Whether you like it or not, ugly sandals haven’t just come back in style, they have taken over as the It shoe of the summer. From crunchy hippie Birkenstocks that were big from the ’60s and well into the ’80s to the active outdoor strappy Tevas that were a hit in the ’90s. Even the sporty slide sandals made popular by soccer and basketball players in the ’90s are back.
They’re showing up on everyone’s feet, from top editors — such as Lucky’s Editor-in-Chief Eva Chen, who Instagrams her footwear daily and often features the classic Birkenstocks — to celebrities like the Olsen twins and Heidi Klum running around town and traveling.
If you’re up to try (or even retry) the trend, choose a pair from some of our favorite options and take a chance on a style that’s sure to stick around for a few seasons.
Adidas super stripes
Just in time for the World Cup, these throwback slides will make anyone a fan.
Adidas Originals synthetic “Adilette Slides” sandals, $25 at adidas.com
Nike purple persuasion
Why not have heads turn with a fun and funky pair?
Synthetic “Benassi Just Do It” slides, $26 at nike.com
Scarlet fever
You won’t get any more luxe than a pair of red leather slides with your initials.
Ancient Greek leather “Thais” sandals, $235 at shopbop.com
Leaping leopard
If you love animal prints, you’re going to love these chunky numbers.
Leather “Adora” sandals, $110 at samedelman.com
Wild flowers
Dark floral prints are all over the red carpet, so why not bloom during the day, too?
Synthetic leather “Boniella” sandals, $89.95 at stevemadden.com
Classic Birkenstock
You can’t go wrong with a top-seller style that will go with everything.
Birkenstock “Arizona” Amalfi leather sandals, $130 at urbanoutfitters.com
New neon Birkenstock
If the classic two-strap style isn’t your thing, go for these electric thongs.
Birkenstock “Gizeh Patent Thong” sandals, $90 at urbanoutfitters.com
Sports center
These two-tone numbers will work with anything from a flirty dress to tomboy jeans.
DV by Dolce Vita polyurethane “Easy” sandals, $45 at dolcevita.com
Total comfort
These updated gladiators are the ultimate city walking sandal.
Tommy Hilfiger canvas-and-rubber “Stripe Gladiator” sandals, $59 at usa.tommy.com
Blue note
Pair these with a red dress and you’ve got your Fourth of July ensemble set.
Leather “Strappy Track Sole” sandals, limited quantity on sale for $59.99 at zara.com
Teva trek
These old-school sandals are now OK to wear on the trails and the sidewalks.
Rubber and nylon “Zirra” sandal, $70 at teva.com
Golden ticket
Simple and flashy all in one . . . these are the ultimate sandal for the summer.
PONS leather “Classic Style Glitter” sandals, $79 at avarcasusa.com