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2016-03-08-top-ten-ugliest-shoes

The Asics Gel Noosa fell short of number one on our overall list but would reign champion if we tallied the worst color schemes. Whether the colors were intentionally graffiti or not, the shoe does provide a light and neutral ride. If attention is what you’re looking for, the Gel Noosa Tri will guarantee a few #whatarethooooooooooose?!?! 


We’ll get the elephant out of the room: no, you can’t walk on water in these shoes. The Under Armour Fat Tire 2 shoe touts itself as having the best of both worlds (not land and sea): being both cushioned and having a responsive underfoot. The boat-like physique, along with the interesting color scheme, may cause the shoe trouble attracting buyers, but – there are plenty of fish in the sea. 

The Hoka One One Constant 2 is the most stable and cushioned shoe made by Hoka. The wide platform with the thick under sole are hard functionalities to get around aesthetically (are you wearing moon shoes? Maybe.) But they do provide a cushioned ride while maintaining dynamic stability. The Hoka One One Constant may not be the hottest shoe on the market, but for the right person it could be the perfect fit. 

The Skechers’ GoMeb Speed 4 shoe, named after Meb Keflezighi, the record breaking U.S. marathoner, provides the necessities in function, but misses the beat with aesthetics. Possibly aiming for a 90s retro look, the GoMeb came out with some funky colors and patterns. Meb’s shoe of choice for the Boston Marathon in 2014 serves your underfoot well with independent circular GoImpulse sensors and a seamless interior for lightweight comfort. If you can get past the retro patterns, you should Go-ForIt. 


Despite the chunky appearance, the Altra Paradigm prides itself on being a super lightweight supportive ride. Altra probably could have picked some better color combinations and disguised the thick sole a bit more, but function took precedence over fashion in this case. 


The standard, the classic, the tragic looking… The New Balance 990 are steadfast in their bland appearance but they’ve made it 50 years so the looks can’t be holding them back too much. The 990 is the all around shoe that is guaranteed comfortable ride for all levels. If you’re looking for the plain Jane of running shoes, here she is. 

Can’t win ‘em all, Adidas. The typically fashion-forward brand went a little too far with the design of the Springblade Drive. Adidas claims that you have to feel it to believe it, but based on aesthetics this was a strike out. The polymer blades were developed for explosive energy with every step, paired with sweat wicking, breathable mesh on the upper sole.

The Mizuno Wave Tenjin has a fine upper; it’s the lower part of the shoe that makes its aesthetics questionable. The wave-like sole can be a little too much for traditionalists who like their feet firmly on the ground (and a wave plate similar to the Mizuno Wave Rider). That being said, the bottom does serve a purpose: the structure creates shock absorption, thus reducing the impact on every stride. If you are into being different, or just into the latest shock absorption technology, the Wave Tenjin is for you. 

The Reebok ZPUMP Fusion, structurally speaking, may not be the worst shoe; it is more of the additional aesthetics and functionalities that drag it down. The prints and colors don’t do the shoe justice and the pump adds extra bulk to the shoe with seemingly no real benefit. If you don’t mind some extra baggage (and an ugly shoe), this shoe could be for you. 


The list wouldn’t be complete without the shoe that never gets old, just the people that wear them. The elderly deserve some shoes with energy and sparkle, but Brooks Addiction Walker Strap went for the simple standard shoe to go with any outfit. The cushion and stability are unmatched and their pairing with the simple V straps makes them an easy ugly choice. 


Women's Skechers Gomeb Speed

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