The current fashion landscape has seen a provocative trend toward “naked dressing,” now extending its reach to an unexpected area: toes. This year, designers have showcased a daring array of styles that highlight foot digits, prompting experts to reflect on the evolving allure of the foot.
Historian Helen Persson, curator of the 2015 V&A exhibition Shoes: Pleasure and Pain, notes, “It was time for toes to be ‘fashionable.’” She explains that various parts of the foot have been celebrated in fashion history, from “toe cleavage” to the curves of the arch, making toes a natural next step.
The trend began to emerge in 2019 when luxury brand The Row introduced slipper socks that exposed the toes, effectively spotlighting this often-overlooked feature. Following this, Alaia’s £650 fishnet ballet flats debuted in 2022, featuring a peephole design that remains highly sought after. Today, styles range from sheer ballet flats to form-fitting designs that accentuate each toe.
However, toe-baring fashion occupies a precarious space, balancing between sensuality and discomfort. The market offers a variety of options, such as Khaite’s embellished ballet flats, which resemble a delicate mosquito net adorned with crystals, alongside more utilitarian options like see-through rubber flats reminiscent of beachwear.
Celebrities including Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway have embraced this trend, often spotted in styles that flaunt their toes. Unlike the previous dominance of high heels, this season’s fashion editors are opting for flats that place toes in the spotlight. Notably, even Vibram FiveFingers shoes, typically favored by barefoot enthusiasts, have made appearances, prompting one former Vogue editor to describe the experience as “an orgasmic exhale for the foot,” emphasizing the sensory joy of toe freedom.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, toe-exposing styles are proving to be a bold and captivating expression of individuality and comfort.
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