If we have learnt anything from Crocs and Teva sandals, it’s that not all footwear is going to be attractive. No matter how popular they are.
For complete transparency, I own a pair of Crocs and wear them in public with zero F’s given. But sometimes “fashion” happens in a very extreme way and it really shouldn’t skyrocket into a trend.
Especially when those influential Gen Z’s are involved!
Balenciaga’s barefoot shoe… just no.
In the later months of 2024, high-end designer, Balenciaga, shared their latest range of footwear for fall 2025 — a shoe that makes you look like you’re walking around barefoot.
The “Zero” shoe as it has been named, boasts a small heel and toe insert with a flat sole.
It takes the trend of barefoot walking to a whole new level. And yeah, perhaps there is some benefit to walking barefoot. But this is not exactly that and I am no podiatrist, so…
The fashion item that’s causing a stir online
The retail price of the new footwear range is yet to be confirmed but is said to be available via pre-order from select locations of the French design house.
Regardless of availability, they certainly have had many people chatting about them online.
One fashion-forward Redditor hit the online platform to ask: “Has anyone seen the new Balenciaga Barefoot Zero shoes?”
While not many answered the question, plenty had strong thoughts they wanted to share about the images shared.
“Horrendous, prevents splay, bunion shaped,” one person commented.
“I hadn’t seen them until now. I wish I could go back to a time when I never saw them,” another chimed in.
And another follower mocked: “The vibe is that someone got a 3D printers and just started making random shit.”
“They look so stupid,” another put simply, while the general vibe was that people would prefer to just go barefoot.
Who will actually buy them?
No matter what is being said about them online, my prediction is that one famous influencer is going to wear these, Gen Z will froth because of it, and another strange trend will be born in the fashion world (which I personally may or may not follow regardless of how I feel right now!)
The first person to hit the “go” button? The popular vote is for one name in particular.
“Bianca Censori is gonna loveeeee these,” someone wrote about Kanye West’s fashionista wife.
Others predicted that anyone rich will make these a “thing”.
“Balenciaga is an elaborate prank on rich people. I’m ok with it. Get that paper, Balenciaga. Take the bastards for all they’re worth.”
Would you? Could you?
