Chanel is once again challenging traditional fashion rules with its unconventional barefoot-style sandals, a footwear design that has sparked widespread discussion among fashion enthusiasts. The unusual shoes were presented by designer Matthieu Blazy during Chanel’s Resort 2027 collection in Biarritz in April 2026.
Unlike conventional sandals that provide a complete sole, Chanel’s eye-catching design leaves much of the foot exposed. The footwear features a small leather heel structure with delicate straps that wrap around the foot and ankle, creating the appearance of walking almost barefoot. Fashion publications have described the design as a “barefoot sandal” or “non-shoe.”
The concept has attracted attention because it dramatically reinterprets the traditional idea of footwear. Instead of focusing on maximum coverage and comfort, the design places emphasis on minimalism, visual impact and fashion experimentation.
Chanel’s latest footwear direction also reflects the luxury house’s broader approach to reworking its classic codes under Matthieu Blazy. The barefoot-inspired design has become one of the most talked-about elements from the Resort 2027 collection.
The trend has moved beyond the runway as well. British Vogue reported that actress Margaret Qualley wore Chanel’s barefoot sandals at a London red-carpet appearance in August 2026, bringing the unusual footwear into the celebrity fashion spotlight.
The reaction to the shoes has been mixed. Some fashion followers see the design as innovative and artistic, while others question its practicality, particularly because the sole and toes remain exposed. That contrast between luxury design and everyday practicality is precisely what has helped the shoes generate online conversation.
Chanel’s official fashion collection also shows that sandals remain an important part of the house’s 2026 footwear offering, with designs ranging from flat styles to more structured heels.
Whether the barefoot sandal becomes a mainstream fashion trend or remains a runway statement, Chanel has once again demonstrated its ability to create footwear that gets people talking.
