The sneaker industry works in mysterious ways. Some kicks reach astonishing levels of hype although they look pretty basic. Other really cool kicks drop without any popularity. But one thing that the industry agreed on is that ugly sneakers are a thing. But how did they really become this popular? And are they here to stay? Today we’ll answer these questions and check out some industry favorites… Or favorite kicks that we love to hate on! So, if you’re looking for an ironic distraction this holiday season, we got you.
PS: We’re super subjective, so if you don’t agree with our opinions, it’s totally ok! But make sure you bring your sense of humor because we might go a-roasting.
Why Do We Like Ugly Sneakers?
It may have started as a love-hate relationship, but it became much more. You see, when ugly sneakers make it to fashion runways, you know they’ll be a thing. They’re just not eye candy, but that’s definitely not a turn-off for lots of people… obviously. But you see, there’s a pattern going on there. You see, retro sneakers are forever in, and it’s a big umbrella that includes so many silhouettes. Some of those silhouettes are not your standard pretty design.
In addition to that, the pandemic, which still feels like yesterday, left a deeper mark than we thought. You see, the footwear industry generally shifted towards comfortable shoes. And let’s be honest, nobody cares about looks when it comes to comfort, do you? But somehow, brands managed to make comfortable ugly sneakers look pretty… decent, dare we say? And now that the deed is done, this trend became more than a trend. So, since it’s here to stay, what are the coolest ugly sneakers that you can own?
Drum Roll Please… For the List You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Balenciaga Triple S – Takin’ the Cake Every Year Since Its Launch
At this point in its life, this silhouette is a status symbol. People got over its ugliness pretty quickly after the initial 2017 shock. And if you ever wonder how hype and ugly sneakers could come together, the Triple S will answer that. The kicks look pre-worn… on purpose! However, there’s a reason we have this pair on top of our list. With this pair of kicks, Balenciaga helped with the process of merging the sneaker and high-end fashion industries. Still pretty ugly though…
Yeezy Foam Runner
Okay, we kid you not, Foam Runners were the almost most controversial thing since Thomas Edison. People hated so hard on these babies before they actually dropped. But when they hit the stores, the Runners sold out before you could say Yeezy! And today, they’re pretty valuable on the aftermarket. So if you still have a pair on ice, you know what to do.
Yeezy 500
Another Yeezy silhouette made the list, and for good reason. The Yeezy 500 was nothing like the other silhouettes for multiple reasons. For starters, the 500s don’t have the Boost midsole the others have. It’s not as attractive, and the colorways are just… plain. But despite all that (or because of it), the kicks became pretty popular among sneakerheads!
Fila Disruptor
Oh boy, the hate these sneakers got in 2018 because they were a fashion “fad”. While they’re not pretty, they were hella comfortable and pretty basic. In other words, they were the perfect candidate to style, dress up, and dress down. So, if you’re in your white sneaker era, the Fila Disruptor will be exactly what you need it to be.
Crocs Clogs
Okay, they’re not exactly sneakers, but just put them in sports mode and let it slide. Crocs Clogs are either the most hated or most loved footwear in the world. It all depends on who you ask. But one thing’s for sure: nobody rode the popularity and collaboration wave as well as the brand did. If you don’t believe us, just check out the coolest Crocs here and you’ll become a believer.
Need Some Eye Bleach After Ugly Sneakers?
We know, we know, it’s a hard pill to swallow, but ugly sneakers are here to stay. However, we’re gonna cheer you up with some nice releases that you’ll really want. All you need to do is check out our blog for the juicy news! Mind you, some of these releases will be pretty hard to score on drop day. Hence, an all-in-one sneaker bot is a must, especially if you’re in the sneaker game for the long haul.
Now, finding the right sneaker bot is a quest of its own, but luckily, we have a lift ready here! But even better, we have the only sneaker bot you would ever need just a click away. A sneaker bot like NSB has your back on all the sites that matter like Nike SNKRS, Footsites, and especially Shopify! So get your NSB key today to help you kickstart your sneaker reselling business. And if you need some help, this guide is just what you need. Godspeed!
