Balenciaga causes controversy because of 12 million VND shoes but look like walking barefoot

(Dan Tri) - Whether this pair of shoes is a unique creation or a fashion mistake depends on each person's thinking.

Balenciaga has been in the news for quite some time now for its controversial designs. They push the boundaries and redefine what is considered a fashion trend each season.

Recently, the Spanish brand continued to innovate by introducing a barefoot shoe model called "Barefoot Zero", part of the Fall 2025 collection.

The Zero is essentially a 3D molded EVA midsole, providing a near barefoot feel in a one-piece design. The heel and toe grooves help to lock the foot in place. These grooves align with the structure of the human foot, creating indentations for the toes and forefoot to rest within the thin EVA layer.

A thin outsole features a print that evokes the natural prints of human toes and fingers. This creation is neither a slipper, a sandal, nor a barefoot outdoor shoe, but rather a combination of all three.

Balenciaga Zero barefoot shoes retail for $475 (Photo: @beiniq___).

The foot is held in place by a rounded heel and a wrap around the big toe. The rest of the foot is uncovered for all to see. Additionally, the thin sole adds to the experience, making it feel like you’re wearing no shoes at all. The wearer can style it with socks, but they must be split-toe socks.

Is the Zero a practical shoe for everyday wear? Probably not. But it certainly started a conversation with a lot of mixed opinions. The Zero challenges the conventional notions of footwear and pushes the boundaries of luxury fashion.

When Beini Quian (the brand's head of sneakers ) revealed the Zero on social media, many users were skeptical.

“Maybe the upper part will be reinforced with some kind of leather…”, one user said. Or some netizens expressed skepticism, wondering who would buy this design.

In addition, proponents of barefoot shoes point to benefits such as improved balance, positional sense (your body's awareness of its location in space).

Genius creation or not, these barefoot shoes are a bold statement, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation and experimentation.

Vogue writer Zee Waraich experiences the Zero barefoot shoes (Photo: Vogue).

In a feature on the Zero, Grazia magazine asked, “Is this the future of footwear?” The magazine then went on to say that the brand knows how to create a reaction, no matter the emotion. The Zero is the latest chapter in their ongoing journey to redefine fashion and spark conversation.

"Who knows, maybe in a few years we'll be wearing our own versions of open-toe shoes. Or maybe it's still just a curious curiosity. But one thing's for sure: the fashion world has become a lot more interesting," the magazine commented.

Vogue writer Zee Waraich tested the shoe and said that, in addition to not offering much protection, the Zero is durable and grips the big toe. The design is not perfect for all weather, but it is suitable for those who like to express themselves.

In Fall/Winter 2024, the Spanish fashion house caused controversy with its Reptile sneakers, which retailed for $1,890 (nearly VND 50 million). The shoes, with a long curved toe and a laceless toe design, are considered one of the brand's most shocking designs to date.

After their launch, the Reptile (left) and FiveFingers Toe Shoe (right) were both the talk of the town on social media (Photo: Highsnobiety, Balenciaga).

Reptile is made from polyurethane and polyester, giving it a layered effect, as if it were assembled from different pairs of shoes.

Four-figure price tags are nothing new for Balenciaga shoes, with everything from the luxury brand commanding a hefty price tag. But the Reptile is among the brand's most expensive sneakers, behind only the rhinestone-covered Triple S.

Or in Fall Winter 2020, the fashion house launched a collaboration product with Italian brand Vibram. The "FiveFingers Toe Shoes" collection is a combination of Balenciaga's recycled knit fabric with Vibram's signature FiveFinger toe groove.

The shoe is designed to expand the tactile experience, allowing the wearer to move and have better grip. The collection includes two pairs of Heeled Toe (high heel, black and pink), two pairs of Toe Sock (lower heel, black and red), with a retail price of 1,350 USD (more than 35 million VND).

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/balenciaga-gay-tranh-cai-vi-doi-giay-12-trieu-dong-nhung-nhu-di-chan-tran-20250606112411048.htm