This season, designers are once again rethinking what footwear can look like. After the rise of mesh ballet flats, transparent bags and semi-sheer clothing, fashion has now reached shoes. The focus is no longer only on the shoe itself, but on creating the illusion of a bare foot. The new direction has already been called the “naked” shoe trend. The idea is simple: minimal visual presence of material and maximum attention to the shape of the foot.
One of the first brands to explore this direction was New York-based Zellous. The label, known mostly for working with latex, introduced pumps with a very deep cut that reveals almost the entire upper part of the foot. As a result, the shoe almost blends into the skin and creates the effect of a person wearing barely anything at all.
Body Amplification Devices takes this idea even further. Its transparent silicone models look more like art objects than classic footwear. Chunky platforms, unusual heel shapes and an almost fully transparent material turn the foot into the main design element.
At the same time, the trend is already moving beyond conceptual brands. Jimmy Choo has joined in with jelly sandals on low heels. Transparent plastic, bright colors and a silhouette inspired by early 2000s footwear have made the model one of the season’s most talked-about releases. Demand has been so high that some colors quickly sold out.
It seems transparent footwear is no longer just a womenswear story. At the Saint Laurent menswear show, the brand presented transparent lace-up shoes that left the foot fully visible. A few seasons ago, this kind of design would have looked like a concept for an art project. Today, it is appearing in the collection of one of the most influential fashion houses. This means the “naked” shoe trend is only gaining momentum.
Several fashion tendencies are easy to spot here. First, designers continue working with transparent materials. Second, Y2K aesthetics and PVC footwear are making a strong comeback. Third, the line between fashion and object design is becoming almost invisible.
Along with the popularity of these models comes another question: how comfortable are they? Shoes made of plastic or silicone often breathe less, can heat up more in warm weather and may rub the skin, especially when worn for long periods. Comfort depends on the exact model, construction and material, so there is no universal answer. That is why many people see this footwear more as a statement pair for special outings than an everyday option.
This summer, it seems the foot itself is becoming the main decoration. The less the shoe hides it, the more it fits the new aesthetic. And while designers once tried to make footwear as noticeable as possible, they are now increasingly creating the illusion that the shoe barely exists.
