18 Feb What Are “Potato Shoes”?
Brown, rough, soft, and rounded in shape. It might sound like the description of a potato, but it actually refers to the footwear taking over TikTok, street style, and the wardrobes of countless celebrities. So-called potato shoes have become a new, omnipresent category in the fashion world—so much so that many people are already wearing them in their winter outfits without even realizing they’re part of this trend.
This type of footwear stands out for its organic, comfortable, and unpretentious shape, winning over even the most unexpected trend hunters. Its relaxed aesthetic fits perfectly with the rise of functional fashion and the growing interest in pieces that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. This explains its rapid viral spread on social media and its consolidation as a contemporary wardrobe staple.
In fashion, it’s often said that everything has already been invented, and potato shoes are no exception. Rather than a completely new idea, they represent an updated comeback. Brown, round-toe clogs were already popular in the United States during the 1970s, a decade marked by movements focused on wellness, nature, and a more conscious lifestyle. In that context, “orthopedic”-inspired clogs became everyday essentials.
From that legacy emerged iconic designs such as Birkenstock’s Boston model, first launched around 1976. Today, reinterpreted through a modern aesthetic and boosted by digital culture, potato shoes return to prove that fashion always comes back—just with new codes.
