'Weird' shoes are everywhere you look, from trendy 'toe' sandals sold at every high street to experimental pumps at events like this year's Met Gala.Meanwhile, Chanel debuted some eyebrow-raising 'anti-shoes' which only have a heel at the Cruise 2027 runway show in Biarritz by Matthieu Blazy in April.And just this week, sartorial red carpet VIP Zendaya stepped out in unique white Christian Louboutin x Matières Fécales pumps, complementing her angelic white gown for the New York premiere of The Odyssey.But while the trend may seem intuitively 'Gen Z', quirky stompers have been around for decades. Young models and A-listers are far from the veterans of crazy, statement pumps.Past examples include some memorable sky-high boots from the ever experimental Lady Gaga and 'ice skate' shaped shoes from Beyonce's sister, Solange.Elsewhere, French actress Marion Cotillard has donned eye-catching shoes on a number of red carpets, including clunky heels which look like mini statues, and see-through sandals.Speaking to the Daily Mail, a style expert said that it's not particular shoe designs that are en vogue, but rather, the case is that distilling your individuality is now a priority. 'Fashion is always about having fun and shoes have become one of the easiest ways for people to show a bit of personality,' Julian Nelson, founder of A Fine Pair Of Shoes, said. Zendaya stepped out in a stunning white gown for the premiere of The Odyssey this week She accentuated her look with statement shoes featuring an unusual heel The rise of 'weird shoes' is really just people being more open to trying something different and choosing pieces that feel a little more unique.'He said like many styles, it begins with the rich and famous - but has started filtering into the High Street too. 'We have seen some really bold footwear moments on the red carpet, and those looks often inspire what people start wearing in everyday life,' he continued.'A shoe does not have to be classic or understated to work. Sometimes the thing that feels a little unusual is what makes an outfit feel exciting.'While not everyone is going to go for the most out-there designs, the influence is definitely filtering down.'Julian added that the move is on the heels of an era where neutrals, beiges and fiercely understated monochromes were king.Emerging slowly out of a world that prioritised subtleness, there is now a thirst for character.'We are seeing people embrace more interesting shapes, playful details and styles that add a bit of character to a simple outfit,' he explained.'I think after a period where a lot of fashion felt quite safe, people are ready to enjoy getting dressed again.'Shoes are a great way to experiment because even a small change can completely transform a look.' Maura Higgins pictured wearing tennis-shaped shoes at Wimbledon this year The reality star was on theme for the Championships this summer in Flor De Maria Jaimie pumps At last year's Met Gala, Aimee Lou Wood made her shoes the statement feature of her ensemble It included floral detailing atop some regular black heels from Manolo Blahnik, adorned with handmade fabric flowers from M&S Schmalberg Anna Weyant donned some bow inspired heels from Marc Jacobs at the 2025 Met Gala The unique design featured especialuy long toes In 2024, Cynthia Erivo donned thigh-high Versace platform boots while promoting Wicked The emeralds shoes brough the whole ensemble together In 2023, Victora Beckham wowed the fashion world with MSCHF’s giant Croc boots The designer shocked fans with her quirky choice 'Weird' shoe trends go way back; in 2019, actress Rowan Blanchard stepped out in 'heel-less' pumps The statement shoes were from designer Prada For the 2017 Met Gala, Solange were ice-skate inspired shoes from Thom Browne The shoes included Oxfords which had heels built in Perhaps an early pre-decessor to Zendaya's Odyssey shoes, Angelina Jolie in 2014 wore custom-made Christian Louboutin heels They were inspired by her movie character Maleficent - and featured a 'dripping blood' design on the heel Christian Louboutin is - once again - the designer behind Sarah Jessica Parker's lion-inspired shoes She wore them to a 2011 Moscow premiere of her movie I Don't Know How She Does It Lady Gaga's 2011 shoes were custom-created by Japanese designer Noritaka Tatehana The gravity-defying design was just one of the pop-star's experimental shoe choices in the 2010s In 2010, the experimental pop singer wore Alexander McQueen armadillo boots for the 2010 MTV Video Music Video Awards The heels featured an animal print In 2009, actress Marion Cotillard wore Christian Dior shoes with a unique heel It was shaped to look like a mini statue - representing a fertility goddess Victoria was experimenting with fashion as far back as 2007 She opted for spiky shoes from Giles Deacon's Fall 2007 collectionStylist Lid Talbot also shared that it's a clever - and quick - way for celebrities to create clout.'Red carpets have become much more than a place to showcase beautiful dresses, they’re now an opportunity to create a memorable fashion moment,' she explained.'Quirky shoes are playing a huge part in that. In a world where celebrity outfits are photographed from every angle and shared instantly across social media, it’s often the unexpected details that get people talking.'When people see a 'fun' shoe on an A-lister, they may get a glimpse into a 'quirkier' side of their persona.'We’re seeing everything from sculptural heels and embellished designs to bold colours and unconventional shapes,' Lisa continued.'These statement shoes add personality and individuality to an outfit, helping celebrities stand out while still wearing a classic silhouette.'A simple black gown can be transformed into something far more memorable with an unexpected shoe choice.'The celebrities who get it right are the ones who use quirky footwear as an extension of their personal style rather than letting it dominate the look. Sarah Jessica Parker has always mastered this balance, embracing artistic, fashion-forward shoes that feel authentic to her.'Cynthia Erivo consistently makes bold footwear look intentional and glamorous, while Rihanna has an effortless way of making even the most unconventional heels feel completely wearable because they align so naturally with her fearless approach to fashion.'The key is ensuring the shoes complement the overall look rather than competing with it.'When they’re styled thoughtfully, quirky shoes become the finishing touch that elevates an outfit instead of distracting from it.'