There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the famous Tabi shoes with their utterly unique split-toe feature: you either love it or hate it. There is absolutely no in-between. But one thing is for sure, you can’t keep your eyes off them. They create discourse, conversations because they create interest. Sure, you think they’re ugly, but they create a need to get a comment off of you. Interested in creating discourse through fashion? Here are the ugly shoes you should consider to start your journey.
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Tabi Shoes
These hoof-like shoes broke the internet for their unique, split toe features. These Japanese footwear were designed with ancient Japanese traditions in mind, focusing on modern design, functionality, and comfort. Today, brands like Maison Margiela and Nike have adopted the Tabi features due to their uniqueness and how they took the world by storm.

Zmeika Three-Toed Mary Janes
Founded by two friends who love the bold, the mystical, and the unusual, these three-toed shoes are inspired by Slavic Folklore creatures, turning these legends into modern shoes. Dasha and Fanya, the founders of Zmeika, believe that there is a certain charm to so-called “ugly” shoes, which led to the creation of their uniquely shaped footwear.

AVAVAV Finger Shoes
The Stockholm-based brand isn’t a stranger to creating statements with its fashion pieces. Whether or not you describe them as “ugly,” one thing is for sure: it’s bringing up a dialogue. One of their uniquely shaped shoes that will strike interesting conversations is their Finger Ankle Boots, which features one more toe than Zmeika’s. Expect judgmental eyes following your footsteps, but should that be something you should be conscious of? Of course, not!

BHIVE Drago Shoes
You don’t need to split your shoes to make a statement, you just need the “ugly” charm, and for BHIVE, it’s their flipper-like Drago shoes. Featuring webbed feet similar to a duck’s and an interesting curved heel, these details are present from their sandals to knee-high boots. Chic, unique, and charming, these “ugly” shoes are guaranteed a double take at your ensemble.

Featured Image and Photos: TABI, MAISON MARGIELA, AVAVAV, ZMEIKA, BHIVE (via Website)

Moira Del Rosario
Once immersed in fictional writing at UP Diliman, Moira del Rosario eventually traded imagined worlds for the fast-paced landscape of digital media as a Digital Content Writer for MEGA Asia, covering women’s stories across the region alongside the latest in beauty.
They spotlight women shaping culture today through profiles, exclusive features, and roundups on Asian representation at global fashion events. They also write about beauty through a growing lens—covering makeup, skincare, wellness, nails, and fragrance with curiosity and a strong eye for emerging trends.
Having worked in digital media for years, Moira is drawn to stories that beg to be unraveled—from the ever-changing landscape of pop culture and the inner workings of beauty to queer voices that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and championed.
