In case you have been living under a rock, 'ugly' shoes are fashion's latest obsession, and now Chanel has revealed its take. The Chanel Cruise collection, creative director Matthieu Blazy's first, titled Sous le salon la plage, showcased the brand's latest designs from the seaside town of Biarritz, France.
While it was bright shades and big beach bags galore, one new and unusual barely-there shoe silhouette, which is yet to have a price, has kicked up a fuss - and not because they are in demand. The design only covers the heel of the foot and ties around the front, coming in a variety of colours depending on the style, with black and gold showcased on yesterday's runway.
But unlike some of the other 'ugly' shoes that have built up a following in recent times, Chanel's take has failed to impress. One observer said: 'Is the price half off too?' Another sarcastically remarked: 'Because I'm so ready to get my feet dirty.' A third added: 'Anyone who's stupid enough to wear that is also stupid enough to pay full price.' Another concerned observer questioned: 'And the rest of the sole? What a pain in the feet just seeing it.'
The Rise of Sneakerinas
Just months ago, sneakerinas entered the spotlight - a hybrid 'ugly' shoe blending the practical aspects of trainers with the light, feminine features of ballet flats for comfort and style. With their quirky style, the shoe might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the silhouette's surge in popularity is undeniable. Shopping platform Lyst last year witnessed a 1300 per cent increase in searches for the term 'ballet trainers'.
While sneakerinas have been in high fashion circles for some time, with MiuMiu, Acne Studios, and Ferragamo all having versions, they have now trickled down to high street stores. Most recently, M&S has revealed its version. Priced at £50, the shoe blends a classic, dainty Mary Jane with a trainer-like sole, making for an elevated shoe that is fit for dropping the kids off at nine and a fancy brunch at eleven.
'Blending soft suede finishes, Mary Jane straps and trainer-level comfort, the sneakerina taps into fashion's obsession with wearable hybrids. Polished enough for dresses, practical enough for everyday life,' the brand's website reads. If the M&S version does not quite cut it, plenty of others are available to shop on the high street, including silhouettes sported by Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and nepo baby Iris Law.
Stylist's Perspective
While it is easy for pop stars and models to pull off almost any shoe, personal stylist Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail that they, too, can be perfect for midlife shoppers. 'Sneakerinas sit perfectly between a ballet flat and a trainer and that's exactly why they've taken off,' she said.
'For midlife women in particular, they answer a long-standing style frustration: we want comfort without feeling sporty, and polish without discomfort. High-street brands like Marks & Spencer embracing them is a clear signal that this isn't a flash trend, it's a wardrobe solution.' For Talbot, the style works because it feels lighter on foot, but looks more elegant than a trainer, while also sitting comfortably in the more relaxed, fluid silhouettes commonly worn now. Looking to style them in midlife? The key, Talbot says, is to treat them as a polished flat, not a trainer.
