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It’s easy to see the appeal in something like a pair of sleek, strappy sandals; their slim silhouette and innate versatility make them easy to style with just about everything. But if you’re after a footwear staple that goes the extra mile and elevates a look from satisfactory to statement-making, chunky sandals are the ticket. Lovingly referred to as ‘ugly shoes’ by many, the hallmark of this bold trend often entails a platform, lug sole, puffed-up silhouette, oversized buckles, wide straps—or something in between.
But why wear them? To begin, they’re useful for balancing out a look. No designer did this better than Gabriela Hearst at Chloé’s Spring 2022 collectsion, as seen in the above collage. Hearst leaned into crafty, elements like woven and braided yarns to dress up the thick-soled sandal. But Marni’s sandals or lug-sole platforms from Proenza Schouler are also highlights of the season.
Plus, chunky sandals are also more practical than a pair of skinny sandals as they provide more distance from the ground to your foot, making strolls and commutes far more comfortable and clean. And finally, chunky sandals are worth a go because just about every footwear designer is doing a pair at the moment, from classics like Chanel and Jil Sander to boutique brands such as Loeffler Randall and Larroude (with the classic Birkenstock thrown in the mix, of course). Continue ahead to find your pair.
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