A Review of 5 Sneakers: Ugly Yet Attractive

Some things may seem incredibly ugly at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they exude a certain coolness. Eventually, you might even end up placing an order. These five pairs of sneakers give me exactly that feeling, and I'd like to share them with you.

1. Dad Shoes (Balenciaga)

Balenciaga's designs are truly remarkable! They are large, trendy, beautiful, and comfortable. The Balenciaga Cargo is so huge that it's hard to accept at first sight.

However, once you put them on, you'll find them incredibly comfortable and easy to match.

They pair perfectly with curved-leg pants or wide-leg pants. Both men's and women's styles look stylish. Wearing them makes you feel like you're piloting two small boats. Be careful not to trip while walking, and avoid wearing them while driving.

2. Five-Finger Shoes (Vibram)

These shoes may seem strange at first, but they are actually very versatile.

They are designed for activities such as yoga, Pilates, deadlifts, and rock climbing, as they allow for better force application. Since the sports venues usually have smooth floors, if you plan to wear them outdoors, it's recommended to choose a thicker sole.

You may feel uncomfortable at first, but after a few days, they will become very comfortable and beneficial for your feet and body.

These shoes engage your toes to maintain balance, reducing the workload on your muscles.

3. Bubble Shoes (Japanese Grounds)

There are several brands of bubble shoes, and the Grounds bubble shoes are easy to match and not tiring to walk in.

However, they are quite large, like another pair of boat-like shoes. They have a Harajuku style, and the transparent thick sole is the highlight, giving you a floating sensation.

Despite the exaggerated bubbles, they provide a surprisingly stable and comfortable foot feel, making them a favorite among shorter people.

At the 2025 "Twin Flames" sharing session, Dai Peini wore another brand, the "Jewelry" Ark Tarte Black Shiny from Mikiosakabe.

4. Wedge Sneakers (Isabel Marant)

Remember the Italian ASH wedge shoes?

Although they have become a thing of the past, a similar "ugly shoe" has recently gained popularity on TikTok.

Isabel Marant launched the Bekett wedge sneakers in 2011, featuring a 7.6 - centimeter hidden wedge, an exaggerated shoe tongue, and Velcro straps, which completely changed our perception of sneakers.

Celebrities like Beyoncé and Rihanna have worn these shoes. Nowadays, on TikTok and in street photography, the Bekett sneakers paired with ultra-short mini skirts and hot pants create a fiery and retro look. The outfits of Zhou Zixuan, Zhou Yutong, Yu Yan, and Xue Haojing with these wedge sneakers exude a touch of French elegance.

They combine the comfort of sneakers with the leg-lengthening effect of high heels and can be worn in various scenarios.

5. Wobble Shoes (Keen)

The originator of the "wobble shoes" is MBT, the Masai Barefoot Technology company from Switzerland.

In 1996, they developed and launched a functional shoe with a wobbling design. The slogan was: "If you don't want to exercise actively, let the MBT wobble shoes help you exercise passively." People who want to lose weight without much effort should like these shoes. You may feel unstable at first, but you'll get used to it after a few days. The boat-shaped curved sole creates an unbalanced walking state, forcing the wearer to adjust the balance mechanism while walking, engaging the whole body's muscles, especially those around the ankle that are not usually used. This helps improve the overall gait and relieve joint pressure. People with different needs can choose different levels of wobble shoes. The Keen wobble shoes have a similar effect, with a comfortable foot feel. The thick sole can make you look taller, and they are very versatile, looking great with jeans, work skirts, or work shorts.