Chanel unveils barely there shoe silhouette in Biarritz France as designers push ugly footwear trend forward

Fashion has been leaning into the so-called “ugly shoe” trend for a while now, but Chanel just pushed things in a direction that even regular runway watchers didn’t expect.

At its Cruise collection show in Biarritz, France, the brand revealed a shoe that barely looks like a shoe at all.

The collection, titled Sous le salon la plage, marked a fresh creative chapter under Matthieu Blazy, and it leaned heavily into beachside luxury, bright tones, and oversized accessories.

But it wasn’t the bags or outfits that stole the conversation—it was the footwear.

The Design That Barely Covers the Foot

The new Chanel silhouette is almost minimalist to the extreme.

It only supports the heel of the foot while a strap wraps across the front, leaving most of the foot exposed.

It appeared in different colourways on the runway, including black and gold versions.

There’s no official price yet, but that hasn’t stopped people from reacting strongly.

Online, the response has been a mix of confusion and sarcasm, with critics questioning everything from practicality to comfort.

Some joked about whether “the price comes half off too,” while others simply couldn’t imagine wearing something that exposes so much of the foot to the ground.

Why “Ugly Shoes” Keep Winning in Fashion

Even though Chanel’s version has sparked debate, it fits into a much bigger trend that has been building for years.

Fashion has been moving steadily toward experimental footwear—pieces that blur the line between functional and strange.

We’ve already seen sneakerinas rise in popularity.

They mix ballet flats with sneaker soles, creating a hybrid that looks soft but wears like sports footwear.

Brands like Miu Miu, Acne Studios, and Ferragamo helped push that idea into luxury fashion, and now it’s filtering into everyday retail.

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Searches for “ballet trainers” even reportedly jumped massively last year, showing that shoppers are more open than ever to unusual silhouettes.

From Runway to High Street: The Sneakerina Effect

What starts on luxury runways doesn’t stay there for long.

The sneakerina trend has already made its way into mainstream fashion stores, including budget-friendly versions.

One standout example is Marks & Spencer’s £50 version, which combines a Mary Jane-inspired upper with a trainer-like sole.

It’s designed to feel comfortable enough for daily wear but still polished enough for dressier outfits.

Fashion brands are clearly betting that people want comfort without sacrificing style, especially as wardrobes become more relaxed and hybrid-focused.

Even Critics Are Wearing Them

Despite the jokes and online confusion, this type of footwear isn’t being dismissed completely.

In fact, celebrity influence has helped normalize it.

Figures like Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and Iris Law have all been seen wearing versions of these hybrid shoes.

Stylists also argue that the appeal goes beyond trends.

Many say these shoes solve a long-standing issue: finding footwear that feels comfortable but still looks intentional.

Impact and Consequences

Chanel’s latest design has done what luxury fashion often aims for—it got people talking.

Even if reactions are mixed, the conversation keeps the brand at the centre of cultural relevance.

The bigger impact is on retail trends. When a major fashion house pushes an extreme design, high street brands often follow with more wearable versions.

That means styles like sneakerinas and hybrid flats are likely to become even more common.

However, there’s also a risk. If designs become too experimental, they can alienate everyday shoppers who want practicality over runway shock value.

What’s Next in the “Ugly Shoe” Wave?

The next step is likely refinement rather than escalation.

Designers are expected to take the idea of hybrid footwear and make it more wearable for everyday life.

We’ll probably see more variations of sneakerinas, softer luxury interpretations, and even more mashups between heels, flats, and trainers.

High fashion will continue to experiment, while high street brands translate those ideas into something more accessible.

Chanel’s reaction-heavy design may never hit mainstream wardrobes, but it sets the tone for where footwear design is heading next.

Summary

Chanel’s latest Cruise collection introduced a barely-there shoe that has divided opinion, but it firmly reinforces the ongoing “ugly shoe” movement in fashion.

While critics question its practicality, the wider trend toward hybrid, comfort-driven footwear continues to grow across both luxury and high street markets.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Chanel unveiled a barely-there shoe at its Cruise show in Biarritz, France
• The design covers only the heel and uses front straps, leaving most of the foot exposed
• Social media reactions were mixed, with many questioning practicality and cost
• The shoe fits into the wider “ugly shoe” and hybrid footwear trend
• Sneakerinas continue to rise, blending trainers and ballet flats
• High street brands like Marks & Spencer are already producing affordable versions
• Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski have helped popularise the style
• Experts say the trend reflects demand for comfort-driven fashion
• Future designs will likely become more wearable and less extreme
• Luxury fashion continues to push experimental silhouettes while retail adapts them