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Refinery29
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Fashion is Under Siege By Vibram's Freaky FiveFinger Toe Shoes
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. When Vibram's infamous FiveFinger shoes first became popular in the early 2000s, you couldn't have paid me to wear them. I was a Converse-loving, Hot Topic-shopping high schooler who couldn't have been further from their target market. Today, as a fashion editor living in New York City, I'm even more removed from the brand's usual demographic. But earlier this week, as I sat researching this story, I found myself contemplating a $870 pair of designer lookalikes. The shoe, as they say, is officially on the other foot. The polarizing footwear style first hit the marketplace in 2006, featuring a toe-conscious silhouette that claimed to be the next best thing to walking around barefoot. Naturally, the granola community embraced them with open… um, toes? And soon, FiveFingers could be seen on every hiking trail and yoga retreat in the Pacific Northwest. Utilitarian to a fault, these babies were gorpcore before the term even existed. Like a sleeper cell, five-toe shoes stayed in their lane, enjoying decades of quiet success until the time was right. In 2020, the flange-forward footwear began making its carefully planned attack on the fashion industry at large, with the launch of Balenciaga's high-heeled Vibram collab. This collection combined the luxury label's signature sock boot silhouette with the toe-centric contour Vibram is known for — mechanical-looking heels were the cherry on top of the futuristic designs. Although striking in appearance, the collection was overshadowed by an unprecedented global health event, and any hopes that the trend would take off fell flat. A full five years later, however, five-toe shoes have rather successfully infiltrated the sneaker space, piggybacking off the success of Maison Margiela's iconic Tabis. Labels like Nike and Coperni released their own iterations, drip-feeding consumers with toe-forward shoe styles until the digits of fashion's elite were under a full-scale siege. Now, interest in Vibram FiveFingers is the highest it's ever been. According to Lyst, the freaky shoes saw an unprecedented 110% spike in sales between April and June of 2025, securing them a leading role on summer mood boards. In a world of prescriptive micro trends, increasing conservatism, and renewed body negativity, their appeal is simple: These anti-trend shoes push back against the heteronormative gender roles that are likewise on the upswing — a middle finger (or toe) in the face of traditional femininity. Their surrealist silhouette stands starkly at odds with the palatable day dresses of the trad wife set or the curve-hugging denim of Sydney Sweeney's eugenics-coded American Eagle ads. And according to fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen, these conflicting aesthetics are directly linked. 'From a fashion psychology standpoint, 'ugly' shoes mark a psychological shift away from visual submission,' Heinen tells Refinery29. 'At a time when hyper-curated beauty is algorithmically rewarded, these shoes interrupt the aesthetic flow — on purpose. They're anti-pretty, and that's their power.' Stylist Neelo Noory echoes this sentiment, saying: 'It's the ultimate fashion flex when you can take something as utilitarian as a five-toe shoe and make it look intentional,' she says. 'With the right outfit, Vibrams read as this unbothered, comfy-casual-cool statement that says, 'I know these are weird, and that's why I love them.'' Recent trend cycles have seen the pendulum swing away from painful high heels — shoes steeped in sexual symbolism that primarily benefits the observer rather than the wearer — toward shoes that intentionally rebuff the male gaze. Like their fellows (Crocs, Birkenstocks, designer clogs, UGG boots, dead fish sandals, etc.), five-toe shoes harness the unbridled empowerment of dressing for no one but yourself. And that is beautiful. Heinen calls these shoes 'tools of disidentification — a refusal to visually align with performative femininity,' she says. 'They offer what some are calling 'Ugly Girl Privilege' — an intentional opting-out of desirability politics. When you wear something widely deemed unattractive, especially on your feet, you're signaling: I'm not here to be easy to digest,' she continues. 'They allow the wearer to reject the idea that their body must be pleasing, optimized, or ornamental.' While this look is undoubtedly a ' weird girl ' trend by nature, toe-focused footwear is being embraced by designated 'Hot Girls' across the social media sphere. Streetwear influencers and Instagram baddies alike are bringing these ugly-cute accessories to the mainstream, styling ballet-inspired iterations with baggy cargo pants and tiny crop tops, or ' wrong shoe theory '-style with tent dresses or pleated trousers. Fashion influencer and tattoo artist Toni Agost says she gravitates toward the strappy V-Souls (which she says 'were super hard to get,' BTW) for both wearability and shock value. 