will talk about crocs! Don't forget to tell me your take on the shoes above--good or bad!
Check out these summer shoes: Gold Sandals | Fit Flops | Knotted Sandals
We're doing a Mystery Shopper project! Learn about the Secret Shhhopper
Join us on YouTube! AOLShoppingTV
See hot retail news on our Daily Scout
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Comments page 1 of 4
Highest Rank
dogonnit_g said 5-17-2010 @6:44AM
I'd worry about sand sticking to the sticky sandals...uncomfy!!
replyHighest Rank
Gepetto said 5-17-2010 @1:27PM
No freaking way... Most of those so-called shoes are ugly enough, but those sandals best be used as rat traps. I mean first off, just how many times could you wear them before the glue wears out? Second, when you are done wearing them, will the glue stay on your feet? If so, then your feet instantly become a magnet for everything on your floor or carpet. Sorry, but I can still come up with about a dozen more reasons to hate these freakish foot boards. Just some are too disgusting to name here....
Highest Rank
Ladybug 100 said 5-17-2010 @6:55AM
I owned a pair of Sticky Sandals years ago and they really work fine. Fun and comfortable. Kinda weird looks you get from people but they are fun to wear.
replyHighest Rank
Ida said 5-17-2010 @8:07AM
When I lived in Hawaii in 85 we sold these types of shoes, they were called Cheap Charlies Sole Suckers. They were very fun when they first came out. When I moved to SF I saw them in a novelty shop but its not the same clientel so they faded out.
Lowest Rank
Larrikin01 said 5-17-2010 @9:47AM
Ida@Monday 17 May- Re:"They were very fun".
Your use of the word FUN is wrong and I hate it. It was fun, it is fun, they were fun. Any person who uses the fun in a sentence the way You did is not cool, they just lack an education. They "were" very funny is proper or they were lots of fun to wear.
Highest Rank
Kell said 5-17-2010 @10:08AM
Larrikin needs to get a life. There was nothing wrong with what she wrote.
Highest Rank
Lynne said 5-17-2010 @10:28AM
There's nothing wrong with Ida's usage. This just just a contemporary abbreviation of being fun to wear or use, as in "are fun" or "are so fun." Nothing wrong with using current idioms. They're what makes language fluid and interesting.
And...I have something like 12 years of post college education, so I probably beat out Larrikin01's qualifications =)
Highest Rank
Ladybug 100 said 5-17-2010 @10:50AM
Larrikin01: Why did you make the y of You a capital letter in the middle of your sentence?
I did not write: "they were fun" ---your words, not mine.
Do you have much/any/no fun in life other than being a "what ever you call yourself"?
Get a pair of sticky sandals---then you can have some fun!!
Thanks to the other commenters for their remarks.
Neutral
Alex said 5-17-2010 @5:56PM
Larrikin01, most people do not follow the grammatical rules for fun anyway. Funner and funnest are technically the appropriate forms instead of more fun and most fun, but I bet you'd also go with what sounds best. Language evolves.
That out of the way, I like the idea of the sticky sandals for the convenience of keeping by the door to get the newspaper or mail, but I'd never buy shoes just for that.
Neutral
Lily said 5-17-2010 @2:11PM
Lynne is right. Even the dictionary evolves to accomodate the changes in our use of language. There's nothing wrong with what she said.
Larrikin, perhaps you need to go back to school before you critique others. I see many grammatical mistakes in your writing, and I have a B.A. in English, a Master's in Education, and years of post graduate work.
Neutral
babyblue said 5-17-2010 @8:47PM
most americans dont do the correct grammer....
so here u go! AINT isnt a word but i luv it!!!!!!!
lol
Highest Rank
Elmo said 5-17-2010 @7:21AM
So tell me, sticky or not, why would you pay $15 to $50 for flip flops? Shoes you have to hold with your toes? They sell these everyday at Wallyworld for less than $5. Surely you're not serious about adding $45 for a name/brand?
replyNeutral
A-Men said 5-19-2010 @1:52PM
If you're paying $15 to $20 for a pair of sandals friend, you've already lost the war. I can buy a pair most anywhere that are rubber, have the vertical piece that slips next to your big toe and costs about $3 a set. Buy three sets and you'll be set for the summer and still come out less than $12 bucks. And if you lose one or so, who cares THEY'RE SANDALS for Christ's Sake!
Lowest Rank
norm said 5-17-2010 @7:56AM
Why would anyone want to look at feet? Adult feet are UGLY, folks, as in "kiss my foot", or that's why Jesus was into "foot washing", because they are disgusting.
replyHighest Rank
julie said 5-17-2010 @12:09PM
my feet are cute
Highest Rank
Mary said 5-17-2010 @7:57AM
I would worry about the "sticky sandals" being a safety hazzard.
replyI can't see wearing something that could cause one to fall down, as even regular thongs can be tricky.
Highest Rank
Camille Green said 5-17-2010 @8:08AM
LOL----Sticky Sandals ! They're back ! (Or maybe they haven't really been gone) . More than 30 years ago I bought similar sandals called "Sole Suckers"at Carolina Beach in North Carolina. I enjoyed them tremendously--even wore them in the water. If sand stuck to them , I can't remember that I felt it was a problem. The novelty of them might have made sand sticking acceptable. Good Grief ! I was LOTS younger then.
replyHighest Rank
merlyn said 5-17-2010 @8:09AM
I remember buying flip flops for .99 a pair! $18.00!!!! Darn I'm getting old. No way would I paid $18.00 for rubber footware. The Japanese must be saying "stupid Americans"!
replyNeutral
bryanornorma said 5-17-2010 @8:15AM
These Sticky Sandals are even more stupid than flip-flops. It is a broken foot or anckle waiting for a place to happen.
replyI remember when flip-flops were something to wear to help prevent foot desease in a shower and were called shower clogs.
Then some moron said it was a cool fashion thing and all the morons of the world said, "Yes, I have to be cool. I wil wear these things even if it kills me" What a bunch of crap.
Neutral
Mr.P said 5-17-2010 @12:27PM
Oh you STFU CRYBABY!!!!