Fashion’s ongoing love affair with the “ugly shoe” shows no signs of slowing down. From Crocs to glove-like toe sneakers to Margiela’s cult-favorite Tabis, unconventional footwear is continuing its impressive reign — and often for committed fashion insiders, the weirder the shoe, the better. But this spring, a more wearable (and perhaps more palatable) take on the “ugly” shoe is gaining momentum.
Clogs have quickly emerged as a standout shoe trend to watch this season. From the more literal ’70s-inspired pairs and wooden styles that look straight out of a Dutch fairytale to sleeker, more modern sandal interpretations, the once-polarizing shoe is back in full force.
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The clog revival was hard to miss on the spring 2026 runways, where updated takes on the shoe punctuated a range of looks. At Bottega Veneta, woven leather and colorful rubber clogs finished ensembles with ’70s-style studs, striking an old-meets-new balance. Offering another modern twist, Zimmermann and Simone Rocha ventured into clog-sandal territory: Zimmermann leaned into retro wooden platforms, while Rocha offered PVC mule styles finished with crystal embellishments.
Off the runway, A-listers from Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep to Zendaya and Anne Hathaway are helping cement the trend — proving clogs are both practical and ageless. And maybe even incredibly chic? Moore wore Bottega Veneta’s woven leather Gondola clogs while sitting front row at the house’s February show, choosing a white woven style to offset an all-black look and making a case for the clog after dark.
Meanwhile, on the press tour for “The Drama,” Zendaya proved the shoe’s Gen Z appeal when she stepped out in a pair of $140 Dansko clogs styled with an elevated, billowy black-and-white ensemble.
Leaning into a more classic ’70s sensibility, Hathaway and Halle Berry have both been spotted out in traditional wooden clog shoes, helping make the once-“ugly” shoe feel anything but.
Once considered purely utilitarian, clogs have reentered the fashion conversation as a statement shoe with real staying power. Just as importantly, their appeal this season lies in how easy they are to wear: equal parts comfortable and practical, the style lends itself naturally to spring and summer dressing. Pair clog sandals with dresses or statement skirts for a touch of bohemian ease, or opt for a heeled version with denim and linen trousers for a more polished take.
Whether you embrace a traditional, no-frills pair or one of this season’s more modern interpretations, clogs may finally be shedding their “ugly shoe” label and stepping into staple status.
Shop Spring’s Standout Clogs
Simon Miller Wooden Clogs
Bottega Veneta Gondola Clogs
Tory Burch Sandal Clogs
Dr. Scholl’s Feels Platform Clogs
Farm Rio Jelly Clogs
Charlotte Stone Slingback Clogs