Is Balenciaga’s New ‘Barefoot Shoe’ the Brand’s Most Daring Design Yet?
Balenciaga continues to defy the norms of footwear with the debut of the Zero shoe as part of its fall 2025 collection.
Previewed Monday via a lookbook styled as “internal use” photographs shot on Balenciaga creative director Demna’s phone, the upcoming range included brand staples such as puffed-up, oversized silhouettes and extreme interpretations of everyday garments.
On the footwear front, the fall selection included pre-distressed loafers, stiletto sneakers and a collaboration with orthopedic specialist Scholl. But the pair that has the internet buzzing most is a barely there unisex shoe known as the Zero.
According to Balenciaga, the Zero “distills footwear to its essence” by taking the barefoot shoe concept to the max. Secured only by a heel cup and a notch at the big toe, the 3D-molded shoe is composed entirely of EVA foam and is essentially a thin, wearable sole rather than a shoe.
The Zero was worn by models both with and without socks and was previewed in various muted colorways including black, white, tan and brown. Additional close-up shots shared on social media by Balenciaga sneaker designers Beini Qian and Adrian Perrot Garin, revealing an anatomical foot imprint on both the outsole and inside of the shoe. The brand’s logo appears on the medial side of the big toe.
Watch on FN
The shift toward a barefoot shoe concept is a considerable change for the French fashion house, which has spent the last decade inflating sneakers to bulbous proportions, beginning with 2017’s polarizing Triple S model. After introducing its most exaggerated sneaker yet, the 10XL, in April, the brand dialed it down with the slightly more subtle 6XL in November. Now, the new Zero represents a move in the complete opposite direction.
Retail pricing for the Balenciaga Zero has not yet been confirmed. The slip-on shoe is currently available for preorder from select Balenciaga locations. Readers can find more looks at the new design below.
