The Ugly Shoe Is Fashion’s New Festival Style Staple

Imagine for a moment that it’s already time to jet off to the sun-soaked stretch of SoCal called Indio. We’re speaking, of course, about Coachella and the unofficial start of festival season: one of the first occasions to break out your celebratory warm-weather wardrobe. Though Coachella has lost much of its cachet in the style department, it still sets many of the season’s trends, the festival shoe in particular. Last year saw the rise of the dad sneaker, replacing the combat boots and gladiator sandals of Coachella’s past. This year, consider fashion’s favorite ugly shoe to be a refreshing counterpoint to the ubiquitous crop tops and flower crowns.

At Fashion Weeks around the world, many showgoers have stepped out in the super-functional and fashion-forward trend. In Paris, for example, street style stars paired athleisure with chunky hiking boots, or silver Birkenstocks with a long skirt and patterned crop top. Wearing off-kilter footwear is ultimately about having fun and staying comfortable—what better choice for listening to music all day in a crowd?

Below, 13 quirky shoes to help you stay cool and comfy at Coachella and any other festival you head off to this year.