People are wearing ‘five finger shoes' to the office

Metro

a day ago

It's a fashion trend so bizarre that it could force Anna Wintour to tears. Vibram's FiveFingers are the unlikely hot girl shoe of the summer.
The divisive shoe is basically a glove for your feet, with a separate space for every single toe. Sounds sexy, right?
They're actually designed for barefoot running enthusiasts, but they've recently appeared on the feet of guests of New York fashion week.
Doechii and model Paloma Elsesser have also been pictured in them. And now, fashion girlies are deciding to wear them to the office.
Some are donning a pair to run daily errands in the city, and others are braving the London Underground with them on (at least you'll get a good grip if you have to stand, hey?).
They might not appeal to everyone, but social media users are desperate to get their hands on a pair, with some claiming 'they're the comfiest show I've ever owned'.
Others have said they can't find them anywhere after they've recently soared in popularity.
Vibram's have been around since 2006, and this isn't their first shot at the limelight.
Back in 2012, actress Shailene Woodley wore a pair to the Golden Globes after-party.
The distinctive shoe was pictured pointing out under her floor-length black velvet dress, and sparked a similar wave of public confusion at the time.
Scarlett Johansson and David Beckham have also been papped wearing them.
It's no mystery as to why people are catching on now. The barefoot trend has been on the rise for a while.
The idea behind these shoes is to mimic the experience of walking or running barefoot, while providing some kind of protection for feet.
They usually have a thin, flexible sole, and a wide toe box to allow your toes to naturally spread.
Influencers have been promoting different barefoot shoes online, and brands have come up with their own spin on it. @egorchan4in ♬ The Weeknd come through prod.Durdnn – alisha.ﾒ૦
Balenciaga collaborated with Vibram in 2020 to create a heeled version of the shoe. The brand then dropped a $350 3D-moulded barefoot sandal called 'The Zero', which barely covered the big toe.
Tabi's – which feature a split between the big toe and the rest of the toes – are another controversial barefoot shoe which have soared in popularity over the past couple of years. They retail for between £820 and £1,190 online.
The shoes resemble a cow's hoof and are inspired by the traditional 15th century Japanese sock of the same name. The aim is to promote balance and stability on your feet.
But, after nearly two decades, not everyone is ready for this style of shoe to go mainstream.
TikToker @emmahopeall shared a video wearing Vibram's on the tube, saying that everyone was 'laughing' at them.
Some commenters declared them 'terrifying', claiming that wearing them outside is 'diabolical.' More Trending
Others have very real concerns. 'I'd just be scared someone will step on my toes,' another wrote.
Meanwhile, one person said: 'They look so comfy, but I just can't get on board.
While others were adamant that it would turn into the next big thing. 'It's only a matter of time before these take off,' they wrote.
Metro's assistant opinion and first-person editor James Besanvalle was gifted a pair of Vibram's back in 2011 while working at a sports shop.
'I would never have bought them for myself,' he said.
He wore them a total of ten times to go running outdoors. The only issue? The lack of support. 'My feet were sore every time I wore them, and it felt like they were constantly separating my toes,' he adds.
Metro's Newsletter editor Sophie Laughton also has strong opinions of the shoe.
She said: 'There's a man who I regularly see walking to the station who wears them and the sight of his little rubber toes gripping the pavement makes me gag.'
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [e-mail].
MORE: I no longer wake up covered in sweat — these are the most comfortable PJs I've worn
MORE: I'm convinced this horny book adaptation could change the rom-com film genre
MORE: Berghaus drops iconic festival collection – including Liam Gallagher's legendary '97 jacket re-release
Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.