'Ugly-looking shoes make outfits interesting,' she says. 'While being a delicate shoe, the toe detail makes them eccentric.' Like Heinen, Agost too has noticed a shift toward the fashionably bizarre in the larger fashion space. 'I do think people don't care as much if the outfit is conventionally attractive,' she tells Refinery29. 'They care about expression and artistic freedom.' Even so, Agost says their comfort level cannot be understated. 'These shoes are so versatile, you can make them work with any aesthetic, but most importantly, they are my comfiest shoe.' This, too, is defiant in its own right, Heinen says. 'The return of restrictive silhouettes and body-silencing trends is part of a larger regression into control and modesty,' she adds. 'In this climate, ugly shoes operate as sartorial dissent. These choices communicate autonomy.' 'What we're seeing now is a perfect storm: a collective fatigue with aesthetic conformity, rising political anxiety, and a collective craving to feel grounded in our bodies again,' she continues. 'In times of social unrest, fashion often swings toward either fantasy or confrontation. Vibrams are the latter.'
CNN
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Colorful sneakers are spring's biggest shoe trend. Here are 20 stylist and editor-approved styles
Colorful sneakers quick picks Sneakers under $100: Dr. Scholl's x Milk Bar Rebel Sport Sneakers Comfortable sneakers: New Balance 9060 Platform sneakers: Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes Metallic sneakers: Adidas Samba Long Tongue Sneakers If you have a pair of beat-up white sneakers hiding in the back of your closet, it's time to refresh your spring footwear and replace them with a pair of colorful sneakers. This season, we're seeing a rainbow of colors take to the streets with women's shoes from Adidas, New Balance, Nike and more embracing the full color spectrum. That means you can get all the comfort and support from styles you know and love but with a new twist, thanks to fun color combos. A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) According to fashion psychologists, there's a reason the trend has shifted away from white sneakers and to more vibrant options. 'From a fashion psychology standpoint, our clothing choices — including footwear — act as emotional and cultural barometers,' fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen said. 'White sneakers reigned during a time of uncertainty because they represented neutrality, simplicity and psychological safety. They were the sartorial equivalent of a clean slate — something dependable amidst the chaos.' While our world sometimes feels just as uncertain, fashion has returned to expressive dressing. 'The rise of colorful sneakers reflects a collective shift toward joy, individuality and psychological renewal,' Heinen said. We're giving ourselves our own dose of dopamine through how we dress. 'The drastic rise of these more colorful sneaker styles suggests that consumers are keen to use their wardrobes as a tool to rewind the clock and embrace more playfulness,' fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell added. 'Researchers have identified that those with higher playfulness scores tend to have a stronger sense of hope and higher level of creativity, and are more likely to approach life with excitement and energy. Play has also been associated with lower stress levels and the adoption of healthier coping mechanisms.' So, there you go: Slipping on a new pair of colorful sneakers could actually bring some joy to your day. To help you find the right mood-boosting pair for you, we asked style experts for their recommendations and shared a few of our favorites too. Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes On-air fashion expert and celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy loves the variety of color combinations these platform sneakers come in, which she said offer different levels of vibrancy for every comfort level. From monochrome purple to high contrast green and pink for spring, these are perfect for giving your wardrobe a pop. Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy, who's tested the best shoes for standing all day, has a whole collection of statement sneakers and loves this stylish and comfortable pair too. Gola Tornado Sneakers "Retro and sporty, these soccer-inspired sneakers from Gola feature heavy-weave nylon uppers with suede and leather overlays, complete with a gum wedge sole for some cool contrast," Heinen said. They come in a variety of fun colors, and Chicago-based wardrobe stylist Katie Schuppler is a fan of the hot pink shade. "This tone goes well with so many more other colors than you would think and complements neutral shades too," she said. Adidas Samba OG Shoes Adidas Samba sneakers were everywhere last year, and their momentum is still going strong. Stylist Rebecca Kahane Pankow loves the nearly sold-out Collegiate Green color (we found some available at Asos), but we're also loving this animal-print version with a pop of orangish red. No matter your preference, there are dozens of colors to choose from. Adidas Samba Long-Tongue Sneakers This long-tongued version of the Sambas come in even more trendy colors, like this silver-and-red combo. "Metallic shoes go with so much, and these are a fun way to incorporate the trend where you could style them with athleisure or with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt," Schuppler said. Dr. Scholl's x Milk Bar Rebel Sport Sneaker Made in collaboration with pastry and dessert shop Milk Bar, these Dr. Scholl's sneakers come in colors inspired by menu favorites, like Cornflake Crunch Yellow Suede and Pretzel-y/Chocolate Chip Suede. I grabbed the latter and love the pastel blue and rich brown color combo. I also appreciate that they're made from responsibly sourced leather and sustainable materials but don't sacrifice on comfort. They feature anatomical cushioning and a 15% plant-based antimicrobial, anti-odor insoles that are great for sweaty feet. Saucony Shadow 6000 "The retro style of these sneakers gives them a '70s air of nostalgia," Forbes-Bell said. And it turns out, the trend toward retro sneakers has a benefit. According to the fashion psychologist, embracing nostalgia is linked to increased feelings of contentment and social connectedness. Adidas SL72 OG Sneakers Available in over 25 colors, these Adidas sneakers are a revival of '70s track shoes. They have a low profile with nylon and suede uppers and EVA midsoles for cushioned comfort. Uy has them in the blue and pink combo, and Heinen is a fan too. "Their lightweight design and retro appeal make it a versatile addition to any wardrobe," Heinen said. Rec Sneakers Wardrobe stylist and founder of Turnkey Style Elisa Ellis recommends these lightweight, low profile silver sneakers for women. "The metallic is subtle enough to pair with everything but still gives that little extra something," she said. "Bonus: They're under $100 and easy to break in." Puma RS-X Suede Sneakers "Serving '80s reboot, the sneakers' chunky design and mixed materials come together so beautifully," Conroy said of this Puma pair. Featuring cushioned soles and a mix of leather and mesh, the unisex RS-X style has a retro feel. Gola Elan Sneakers Ellis and Uy also love these Gola bestsellers. With a timeless appeal, the vintage-inspired training shoes offer comfort and support straight from the box and will go with everything. "They give a relaxed, cool-girl vibe and work just as well with skirts and dresses as they do with jeans or trousers," Ellis said. "They are under $120 and totally worth it." Sam Edelman Langley Lace-Up Sneakers "This sneaker is a versatile and comfy choice," Ellis said. Choose from over 10 colors in leather or suede "from bold to barely there," the stylist said. The stylist likes the traditional lace up style, bold logo detail and shock-absorbing EVA soles. Coolway Kizuna Unisex Uy owns these suede sneakers and loves the color block design. They're a highlight in her collection for their shock-absorbing soles and high-quality craftsmanship that comes at a price comparable to more mainstream styles like the Adidas Sambas. Zara Combination Running Sneakers "Butter yellow has been trending since last spring, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon," Kahane Pankow said. She recommended these sleek, suede-trimmed sneakers in the trendy hue. "These sneakers can be worn from the spring until the fall," she said. Nike Air Max 90 Futura Sneakers Another pick from Heinen, these pastel sneakers ooze cool factor with saw-tooth edging around the toes and Nike's air bubble soles. New Balance 9060 These bold sneakers were one of Uy's most-worn pieces last year. Besides having unmatched arch support and cushioning, she loves the dad shoe style with a colorful twist. While her fuchsia and red color are now sold out, the style comes in over 10 other options. Veja Volley O.T. Sneakers When our social team tested sneakers to compare to the Adidas Samba and Gazelle styles, these had a slightly chunkier platform and better support. We love the soft suede finish and the monochrome colors. Kahane Pankow also recommended the Veja Campo sneakers, which feature a white upper and colorful contrast logo. Air Jordan 1 Mid SE Casual Shoes The Air Jordan 1 celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and