Image: instagram.com/ceciliebahnsen 

What do Chloë Sevigny, art gallerists in Japan and models on the Copenhagen Fashion Week runway have in common? They know weird shoes are eternally cool.  

Industrial ballet flats like the ones from Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s collection for Ecco have been popping up on all of the people who set the trends in recent months, confirming that spring/summer is all about getting weird with your footwear. It signals that you’re confident enough to stride boldly forward in shoes others might shy away from. What could be more chic than that? The trick to pulling off this trend? Picking a pair carefully. You want them to be a bit weird, obviously, but you need to make sure that they’re not too trendy and that you love them enough to wear them with most things in your wardrobe without feeling self-conscious. The key (as is the case with most things) is confidence.  

As Ground Zero for all of the brands-to-know in Sydney, The Galeries is the only place to shop for your next pair. Here, we’ve rounded up the coolest styles to shop now. 

1906 Loafer, $230 from New Balance 

One of the freakiest shoes to come along in a while, the New Balance 1906 Loafer will have some people scratching their heads. But for some, they’re the ultimate hybrid shoe that’s comfortable and confident.  

GANNI x New Balance Red FFT Trainers, $325 from Ganni 

Always one of the most-anticipated footwear drops of the year, the collaboration from Ganni and New Balance never disappoints with its eclecticism. The 2024 edition is no exception, with a style inspired by the running archive, complete with a charm.  

Adidas x Avavav Superfinger Superstar Sneakers, $380 from Incu 

These will genuinely scare some, but the committed hypebeasts won’t shy away from the challenge of styling the bold new collab from Adidas and Avavav. They make a statement and will leave an impression. The girls who get it, get it.  

Cecilie Bahnsen Valeria Neoprene Sandals, $920 from Incu 

The combination of neoprene with patent floral applique gives an element of intrigue to these open-toe sandals from Cecilie Bahnsen. They’re a bit bulky, but the feminine accents give an air of lightness. It’s a play of contrasts that pays off.  

Kragg Womens, $270 from Arc’teryx 

Sure, they’re technically meant to be worn after you’ve climbed a few cliffs, but when we’re talking about weird shoes, sometimes the weirdness comes from taking them out of their context. These sleek slip-ons will make people do a double-take, but ultimately go with a lot of things in your rotation. A real surprise and delight!