This “Ugly” Sandal Trend Has Finally Become Pretty for 2017

last updated 23 March 2017

Pool slides were arguably the most divisive shoe trend in 2016, as these rubbery, sporty sandals became the latest "ugly" shoe to go mainstream. While you might be certain that you will never ever wear a pair of sporty branded sliders (often paired with an obligatory white sports sock too), 2017's take on the idea might make you change your mind about them altogether.

This season, they've had a complete makeover, with the likes of Balenciaga, Topshop, No.21 and more creating satin sliders with bows on the toes. This sandal is no longer limited to ugly ridged rubber soles and sports brand logos; slides 2.0 are adorned with feathers, embellishments and pretty touches. Comfort + decoration = the dream footwear combination, right?

Scroll through the gallery below to shop our edit of the nine best pool slides.

No.21

Knotted Satin Sandals

No.21's knotted sandals are perhaps the most sought-after sliders this summer.

Topshop

Halo Bow Slides

Topshop's satin bow sliders are under £20 and available in pink and khaki.

Zara

Gem Silk Sliders

The crystal watermelons on these leather sliders are just screaming to be Instagrammed.

Brother Vellies

Burkina Checked-Bow Leather Slides

Brother Vellies uses traditional Ethiopian shoe-making techniques.

Balenciaga

Bow-Front Satin Slides

Balenciaga—the brand kick-starting the majority of the most significant trends in 2017—has created knotted satin slippers in black, white and lavender.

Fenty x Puma

20mm Bow Satin Slide Sandals

Rihanna is behind the bow satin slider trend, as they are one of the key shoes in her latest Fenty x Puma collection.

Prada

Bow-Embellished Satin Slides

Prada has created delicate satin sliders with a dainty bow at the front—no one would dare to call these shoes "ugly".

Miu Miu

Embellished Eco-Shearling Slides

If you are looking to make a real statement with your sliders you can't beat these feather- and jewel- adorned Miu Miu sandals.

Joshua Saunders

Satin Layered Platform Slides

These are the perfect mix of sporty and luxe, with the white rubber ridged sole and dusty pink satin ruffles across the toe.For more shopping, see the 11 new-in pieces that are bound to sell out this week.Opening Image: Style du Monde

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Emma is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years experience in industry, having worked at The Telegraph, Grazia and, most recently, British Vogue. Emma was part of the founding team of Who What Wear UK, where she worked for six years as Deputy Editor and then Editor—helping shape the team into what it is today is one of the biggest privileges of her career and she will always see herself as a Who What Wear girl, contributing to both the US and UK sites. Whether she's writing about runway trends or spotlighting emerging brands, she aims to write about fashion in a way that is democratic and doesn't promote over consumption.