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!
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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



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Comments page 4 of 4

  • Judy
    Neutral
    Judy said 5-17-2010 @1:30PM

    I would wear these sticky soals, because I have NO large toe on my left foot and before it was gone I loved to wear flip flops. Also my right foot swells up because of a broken leg from 1979. It is hard to buy shoes of any kind for me, these would work.

    reply
  • Lisa
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    Lisa said 5-17-2010 @1:41PM

    I used to own these in the '80s when they were called, "Sole Suckers"! The adhesive only works for a short while though and after 3 or 4 cleanings it just gives up. Lame non-shoe.

    reply
  • stephen
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    stephen said 5-17-2010 @1:42PM

    People who are allergic to adhesives would end up with a bad case of glue foot.

    reply
  • JDC
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    JDC said 5-17-2010 @1:51PM

    Hey...the first CROCS were/are UGLY, and they have been the hottest thing for a long time now...so you never know what will be the next trend!!!! PS. I still don't own a pair of CROCS...LOL,not my style!!

    reply
  • Pegi@Monday 17 May
    Neutral
    Pegi@Monday 17 May said 5-17-2010 @1:56PM

    These sandels are the greatest! I have had a pair for about 4 years and wear them over and over. I leave the plastic, that came on the shoes, on them until I am ready to wear them. When you put them on, just be careful, where you place your foot is where it is going to stay! I even adjust my toes, you can make them look straighter then they really are! After wearing, I wet them down, let them dry and then put the plastic back on..they're ready to go when I am. Highly recommend! Definitely a conversation starter. I walked up to a guy to ask him what he had on his feet -(too bad I'm older, he was"HOT")

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  • Herb
    Neutral
    Herb said 5-17-2010 @11:15PM

    During 1993 I sold these for $5.00 a pair at a Swap Meet in Tucson. You would be surprised at how many locals and tourist bought them to wear around the pool... :)

    reply
  • lenora
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    lenora said 5-17-2010 @2:12PM

    i don't see what the problem is with the strapless foot wear because you can always do something to make them look better like getting yourself a couple of pieces of foot jewelry,cleaning your feet and getting a nice pedicure i believe you can definetly make a fashion statement.lol what's the harm in doing things different for a change?what i think is boring is everyone walking down the street looking the same.dare to be different and enjoy it.

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  • RHz
    Neutral
    RHz said 5-17-2010 @2:32PM

    Sticky sandals are great for people getting tattoos on their feet. While the foot is healing, you don't have to worry about flip-flop straps or socks or anything like that rubbing on your feet.

    reply
  • Shari
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    Shari said 5-17-2010 @2:35PM

    negative people, shut up already! You are taking life tooooooooo seriously!!!

    reply
  • Angiebaby
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    Angiebaby said 5-17-2010 @3:06PM

    Let's play a game, boys & girls! Raise your hand if you know what can stick to sticky shoes!
    Mary. "Other people's hair!"
    Bobby. "Dog hair!"
    Johnny. "Pollen!"
    Will. "Sand!"
    Timmy. "Body fluids!"
    Ahh haa ha! Gross. Nobody in their right mind would wear these sandals. Not only for the gross reasons they are unhygienic, but what the hell do you think is going to happen when your feet get hot & sweaty... and the glue melts? I know. I didn't think it could get worse than all the extras that can get stuck to them, either. But obviously it can.

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  • Barbara
    Neutral
    Barbara said 5-17-2010 @8:30PM

    I sell these sandals...Topless Sandals and the new ones w/an arch are called Strapless Sandals...I make the best cutest prettiest foot jewelry to go w/them...an anklet and toe thong to match. I have sold over 3,000 pair in the last few years...you become more stuck to them as you wear them because they are heat and pressure activated but they are easy to get off and when you wash them, and you have to wash them to get the oil from your feet off the glue then they re-stick and are guaranteed by the manufacturer for a year after purchase. If you want to see my web site, e-mail me. They are too fun and too cute ~

    reply
  • David S.
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    David S. said 5-17-2010 @4:01PM

    The ones with the tall heels are ideal --- for hookers.

    reply
  • Jan
    Neutral
    Jan said 5-17-2010 @3:47PM

    I have these topless sandals and they are such fun to wear..Had them for 2 years and still sticky. You can get them for 11.99 on topless-sandals.com..lots of different patterns to choice from and once you wear them you will love them... : )

    reply
  • ANNA
    Neutral
    ANNA said 5-18-2010 @5:27PM

    eeek its like attack o the scary shoes theese things are a twisted ankle waiting to happen. frankly, i am shocked and appalled to see that anyone would pay money for theese

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  • Brian Workman
    Neutral
    Brian Workman said 5-17-2010 @4:35PM

    Sticky Sandals would work for people,who have had recient foot surgery, and can't wear a normal shoe?!?

    reply
  • Jessica
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    Jessica said 5-17-2010 @5:38PM

    No thank you to any of those!!!

    reply
  • Barbara
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    Barbara said 5-17-2010 @8:32PM

    Yes, this is a wonderful alternative to shoes when you have foot surgery...check the web site: www.prettiesbybj.com I have both men and women's sizes...best of luck w/your recovery!

    reply
  • Lj
    Neutral
    Lj said 5-18-2010 @12:43AM

    Sole suckers were my favorite! Back in the day I had many different colors. They were cheap to buy, fun to wear and lasted a long time. I lived in San Diego, Paciific Beach actually, and I went bare foot most of the time. However, there were places I couldn't in without shoes so I would take out my suckers step on them and away I'd go. (to store them you put the sticky surfaces together.) Sand wasn't a problem either because where you skin came in contact with the sandal no sand got to. When you were done wearing them you just washed the surface off no big deal. Guess you have to be from a beach area to really get it. Funny how history repeats itself.

    reply
  • Alice
    Neutral
    Alice said 5-24-2010 @9:51AM

    http://www.tochristianlouboutin.com

    The fashion word is always a topic that is talked about among people.Nobody can ignore the existence of Christian Louboutin shoes in the fashion world. The famous red outsole and high heel both formed the distinctive features of Christian Louboutin.

    In foreign countries , a great number of women chases the fever of Christian Louboutin pumps. When you see a red outsole you can definitely pick it out and say that it is the Christian Louboutin shoes. Red outsole has become the logo of Christian Louboutin since it appeared,And the logo turned up by accident. However, you can never forget the beauty that the Christian Louboutin sandals brings to you. When you walk out of the indoor circumstance, your slim,beautiful and grace leg could easily catch people’s eyes.Apparently, the design of Christian Louboutin always make people feel fresh,each season, Christian Louboutin will have its own styles that eagerly look forward to fashion. Ladies could not help to chaseing such things. Christian Louboutin also consider the customer’s thoughts, there is a part in the front so as to make you feel more comfortable, even the heel seems like 20 inches but you still can enjoy the comfortable wearing feelings because of such a small part.

    reply

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