Balenciaga’s ‘barefoot zero’ shoes have the internet screaming, "why?"

Crocs and Teva sandals havetaughtus one thing: not every shoeintends to be beautiful—particularly if it isvery 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 presentsstyles so extreme that they have everyone scratching their heads.  And when Gen Zengages, well, things can movequicker than one might expect.

One recent example? Balenciaga’s latest creation: the barefoot shoe.

Balenciaga barefoot shoes - What are these?

Balenciaga, the luxury fashion brand,introduceditsfall 2025 shoeline in late 2024. Oneof the ideas was the "Zero" shoe, a bold design that seemslike one is walking barefoot.

Thoughitdoesn'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.

Eventhough the cost of the barefoot shoe hasn't been disclosed yet, it isrumoredto be offered for pre-order at several Balenciaga outlets. Online,even before its official debut, it is already gettinga 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 createdmuchdebate, 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?