the sneakers remain an icon. The basketball shoes are more of a streetwear style these days, and according to Afterpay insights, high tops are going to be a big trend this summer. Forbes-Bell, who is an Afterpay ambassador, said this green shade is perfect for spring strolls and has also seen increased popularity this year. Alohas Tb.490 Rife Sneakers Alohas' sneakers are a low-profile option that we compared to the Adidas Gazelles. They have exposed stitching and perforated details to add a sporty vibe to the suede uppers. They come in 27 colors, from hot pink to chocolate brown. Dolce Vita Notice Sneakers With Dolce Vita's court shoes, you get a choice between colorful suede or shiny metallic leather. The gum soles and low-top silhouette make them another worthy alternative to Adidas' popular, and often sold-out, styles. Steve Madden Tux Sneakers The gold metallic finish and platform gum sole give this pair we tested an undeniably sleek look. The sneakers are versatile enough to make a statement when you want, or they can simply add a touch of shine to your outfit. 'You have to start with your closet to choose the right pair,' Ellis said. Take a look at what colors you keep in your rotation regularly and think about what outfits you'll plan on wearing with sneakers. 'Assess what's in your closet and consider whether you would pair your sneakers with dresses, jeans, shorts, a midi skirt or casual slacks,' Ellis said. 'Try a few to find what feels authentic and what would go best with the outfits you already have in your closet.' Conroy also advised picking out a pair that you know will work with multiple outfits in your existing wardrobe. 'This allows you to indulge in the trend while seamlessly adding everyday workhorses to your sneaker collection,' she said. 'If they pair nicely with more of your clothes, even better.' Kahane Pankow said low-cut sneakers, like Adidas Sambas, go with dresses, pants and jeans, while chunkier styles tend to go best with athleisure. If you're feeling stumped on which specific color to choose, Ellis had some general guidelines: If your style is classic, you may want to choose soft metallics or a timeless red that complements black, navy and neutrals. If your style is bolder or quirky, try hot pink, green or even an animal print. If your style is more sporty and laid-back, go with muted pastels or go wild and make a true statement. The following FAQs have been answered by Cindy Conroy, Elisa Ellis, Shakaila Forbes-Bell and Rebecca Kahane Pankow. What is the most popular sneakers color for spring and summer? What is the most popular sneakers color for spring and summer? The stylists called out a preference towards pastel hues for spring and summer, noting that light blue, butter yellow and powdery pink are growing in popularity. Forbes-Bell also has the data to support mint green's popularity: 'According to Afterpay, sales of mint green shoes increased by 136% year over year, suggesting that it will be the most popular sneaker color for spring and summer,' she said. Other notable color trends the experts mentioned include metallics, bright pinks, fiery red and frog green. 'But trend or not, go with what you love and feel confident in. That will always be the most stylish choice,' Ellis said. How do you match colorful sneakers to your outfit? How do you match colorful sneakers to your outfit? Kahane Pankow had another useful approach to coordinating your sneakers to your look. 'Focus on matching the top of your outfit with your sneakers. Allow the bottoms to break up the look so it doesn't feel too matchy,' she said. 'If you struggle choosing a color, you don't need to match the exact color of your blouse, you can choose a complementary color or even something completely different to add a pop of color to the look.' Do colorful sneakers go with jeans? Do colorful sneakers go with jeans? All the stylists agreed that colorful sneakers 100% go with jeans. 'Jeans act as a neutral canvas for dramatic, colorful sneakers,' Conroy said. Whether you prefer light or dark denim, all washes and silhouettes can work with the right pair of sneakers. Conroy suggested going even bolder by styling your statement sneakers with a pair of colorful jeans too. For this article, we consulted the following fashion experts to gain their professional insights: Cindy Conroy, fashion expert and TV personality Elisa Ellis, wardrobe stylist and founder of Turnkey Style Shakaila Forbes-Bell, fashion psychologist and author Jennifer Heinen, fashion psychologist Rebecca Kahane Pankow, celebrity stylist Katie Schuppler, Chicago-based wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and founder of KS Style Consulting CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw consulted professional stylists and fashion psychologists about the colorful sneaker trend.
