EmRata’s Bold New Trainers Spark Controversy in Her Unique Style

When I first saw Emily Ratajkowski sporting laceless trainers, it immediately brought back memories of the water-friendly styles I had to wear at the beach as a kid. I’ve never been a fan of this look, so it’s almost miraculous that Ratajkowski managed to make them appear incredibly cool.

Ratajkowski chose a pair of slip-on, laceless trainers from the Brain Dead x Oakley Factory collaboration, featuring an imitation python print priced at £155. Known for her bold shoe choices, this may be her most daring pair yet. Over the years, Ratajkowski has been seen wearing jelly flats, ballet trainers, and mesh shoes—but nothing quite like these. Designed to the height and size of a conventional trainer, these shoes skip the laces and instead feature a lycra lining that hugs the foot snugly, keeping the shoes in place.

Having worn these trainers on multiple occasions over the past few weeks, it’s evident they’ve become a staple in her wardrobe. Recently, she paired them with a tailored miniskirt, demonstrating the unexpected versatility of this "ugly" trainer trend. She wore them again with baggy khaki trousers and a fitted tank top, reinforcing the surprising appeal of the trend.

This type of trainer isn’t conventionally attractive. This emerging trend is part of the evolving "ugly shoes" movement, which has popularized unconventional footwear like Maison Margiela’s Tabi shoes and brought jelly shoes back into style.

Ratajkowski isn’t the only one embracing this trend. Model Iris Law was also seen wearing a pair of controversial ballet trainers with a white outfit, adding her own twist to the laceless trainer style.

These new trainers have a distinct gorpcore vibe that sets them apart from previous slip-ons, such as the classic Vans. They feature thick, gripped soles and sporty silhouettes, making them unique.

As this trend gains momentum, it’s poised to give traditional trainers some competition. Here are a few options to get ahead of the game:

Brain Dead X Oakley Factory

• Team Python Flesh
• Price: £155
• Comes in nine other styles

Other Top Slip-On Trainers:

Adidas

• Taekwondo Striped Leather Sneakers
• Price: £80
• Available in white

Zara

• Satin Ballet Flats
• Price: £26
• These hybrid ballet flat trainers are on trend this season.

Mango

• Canvas Leather Trainers
• Price: £80
• These are expected to sell out quickly.

Puma

• Mostro Perf
• Price: £135
• Perfect with baggy jeans or a tailored miniskirt.

Salomon

• Rx Moc 3.0 Suede
• Price: £85
• A favorite among fashion enthusiasts.

Our Legacy Gabe Sneakers

• Price: £409
• Chunky trainers for lasting comfort.

NIKE

• Acg Rufus Leather-Trimmed Suede Slip-On Sneakers
• Price: £100
• Also available in light beige.

Source: Backgrid, Getty Images