The era of the precious pump is on pause.
At New York Fashion Week 2026, designers collectively embraced a shoe that feels intentionally awkward—and that’s precisely the appeal. The trending “ugly” pump features a rounded, almost frumpy upper and a solid heel that favors stability over drama. It’s practical. It’s polarizing. It’s quietly powerful.
The repetition across runways was impossible to ignore. Calvin Klein grounded silk shirts and sensible skirts with clunky black heels that nodded to archival minimalism. Proenza Schouler leaned into corporate eccentricity, pairing stompy pumps with sharp tailoring that suggested “a woman who’s punctual…but maybe a little unpredictable”, according to British Vogue. At Michael Kors, the vibe was similarly pragmatic, reinforcing a broader return to clothes that feel wearable, not whimsical.
After seasons dominated by fantasy and spectacle, New York’s tone was refreshingly grounded. These pumps aren’t trying to seduce you in the traditional sense; they’re intriguing because they don’t.
Wear them with relaxed suiting, knee-length hems, or even sheer tights and a slip skirt for contrast. Trust: these “ugly” pumps are about to be everywhere. Keep scrolling for a few options we curated to begin styling the trend.
