Barefoot sandals: The unusual footwear combining shoes and going barefoot
What's your take on the latest barefoot sandals that have taken the internet by storm?
For many decades, people walked barefoot until about 40,000 years ago, when shoes were reportedly invented.
Nowadays, shoes are the first thing that we put on when we get out of bed. Whether you are running, jogging or simply going about your day, shoes are non-negotiable for many people.
Humans have become very familiar with having their feet covered.
But as with many things, fashion has a way of challenging the norm, and this is exactly what the latest Chanel shoes are doing.
They are called the Chanel New Barefoot Sandals, and the way they are designed is quite unusual.
The footwear features only the heel of a shoe, along with straps that are wrapped around your foot. Everything else, including your toes and the balls of your feet, is exposed.
The shoes were first launched in May by Chanel’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy, when he debuted them as part of the 2027 collection. However, they were not immediately made available on Chanel’s website.
They gained attention this week when actor Margaret Qualley wore the shoes to the 'Dog Stars' film premiere in London on August 20. She was dressed in a V-neck black dress from Chanel, which she matched with the unusual shoes.
The look has since sparked divided reactions online, with some people saying the sandals are beautiful, while others questioned her choice of footwear.
I can't believe someone actually wore these Chanel shoes!
Beyond the fashion statement, the barefoot sandals also raise an interesting question: could there actually be benefits to walking with your feet exposed while still having some support from a shoe?
The benefits of being barefoot
One thing the sandals do is give people a taste of both worlds. You feel like you are walking barefoot, but you also have the support of a heel.
According to Healthline, walking barefoot can strengthen your feet, improve your posture and sharpen your balance. Grounding, which means walking barefoot outdoors, can also have benefits for the muscles and feet.
However, wearing shoes also has its benefits. Shoes protect your feet from sharp objects on the ground. They can also protect you from dirt and other things on the ground, which can help reduce your exposure to things that could potentially make you sick.
So, there you have it.
Chanel has certainly found a way to challenge what we know about footwear, combining the feeling of being barefoot with some of the support of a shoe.
But the big question remains: Would you be willing to wear this kind of shoe? Is it your thing, or would you rather stick to a traditional pair of shoes?
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