Why are dad shoes considered the "ugly yet popular" fashion paradox?
Publish Time: 2025-09-09
In contemporary fashion culture, dad shoes are undoubtedly a hot topic. Their heavy appearance, complex lines, retro color schemes, and even a touch of "clumsy" have led many to initially dismiss them as "ugly." Yet, this seemingly unaesthetic shoe has become a global craze, coveted by fashion influencers, celebrity bloggers, and everyday consumers alike. This "unassuming yet instantly popular" phenomenon is a classic example of the "ugly yet popular" fashion paradox.
The "ugliness" of dad shoes stems from their design language's departure from traditional aesthetic standards. They often feature exaggerated soles, multi-layered construction, obtrusive plastic accents, and highly saturated retro colors, creating an overall look that appears bulky and unrefined. These shoes first emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s as training or jogging shoes designed by sports brands for functionality. For this reason, when they reappeared in the public eye under the guise of "retro," they had a strong visual impact, earning them the tongue-in-cheek nickname "dad shoes."
However, it was precisely this "ugliness" that made them unique and instantly recognizable. After years of minimalism, younger consumers grew weary of the stereotypical "minimalist" style and overly designed "perfection." They sought individual expression and rebelliousness, and dad shoes provided just that outlet. Their "ugliness" wasn't a flaw, but a stance—a refusal to conform to mainstream aesthetics, emphasizing their own style. This "anti-fashion" stance made them a symbol of a new generation's trendy culture.
More fundamentally, the popularity of dad shoes is inseparable from the driving force of the fashion industry and the amplification effect of social media. Luxury brands like Balenciaga pioneered the rebranding of dad shoes, elevating them from "outdated sneakers" to "high-end fashion items" through high pricing, limited releases, and runway exposure. This "ugly luxury" strategy successfully generated buzz, stimulating consumers' curiosity and a desire for identity. Meanwhile, fashion bloggers on platforms like Instagram and Xiaohongshu frequently post street snaps wearing dad shoes, further reinforcing their trendy image and creating a powerful visual appeal.
Furthermore, dad shoes aren't just about their controversial appearance; their practicality is equally important. Their thickened midsole provides excellent cushioning, making them suitable for long walks; their wide silhouette is adaptable to a wide range of foot shapes; and their retro design easily pairs with wide-leg pants, socks, and even skirts, offering a wide variety of styling possibilities. This combination of comfort, versatility, and eye-catching appeal makes them highly practical for everyday wear.
Ultimately, the "ugly yet popular" dad shoes reveal a profound fashion truth: beauty and ugliness aren't absolutes, but rather dynamic concepts shaped by cultural context, social psychology, and commercial logic. When the public begins to question what beauty truly is, once-marginalized elements have an opportunity to rise again. The popularity of dad shoes represents more than just a resurgence of footwear; it's a declaration of the democratization of aesthetics—in this era, imperfection can be cool, and bulkiness can be a focal point. It reminds us that true trends often begin with a challenge to convention.
