11 Shoe Styles That Were Loud on Purpose
Here's a look at the boldest shoe styles that were never meant to blend in.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Shoes aren’t always made to be subtle. Sometimes, they’re designed to shout. From wild colors to outlandish shapes, certain styles were built to grab attention and spark conversation. Here’s a rundown of 11 shoe styles that proudly stood out from the crowd.
1. Platform Boots
PickPik
Towering soles gave wearers extra height and a dramatic presence. Popular in the disco era and revived by glam rock, these shoes made every step impossible to ignore. They weren’t just footwear; they were a performance.
2. Jelly Sandals
Doumbia on Wikimedia Commons
These see-through plastic shoes exploded in the ’90s with their neon shades and glittery finishes. They squeaked, sparkled, and often pinched, but they screamed fun. Kids and adults alike couldn’t resist their playful vibe.
3. LED Sneakers
ClickerHappy on Pexels
Flashing lights in the soles turned a simple walk into a mini light show. They were especially popular with kids, but adults embraced them too for nightlife and festivals. Subtlety was never the goal; it was all about shine.
4. Cowboy Boots
Will Porada on Unsplash
With pointed toes, bold stitching, and dramatic leather designs, cowboy boots were made to be seen. They told the world you had attitude, grit, or maybe just a love for country flair. Either way, they demanded notice.
5. Crocs
Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Love them or hate them, Crocs carved their place in footwear history with bright colors and quirky designs. Their chunky shape and rubbery material made them stand out from sleek sneakers or dress shoes. Loud in both looks and comfort, they became impossible to ignore.
6. Doc Martens
Zuckini-Man on Wikimedia Commons
These boots weren’t just about utility. No, these stylish boots made a statement. With chunky soles and yellow stitching, they became a rebellious symbol across punk and grunge scenes. Every stomp carried an attitude.
7. Stilettos
Debashis RC Biswas on Unsplash
Sky-high heels turned heads not just for their elegance, but for their daring height. The click-clack sound alone was a declaration of presence. They were designed for people who want to be a little more dramatic than discreet.
8. Moon Boots
Tobias Barkskog on Wikimedia Commons
Inspired by space travel, these oversized puffy boots looked like astronaut gear for Earth. With bold colors and cartoonish proportions, they were impossible to miss in the snow. They didn’t just keep you warm; they made you the center of attention.
9. Winged Sneakers
Paul VanDerWerf on Flickr
Shoes with attached wings, thanks to designer Jeremy Scott, took “loud” to new levels. They transformed ordinary sneakers into fantasy-like fashion statements. Wearing them meant you weren’t afraid of stares or glances.
10. Roller Shoes (Heelys)
Dan Taylor on Wikimedia Commons
Sneakers that doubled as roller skates gave kids a chance to glide through malls and sidewalks. The hidden wheels were practical, but the flashy rolling entrances were the real thrill. These weren’t shoes for standing still.
11. Clown Shoes
in pastel on Wikimedia Commons
Oversized, brightly colored, and often with squeaky add-ons, clown shoes were built to exaggerate, as is in line with their profession. They turned the act of walking into slapstick comedy. Subtlety was the last thing on their design list.