I am always late to the trend train, but decidedly eager once I’m aboard. I like to sit with the idea of a new trend for awhile and consider whether it’s a good fit for me before I entertain the idea of trying it out. This often means I’m a whole season late to a fashion concept. But I’m totally okay with that. I’d rather be late than wasteful, and I’d rather be intentional about my personal style than given to whims.
Want to know what trend I’m finally hooked on?? ‘Ugly’ sandals! As in, super functional, comfortable sandals that are not Birkenstocks. The kind that most people usually reserve for outdoor activity.
Today, I am sharing three reasons WHY I’m into them. Of course they are super comfortable, that is obvious. But it goes way beyond that!
3 Major Perks of ‘Ugly’ Sandals
1 // You’re ready for anything.
When you wear your so-called ‘ugly’ sandals you are literally ready for anything. Going for a walk downtown, chasing kids, walking through wet grass, gardening, water sports, driveway happy hour, bike riding, grocery store trips, the list goes on. You can take on almost anything. Because we are living in a coronavirus world AND it’s summer, I would venture a guess that we are all spending more time than ever outdoors (and still six-feet-apart hopefully!). It’s nice to have prepared (and happy) feet.
2 // You can utilize ‘the other part’ of your closet.
I almost always prefer casual outfits over dressy ones. BUT, I love a good blouse, trouser, dress, etc. I love dressy elements. The beauty of donning a pair of sneakers… or in the summer ‘ugly’ sandals, is that you can pair them with your favorite blouse or dress and the effect is cute, chic and still casual. In effect, ‘ugly’ sandals bring more utility to the dressy side of your closet! That is exactly what I had in mind when I ordered my Tevas. I was thinking of this beautiful, flowered dress, eager to wear it in more of a casual outfit.
3 // They double as the perfect camping/hiking shoe.
I touched on this in #1, but I’d like to expand a bit. I love doing stuff outdoors, but I don’t love the outdoors-geared apparel that often goes hand-in-hand with it. I usually just relegate the oldest items in my closet to be my hiking/camping/outdoors items, which means I usually don’t love what I’m wearing. They are the items too small, too old or too ‘off’ to make it into my normal wardrobe. But ‘ugly’ sandals are in their own category. They work great as a ‘fashion shoe’ AND a shoe you might need for the occasional camping or hiking trip. Double duty in a fashionably serious way. I’m all about that.
A note on fit.
I am wearing my usual size 10 in the Tevas, and I do find them to run a tad bit short. If you have Tevas, I’d love to hear your fit insights in the comments! While writing this post I just saw that they come in an 11 (I previously thought the biggest was 10!) so I might try out that size.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Black Dress: Square Neck Midi Dress (M) c/o Vetta (some sizes are sold out, but I also love this one from Vetta and this Esby option too!) – Midform Sandals (10), Teva
Tan Dress: Smock Dress (6) c/o Everlane (most sizes are sold out, but I love this option ) – Sandals (41), Birkenstock
You already know I’m fully on board w the ugly sandal, but I love how you’ve styled them!!
Thanks girl!! I love how you wear yours too!! You are always inspiring me.
I just got a pair of Tevas in the mail yesterday! Interesting you found your usual size to run short. I usually wear a 10 as well but found them to not hold me forward enough in the shoe so there’s too much room at the front! I’m sizing down to see how that works for me… I have super narrow feet!
Oh, that’s so interesting! I feel like if I could adjust the backstrap and scoot my foot back it would be all better for me. But my feet tend to be on the wider side. I hope the size down for you is a good fit Hannah!
I wear a size 7-7.5, I’m a 37 in Birks and always a 7 for Tevas. I don’t find them short, but I love them and have since I first wore them in the 90s.
I would also highly recommend chacos as another sporty sandal brand to try. I have had my pair since 2005 and they are still going strong!
Second this. I love how adjustable Chacos are in terms of fit. I got the soles of mine replaced last year and now they’re good to go for many more years!
Oh I remember when they were everywhere!! I think that’s why I like them so much. Reliving the 90’s! ><
I have the mid forms in a 10 and they are either a bit short or the strap placement is off. I am finding they stretch out some and my heel is sitting further back now.
That is REALLY helpful Lindsey! I hope mine stretch out a bit too. Thank you!!
That pic of you kicking your foot out is the best photo you’ve ever uploaded! You’re clearly having too much fun :)
The sandals are so unexpected with the pretty floral dresses and it just works! I bought the smock dress from everlane on impulse and it looked ok on me, but it felt so fancy!!! Maybe I should have tried it on with ugly sandals.
I’m having to adjust the way I shop for clothes lately. I have a small budget to spend on clothes and have been trying to by secondhand via eBay/Poshmark/thread up to save money. But I often get so many misses and wish I could just return instead of having to resell. I’m finding it’s worth it to spend extra to buy new so I can return things if they don’t fit. At least until I know my “usual” size in certain brands. I’ve had better luck with shoes. Any tips you have on buying secondhand are much appreciated!
Love the ugly sandals! I like chacos for the extra arch support.
I just bought my first pair a couple of weeks ago… and then I loved them so much I bought a second pair! I am usually a 9 1/2 or 10 so I tried on both the 9 and the 10. The 10 was way way too big and the 9 was still even a little roomy. But then in my second pair, which is the same style you’re wearing in this post, the 9 was a little smaller and I was worried they might be too small. So who knows? I hate when shoes don’t come in half sizes but I do love my Tevas!
Hey! My partner used to be a ww rafting guide and these shoes were a must. I wore Tevas in the 1990’s!! they were my go to shoe in my 30’s. My friends thought I was so dowdy, but I knew I was a trend setter. ugh Ive just turned 60 and they are in fashion again! I may get some more this summer in Australia.
I bought Tevas last summer (your winter – I’m in Australia) and they’re ugly but oh so comfortable! I literally wore them every day chasing a 7 month old around, they are fabulous. I’m a 40 (size 9) and they fit perfectly. I got the mid height option and I love the extra height too. Yay for ugly sandals!