The Naked Shoe Trend Is Fashion's Boldest Look Yet
Our take
The pendulum in fashion, it seems, perpetually swings. After a year dominated by the exuberant, almost aggressively maximalist “freaky footwear” trend—a phenomenon aptly named by Mandy Lee of @oldloserinbrooklyn—we’re now witnessing a curious pivot towards the seemingly invisible: the naked shoe. This isn't simply a reaction; it’s a fascinating commentary on our evolving relationship with consumption, visibility, and the very definition of luxury. The current enthusiasm for styles that practically disappear on the foot feels like a direct counterpoint to the previous obsession with embellishments, platforms, and gravity-defying silhouettes. It echoes a broader societal shift towards understated elegance and a rejection of ostentatious displays, a sentiment we’ve also observed in the growing embrace of classic stripes, as detailed in Why Even Minimalists Are Embracing the Stripe Trend, a trend that speaks to a desire for timelessness over fleeting novelty.
The rise of the naked shoe isn't about a lack of style; it's about a refined understanding of it. It's a statement of confidence that doesn’t require shouting. Consider the recent fascination with Gucci flip-flops, championed by icons like Dua Lipa and Rihanna—a seemingly simple shoe elevated to a status symbol, as explored in Dua Lipa and Rihanna's Gucci Flip-Flops Are Officially One of Summer's "Hottest" Shoes. This highlights a key element: luxury now resides in the subtle details—the quality of the materials, the impeccable craftsmanship—rather than in blatant branding or excessive ornamentation. The naked shoe embodies this perfectly; its appeal lies in its simplicity and the implication of a discerning taste that appreciates the finer things without needing to announce them. It’s a quiet form of self-expression, aligning perfectly with a sensibility that prioritizes feeling over flash. The trend also subtly nods to the enduring influence of effortless style, exemplified by figures like Kate Moss, whose airport looks have become a masterclass in curated nonchalance—a philosophy further elaborated upon in Kate Moss' Outfits Are a Masterclass in Airport Style— 6 Looks to Replicate for Every Kind of Trip.
Beyond aesthetics, the naked shoe trend carries a deeper significance. It reflects a growing awareness of our environmental impact and a desire for more sustainable consumption. The sheer volume of shoes discarded each year is staggering, and the pursuit of ever-more-elaborate designs often contributes to waste. By embracing simplicity and prioritizing quality over quantity, we can move towards a more conscious approach to fashion. The "less is more" ethos inherent in this trend aligns with a broader cultural shift towards mindful living and a rejection of fast fashion’s relentless cycle of trends. It's a rejection of the idea that we need to constantly update our wardrobes to stay relevant, and an embrace of timeless pieces that can be cherished for years to come. This isn't about abandoning style; it’s about redefining it on our own terms, prioritizing longevity and personal expression over fleeting trends.
Ultimately, the rise of the naked shoe is a fascinating microcosm of the larger shifts happening within the fashion landscape. It's a move away from the performative aspects of style and towards a more introspective and authentic expression of self. It’s a testament to the enduring power of quiet luxury and a reflection of a generation that values substance over show. As we move forward, it will be intriguing to observe how this trend evolves—will it remain a fleeting summer phenomenon, or will it signal a more permanent shift towards a more understated and considered approach to footwear? Perhaps the true test will be whether this trend inspires a broader re-evaluation of our relationship with fashion and its role in our lives.
Over the past year, fashion’s unofficial motto has seemed to be the more outlandish the shoe, the better. Fashion writer and critic Mandy Lee — better known as @oldloserinbrooklyn on Instagram— even coined the term “freaky footwear” to describe the phenomenon. Just look to Tory Burch’s pierced pumps or Simone Rocha’s chunky, crystal-embellished Crocs. Designers have continued pushing footwear into increasingly unexpected territory. Enter the naked shoe. Not for the faint of heart, the barely-there trend leaves your toes — or, in some cases, nearly your entire foot — on full display. Think of it as footwear’s take on the naked dress look.
Chanel has been leading the charge on the trend, sending toe-baring styles down the runway during its Cruise 2027 show at the end of April. The brand’s stop-you-in-your-tracks design — created by the genius that is Matthieu Blazy — blurred the line between a shoe and going barefoot, featuring a leather heel counter and wispy wraparound ties that left nearly the entire foot exposed. Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello also took a stab at the trend, albeit in an entirely different way. For the house’s Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collection, the creative director unveiled a see-through square-toe flat boasting a translucent PVC upper, black leather trim, and delicate lace-up ties (see here).
According to fashion writer and creative strategist Maite Aramayo, who is behind the newsletter Sugarlesscoat, these labels aren’t simply designing provocative shoes — they’re using the nearly barefoot silhouette to explore broader ideas, leaving the symbolism open to interpretation. “They’re both very historical houses, so they’re allowed to play with things like barefoot ambiguous symbolism because it could mean a lot of things,” she says about Chanel and Saint Laurent. Aramayo wonders whether the designs speak to naturalism, vulnerability, or something else entirely. “That ambiguity is what makes this experiment powerful and interesting in the end.”
Meanwhile, fashion critic Nicky Campbell believes social media is partly to blame for the trend. “They’re such a polarizing piece that they get so much attention online, and with so many brands jumping in on the trend, I think people want to try it out for themselves,” he tells TZR. Campbell also sees the trend as a reflection of fashion's newfound love of gag pieces — items that are intentionally impractical and, as he puts it, sort of comical. “They’re not necessarily practical, but they’re a conversation starter. I think fashion is embracing fun and having a sense of humor again, and people want in on the joke.”
Whether you see the trend as tongue-in-cheek or not, celebrities have been quick to lean into it beyond the runway. Anya Taylor-Joy, for instance, attended Miley Cyrus’ Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Aquazzura’s So Nude sandals, which featured transparent straps that made the shoes nearly disappear. At this year’s Met Gala, Rihanna took a different approach, wearing jeweled toe-ring sandals that exposed the rest of her foot.
Sure, you can tap into the trend with a pair of mesh ballet flats or PVC sandals — but if you're feeling bold, push the envelope with one of Chanel’s or Saint Laurent’s nearly barefoot designs. Either way, the dogs are out this summer.
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