Among the most intriguing fashion trends this 2019—denim bike shorts, tie-dye, ugly sandals—velcro, outdoorsy, sports sandals seem to raise many brows at the moment. "Stylish velcro sandals" could be construed as an oxymoron because this type of footwear is designed for its ultimate function alone: to stay put on your feet as you hike mountains and traverse rivers. It may not exactly be a top choice of footwear when running errands, attending events, or jumping from boutique to boutique on an afternoon shopping jaunt, but it's time to see this utilitarian sandal in a new light as Prada reboots it on the runway as a chunky heeled, velcro-clad, logofied version. With this new look, we're convinced that it is indeed a cool, practical pair to own that will not have you sacrificing comfort over style.
Obviously, fashionable velcro sandals can only be considered stylish if you're onboard the whole ugly shoe trend. But as the cool girls of Instagram would have it, functional footwear can be given a nice sartorial spin to deserve precious closet space. Of course, you also have to couple it with creative ways of wearing 'em to fully reap its stylish rewards. Let these local stylish gals show you how below!
1. Liz Uy pairs her strappy sports sandals with a swinging dress and leopard-printed bucket hat.
2. If you're not too keen on the shoes' highly sporty aesthetic, Martine Cajucom-Ho argues you can still hop on the trend. Simply opt for an all-white pair with cute embellishments.
3. Make your everyday dressing super easy to do just like Camille Co-Koro does! Let your velcro pair complete your monochromatic OOTDs.
4. Meanwhile, Laureen Uy takes her colorful platform sandals to the beach for a sporty take on seaside dressing.
5. Paulina Ortega has us convinced that embellished velcro sandals will look extra chic when paired with slip skirts and beaded bags.
SHOP
See? The velcro sandals have so much sartorial potential! If you've warmed up to them now, we've curated 10 pairs below that will get you started on this trend. Shop away!

Chunky-soled sports sandals, P2995, ZARA, Power Plant Mall

D'Lites Bright light, P3890, SKECHERS, Glorietta 3

Sporty platform sandals, P2495, BERSHKA, Glorietta 2

Lug-soled sandals, P2795, STRADIVARIUS, SM Aura

Neon sports sandal, P1895, PULL & BEAR, SM Megamall

Rosalia chunky sandals, P2995, PULL & BEAR, SM Megamall
Nylon Criss cross chunky platform sandals, P2299, CHARLES & KEITH, TriNoma

Multi-colored strappy platforms, P2799, CHARLES & KEITH, Glorietta 3
Two-tone lycra strap sandals, P2299, CHARLES & KEITH, Greenbelt 5

Mesh Release-Buckle Platform Sandals, P1570, FOREVER 21, SM Megamall