BLACKPINK's Jennie, singer Lee Hyori, and actress Shin Mina. They seem like stars with no commonality, but recently they have formed a common denominator. It's a unique shoe design that features the shape of the toes. As the looks of fashionistas wearing them have been captured one after another, opinions are circulating, asking, "Will these shoes really become a trend?"
▲ "Fashionista's Choice"… Toe shoes that have taken over airports and travel destinations
Toe shoes have recently emerged as 'it items' among celebrities. BLACKPINK's Jennie has been a hot topic among fans after being spotted wearing them at the airport before departure, and singer Lee Hyori was also seen wearing them in her daily life. Notably, actress Shin Mina captured attention by showcasing her ability to walk over 20,000 steps in these shoes in photos from her European trip shared on her blog. As these trendsetters known for their outstanding fashion sense choose these unique shoes, public curiosity is increasing.
▲ 'Athlete's sock' vs 'individuality'… The public's response divided into extremes
However, the public's reaction to these shoes is sharply divided. Various online communities and social media are filled with negative comments such as, "No matter how much celebrities wear them, this is too… it looks too much like 'athlete's sock,' creating a visual shock," "The toes are too exposed; it feels burdensome for now," and "I don't think it can become a popular trend."
On the other hand, there are positive or curious responses such as, "Since Jennie is wearing them, they look different. As expected, the completion of fashion is all about the face," "Seeing Lee Hyori or Shin Mina in them, there seems to be something special about them," and "It's unique and hip, which is great. It's cooler to try something distinctive than to wear something similar," and "These are originally functional shoes for sports, so they must be comfortable."
▲ Advantages are 'functionality', disadvantages are 'overwhelming visual'
These shoes were originally designed to recreate the benefits of 'barefoot walking', individually wrapping the toes to encourage natural movement of the foot, helping to enhance foot muscle strength and balance. They are lightweight and flexible, and have been praised for their excellent grip, making them effective for specific exercises such as yoga, Pilates, cross-training, and hiking. While they offer less foot protection compared to regular shoes, their unique design focused on 'foot health' is a strength.
Nevertheless, the biggest drawback of these shoes is the visual impact. The design that exposes the shape of the toes deviates from conventional aesthetic standards, posing a significant hurdle to becoming a mainstream fashion item. Moreover, the lack of protection from prolonged use or impact on hard surfaces like concrete is also cited as a downside.
▲ Shoes chosen by celebrities, will they become a 'mega trend'?
In conclusion, while these shoes have quickly become a center of attention due to celebrities wearing them, it remains uncertain if they will lead to a 'mega trend.' They are likely to maintain popularity among certain athletes who value functionality or a few fashionistas pursuing their unique individuality, but the distinct appearance of 'toe shoes' presents an entry barrier, making it difficult to spread into mainstream popularity beyond some negative perceptions, calling them 'athlete's socks.'
This summer, attention is focused on what kind of trend the 'toe shoes' chosen by stars will create between functionality and bold visuals.
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