Fashion

19 Stylishly Ugly Sandals For Prom To Help You Reach Peak '90s Nostalgia During The Big Dance

One of the most fantastically hilarious things to happen to fashion in recent years is the ugly sandal trend. Some people despise the fact that we're letting everyone get away with clunky soles, thick straps, and cumbersome buckles guaranteed to look horrible in photos a decade from now, but I personally am loving it. Ugly sandals are comfortable, and their hideosity (you know, the trendy kind of hideous) somehow makes them go with everything — including your prom dress.

Sure, heels have always been the norm at prom, but flat shoes (of all kinds) are becoming more widely acceptable as the way to go, even at your most formal events. Flip flops at the dance could feel lazy, but wearing these so-called ugly sandals to prom would make a big ole style statement. If you're down to embrace the fact that comfort is in (and you definitely should), here are 19 metallic, embellished, and all-around cool sandals to shop now.

Gold Buckles

A thick, platform sole adds extra height without making dancing more difficult.

Frill Sandal, $88, Nordstrom

Silver Birks

Obviously, I have to include the original “ugly” sandal in this “ugly” sandal roundup. They’re comfortable and metallic, which equals perfection on prom night.

Birkenstock ‘Mayari’ Birken-Flor Sandal, $90, Nordstrom

Oil Slick

The slightly-holographic finish of these silver shoes is fantastic.

Dirty Laundry Babette Flat Sandal, $50, Chinese Laundry

White & Silver

All-white sandals are great, but all-white sandals with a touch of metal detailing are even better.

Ficuzza Sandals, $45, Call It Spring

Metallic Slides

Pulling of sandals at prom is a whole lot easier if they’re metallic.

SO Women’s Two Piece Slingback Sandals, $30, Kohls

Black Straps

Classic black makes sure these sandals will work well past your prom night.

Corona Sandal, $90, Seychelles Footwear

Metallic Slides

These are literally metallic pool slides. Do I really need to say anything else?

Stussy Link Leather Slide Sandal, $130, Nastygal

Rope Details

The thick strap keeps these decidedly in on the “ugly cool” trend, but that rope detailing is so perfect for summer.

Isha Sandal, $70, Sperry

Lacey Espadrilles

OK, fine. The lace on this means they barely fall under the “ugly” trend, but I’m including them for how comfortable they are.

Tulip Lace Sandal, $65, Soludos

Hot Pink

If all these metallics aren’t quite your style, a pair of fuchsia sandals may suit you better.

Women’s Double Band Sandals, $17, Old Navy

Gold Glitz

MORE GLITTER.

Glittery Sandals, $25, H&M

Baby Pink

Pale blush is an unexpected shoe color for prom, but it’s girly in the all the best ways.

Abbot Slides, $78, J.Crew

Jellies

Please, for the love of all things ’90s nostalgia, wear glittery jelly sandals to prom this year. PLEASE.

Juju Footwear Glitter Babe Heeled Jelly Sandal, $50, Urban Outfitters

Glamping Sandals

Teva is doing metallics now, and I don’t think it’s because sparkle somehow makes mountain climbing easier.

Women’s Original Universal Leather Metallic, $75, Teva

Clear Jewels

They have the shape of an “ugly” sandal, but the faux crystals of evening wear so… yep. These are the ultimate prom shoes.

Jewels Out For Summer Sandal, $50, Modcloth

Beachy Slides

The woven sole on these slides balances the thick, bold strap.

Boardwalk Breeze Black Espadrille Slide Sandals, $17, Lulus

Girl Band Platforms

The Spice Girls would be so proud.

Pixie Block Heel Cleated Sandals, $44, Boohoo

Strappy Platforms

And if you wore these, the Spice Girls would be literally sobbing.

Patent Faux Leather Platform Sandal, $32, Forever 21

Embellished Sandals

Just because you’re going the more casual, ugly sandal route doesn’t mean you can’t rock a substantial amount of bling.

Hibiscus Embellished Sandals, $50, Topshop

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