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Do you ever stare at an item of clothing and wonder what the ever-loving heck went through the designer’s mind when they made it? We know we have… and we can’t wait to share those fun experiences with you, dear Pandas.

The ‘Awful Taste But Great Execution’ subreddit is a massively popular online community of nearly 1.9 million members who document quality craftsmanship that is, ironically, somewhat tasteless (or wonderfully tasteful, depending on your point of view!). We’ve collected some of the most overdesigned and bizarre examples of shoes that are bound to confuse and amuse you. Scroll down and upvote the pics that you love to hate and hate to love! We're not going to lie, some of these designs actually work quite well... the pigeon shoes, in particular, are exquisite.

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    #2

    These Campbell's Tomato Soup Shoes I Received For Christmas Years Ago

    These Campbell's Tomato Soup Shoes I Received For Christmas Years Ago

    PoopEater10 Report

    Broadly speaking, we feel like there are three types of people when it comes to shoes. The first enjoy functionality and comfort. If their shoes do what they’re supposed to do (i.e. keep their feet warm, cool, dry, and don’t slip on the ice, depending on where they’re going), they’re perfectly happy!

    Meanwhile, others want a good mix of function and form. Not only do the shoes have to do what they’re designed for, they also have to look good. Aesthetics are important, after all. And whether we want to admit it or not, we want to leave a positive impression on our friends, coworkers, family members, and even complete strangers. It’s great to be thought of as stylish.

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    #6

    These Shoes Found In A Second-Hand Shop

    These Shoes Found In A Second-Hand Shop

    katefromthenorth Report

    Finally, we have true fashion lovers who embrace the form of the item of clothing at the expense of its functionality. What this means, in short, is that they enjoy how their shoes look and what impact they have on everyone else to the extent that they’re willing to sacrifice comfort. Think—high heels.

    However, for some stylish Pandas, a trendy pair of heels or a bespoke pair of formal dress shoes aren’t enough. So they push the limits of taste and play around with interesting and unique shoe designs. Some of them work perfectly. Others end up being featured on the ‘Awful Taste But Great Execution’ subreddit.

    #7

    My Footwear Design Entry For A Local Competition

    My Footwear Design Entry For A Local Competition

    Lulu_Antichrist Report

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    #8

    I Looked Up “Dachshund In Shoes” And Got This

    I Looked Up “Dachshund In Shoes” And Got This

    emmeevee Report

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    #9

    These Wookie Shoes That My Brother Bought

    These Wookie Shoes That My Brother Bought

    NoahWilsonMagic Report

    Just because something is expensive and expertly crafted doesn’t automatically mean that it’s objectively tasteful. It can, however, be a way to have fun, relax, and start a discussion. If you want to stand out, you have to be willing to take fashion risks. Of course, not all of them will pay off, but you’re likely to cause a buzz either way.

    Similarly, clothing designers also want to push the limits of what’s acceptable and stylish. Pretty much everyone wants to be known for quality work and for starting global trends. So it’s not surprising that some creators experiment with the line between good and bad taste.

    #10

    I Personally Think These Are Beautiful And Remind Me Of Monster High Doll Shoes. My BF Does Not Like 'Em. Lol

    I Personally Think These Are Beautiful And Remind Me Of Monster High Doll Shoes. My BF Does Not Like 'Em. Lol

    StrawKBerry Report

    #11

    Just Went Through My Old Shoe Collection And Realized I Always Had An Impeccable Sense For Style

    Just Went Through My Old Shoe Collection And Realized I Always Had An Impeccable Sense For Style

    nalabolika Report

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    #12

    Hoof Shoes

    Hoof Shoes

    Vayro Report

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    POST
    GenericPanda09
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for parties if you don't mind being the centaur of attention (sorry...old dad joke xd)

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    Naturally, some designs fall short of the public’s expectations. However, others can be surprise hits. And it’s not always apparent what will work and what will fail until your clothes are out there, in the wide world, being worn and criticized and analyzed by other designers.

    #15

    Went To The Dollar Store.. Found Grass Shoes

    Went To The Dollar Store.. Found Grass Shoes

    Altenalo Report

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    Stardust she/her
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I sometimes like the sensation of grass on my feet so I’ll probably buy them to wear indoors

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    Good design will, inevitably, be about finding a balance between the creator’s vision for the product, as well as what the consumer values. Quality design is all about empathizing with the buyer.

    That means that it’s best to make the product functional, user-friendly, and visually pleasing. Overly-complex, over-designed pieces might look great in a gallery or on the runway but might not appeal to the average person.

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    #16

    Untrackable Shoes

    Untrackable Shoes

    Yackitori Report

    #17

    School Supplies Shoes

    School Supplies Shoes

    BoxBopChallenge Report

    If an expert is left to create whatever they want, with no interaction with the outside world, their designs might be more akin to art than actual functional products.

    Meanwhile, if the creator listens solely to what the market wants, they might be left creating generic, boring, and ‘safe’ designs that likely won’t stand out from the crowd. Balance is imperative!

    #19

    I See You Shackle Shoes And I Raise You These, Teddy Shoes

    I See You Shackle Shoes And I Raise You These, Teddy Shoes

    omnitele Report

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    #21

    Hideous Crocodile Shoes Giving Side Eye

    Hideous Crocodile Shoes Giving Side Eye

    SnapCrackleMom Report

    A while ago, fashion designer Oyinda Akinfenwa explained to Bored Panda that shoes are a very important part of any outfit. It’s essential that you get them right!

    “People tend to wear the wrong shoes for certain outfits which really brings down the whole look, by the time you start admiring them and get to their feet and you’re disappointed by their shoes,” she shared, adding that you can also elevate your look by getting your nails done or wearing knuckle rings.

    #22

    “Human Skin” Shoes

    “Human Skin” Shoes

    LJayEsq Report

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    Liz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She needs a slightly longer skirt to really sell it. I mean if you’re going to wear skin shoes, commit to the bit!!

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    #23

    The Worst Tennis Shoes Ever

    The Worst Tennis Shoes Ever

    ReaganAbe Report

    She also pointed out that people tend to “add too much on when the outfit they’re wearing already has a lot going on which makes it seem tacky.” Less is more, in some cases.

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    The designer shared that “it’s hard to notice your own mistakes on your outfits until someone points them out because, to you, it seems amazing because it is your work and you want to be proud of it, without realizing it may not be exactly as good as you think.” In other words, an outsider’s opinion on your ideas can be invaluable!

    #27

    These Shoes

    These Shoes

    TheKeen1337 Report

    Which of these shoe designs made you do a double take, dear Pandas? Which pairs did you loathe? Were there any that you’d actually love to wear in public? Share your thoughts in the comments.

    Meanwhile, for some more delightful posts about the ‘Awful Taste But Great Execution’ subreddit, check out Bored Panda’s recent features right here, here, and here.

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    #28

    Pantalones: Shoes That Are Also Leather Pants

    Pantalones: Shoes That Are Also Leather Pants

    victorian_vigilante Report

    #30

    Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatball Shoes

    Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatball Shoes

    UnicornArachnid Report

    Note: this post originally had 67 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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