Provocative? Polarising? Or just plain weird? Welcome to ugly shoe summer

Vibram’s toe-spreading styles are the ubiquitous side of a trend that can be traced back to 15th-century Japan

When it comes to summer style muses, Jane Birkin in a pair of woven sandals or plimsoll sneakers strolling around Provence was once the perennial reference. But change is afoot. This summer’s biggest footwear muses include kayakers and barefoot running enthusiasts.

The most surprising yet desired shoes in fashion right now include rubber flip-flops, neoprene slip-on water shoes and Vibram’s FiveFingers, a glove-like fitness shoe that punctuates each individual toe.