Crocs and Teva sandals have taught us one thing: not every shoe intends to be beautiful—particularly if it is very famous.
If your shoes are comfortable wear them boldly and I don’t care about anything else, because let’s just be honest comfort comes before style. But sometimes the world of fashion presents styles so extreme that they have everyone scratching their heads. And when Gen Z engages, well, things can move quicker than one might expect.
One recent example? Balenciaga’s latest creation: the barefoot shoe.
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Balenciaga barefoot shoes – What are these?
Balenciaga, the luxury fashion brand, introduced its fall 2025 shoe line in late 2024. One of the ideas was the “Zero“ shoe, a bold design that seems like one is walking barefoot.
Though it doesn’t exactly mirror the health benefits of real barefoot walking, this peculiar shoe has a flat sole with little support—a tiny heel and toe insert.
Though barefoot walking has its share of fans, this Balenciaga Barefoot Shoes seems to have begun more confusion than adoration.
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Even though the cost of the barefoot shoe hasn‘t been disclosed yet, it is rumored to be offered for pre-order at several Balenciaga outlets. Online, even before its official debut, it is already getting a lot of attention.
A Reddit user posted, “Has anyone seen the new Balenciaga Barefoot Zero shoes?” While answers were less, reactions poured in, and they weren’t exactly glowing.
One commenter bluntly wrote, “Horrendous, prevents splay, bunion shaped.”
Another said, “I hadn’t seen them until now. I wish I could go back to a time when I never saw them.”
The overall vibe? people would rather be barefoot than have these shoes.
Though Balenciaga‘s barefoot shoes have created much debate, their popularity ultimately depends on who dares to wear them first. Could they become the next Crocs or remain a head-scratcher for most of us?
What do you think—would you give these shoes a try? Or are they a step too far in the name of fashion?