History supports these negative statements, revealing that square toes had a brief popularity run in the early 1990s, then fell off the map.

But whether or not anyone likes it, square toes are back -- at least for now -- and many designers support their frontal boxiness. Kenneth Cole, Mark Nason, Robert Wayne, Bacco Bucci, and Steve Madden are just a few of the brands that have flooded their collections with square toes.

The very reason that some love the look is the very reason others poo-poo it: They're attention-getters. The hard line created by the square toe unavoidably grabs the eyes' gaze. Some find this ostentacious. But isn't getting someone's attention the whole point of wearing the latest fashions? Yes!

While some women are currently togging their feet with this bold look, it's mostly men who have embraced the square-toe revival. Not all men, but a specific sect: 21 to 30-somethings who might be found enjoying a Kettle and tonic at a hip lounge on a Friday night, strolling down Fifth Avenue, making their first or second condo transaction, or browsing The Rail at Nordstrom. Men who wear square toes, take the previous generalization as this compliment: You're successful, stylish and probably pretty damn fine all the way around.