How the padded shoe became fashion’s latest ‘ugly’ trend

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that comfort is key. From leggings as daywear to the meteoric rise of hooded blankets, it’s clear that perspective has shifted on the fashion front, and now it’s the turn of accessories to be introduced to the fold. Enter: the padded shoe.

Now, hear me out. Admittedly, this is a bit of a bizarre one, but ‘comfy’ shoe trends are nothing new. Both Crocs and Uggs have made a notable resurgence and Birkenstock’s Boston clogs have hit the top 10 list of products in Lyst’s fashion index for the past five quarters.

What were once considered ‘ugly’ shoe trends and brands have made their way to the mainstream, with a little help from some of the world’s top models.

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And next in line is the padded shoe.

Think sleeping bags or puffer jackets for your feet – cosy, right? No wonder supermodels Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner decided to try the trend out for themselves at the end of last year during their holidays in snowy Aspen.

Bieber sported a black cushioned black boot version of the trend whilst walking around the Colorado ski town on New Year’s Eve, styling the leather-look puffed boots with an oversized wool coat with padded shoulders and micro-shades, both by Saint Laurent.

£41.50 £55 at ASOS

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Straight from the catwalk, the model’s Loewe boots come in at £895, but several more affordable versions of the style are already available on the high street.

Not quite the same as a moonboot, the padded trend doesn’t discriminate between shoe styles appearing on trainers and formal slip-on versions too.

Bieber demonstrated her love for the trend again just three days later when back in Los Angeles she swapped out her books for a pair of padded Puma slip-on mules.

Would you wear the padded shoe trend?

Try the trend

Buy it: Puma Suede Mayu mules in black | £41.50 (Was £55) at ASOS

£41.50 £55 at ASOS

Buy it: Maxi Clog | £74.99 (Was £120) at Ugg

£74.99 £120 at Ugg

Buy it: Shaka schlaf padded slipper shoes in khaki | £60.35 (Was £129) at ASOS

£60.35 £129 at ASOS

Buy it: Contrast Sole Padded Shoe Boots | £24 (Was £40) at BooHoo

£24 £40 at Boohoo

Buy it: Tommy Jeans padded boots in white | £160 at ASOS

£160 at ASOS

Buy it: Padded trainer boots | £34.99 at H&M

£34.99 at H&M

Originally published January 6, 2023, 7:51 AM