The trend pendulum usually swings pretty strongly from one direction to another. Think of the ‘90s minimalism that followed ‘80s rock glamour—or the early aught’s ultra low-rise-denim obsession that gave way to a high-rise resurgence. It’s happening right now with footwear: With this summer’s affinity for barely-there sandals, it’s not shocking that one of the next boundary-pushing shoe silhouettes for fall is one that’s unapologetically chunky. Yes, we’re talking about clogs.
Having received the stamp of approval from designers at Gucci, Coach, and Tory Burch, the chunky, wooden-heeled shoe perfectly fits the criteria for the next soon-to-be-viral “ugly” shoe. Its shape is bulbous, it has a tough exterior often with heavy metal detailing, and, in some cases, it produces an audible clack with each step. However the latest interpretations—or even old faithful styles from brands like Dansko or Hasbeens—make for an eye-catching juxtaposition to fall’s flowing midi skirts or an otherwise streamlined cropped trouser ensemble. And since clogs offer a practical footwear option that’s a bit more supportive and comfortable than your average heels, guaranteed its newfound popularity in 2019 has only just begun. Shop some of our favorites, ahead.
