While the classic flip flop enjoyed its moment in the sun this summer, thanks in part to the influence of The Row, something else was brewing in the world of footwear. Maybe it was the heat of a “brat summer,” perhaps it was just a case of footwear fatigue, but celebrities certainly weren’t afraid to embrace the unusual this season. They spiced up their everyday errands, travel, and outings with some seriously freaky footwear.
In the lead-up to her opening ceremony performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lady Gaga was spotted around the French capital rocking a pair of six-inch black patent leather platform Pleaser boots. Meanwhile, Emily Ratajkowski hopped on the Brain Dead x Oakley collaboration bandwagon, sporting a pair of slip-ons called the “Team Flesh.” These python-patterned shoes, as EmRata proved, are surprisingly versatile, pairing well with everything from a miniskirt to GORPy drawstring pants.
Chloe Sevigny also fully embraced the GORPcore aesthetic, taking her outdoorsy lace-up ballet flats from ECCO on adventures across town. Even formalwear has the potential for some spicy shakeups in the shoe department, and the Cannes Film Festival, with its strict sartorial rules, proved a perfect place for the more rebellious to experiment. Bella Hadid kept it elegant in a pair of Jacquemus double-heeled sandals, which appeared as though two heels were stacked on top of each other. Greta Gerwig, one of the festival’s jurors, opted for white platform Margiela Tabi pumps.
From towering platforms to unexpected collaborations, celebrities have shown us that summer footwear doesn’t have to be predictable. So, the question is: would you dare to add any of these weird and wonderful shoes to your own collection?
