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Reformation
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.
NYFW 2026 Trend: "Ugly" Pumps
Amazon Essentials Women's Square Toe Mule
Sleek, stable, and easy to slip on, these Amazon dupes are a great reference to the pair that appeared in the Michael Kors autumn/winter 2026 collection. Style them with a '90s minimalist fit and you're set.
Old Navy V-Cut Ballet Flats
Go sky-high, or stay chic and flat with an Old Navy moment. Flirty and bold, these shoes are total attention magnets. We'd pair them with your favorite cigarette jeans.
FOWT Square Heel Slip On Pump
If you spotted a clunky pair of pumps at the Calvin Klein autumn/winter 2026 show, this chic pair from Amazon is a great alternative. They may look hard to style at first, but are shown to pair perfectly with any minimalist staple in your closet.
Kate Spade Outlet Blake Platform Mule Loafers
If you’re leaning into that strong, clunky silhouette, a Kate Spade platform loafer delivers with its rounded toe and substantial heel, echoing the standout pumps from NYFW.
Reformation Inez Pump
Think of these Reformation pumps as the elevated cousin of the “ugly” pump: streamlined, sophisticated, and surprisingly easy to style with plaid or a classic white shirt.
Jeffrey Campbell Trustee Pump
Echoing the clunkier silhouettes from Proenza Schouler, this pump brings boardroom vibes in a more refined shape. Made for silk skirts and quick lunches between meetings.
VivaLaver Chunky Heeled Mules
Though it skips the typical rounded silhouette for a pointed toe, this heeled mule still nods to the sturdy, stable heel trend—and looks especially sharp with a blazer and cropped denim.
ASOS DESIGN Siren mid heel loafers in burgundy
A few NYFW takes were practically platform loafers in disguise, which makes this burgundy mock-croc style with a sturdy heel and rounded toe feel right on cue. We'd pair them with wide-leg trousers and a sharp oversized coat.
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