Luxury fashion brand Jeffrey Campbell has divided social media users after presenting a new shoe design that completely lacks a bottom sole. The company revealed the unconventional footwear in a post on its official Instagram account, prompting an immediate reaction from followers.
The product features tie-up sandals where a major portion of the sole is missing. Images shared online show that anyone wearing the shoes will have their toes and feet directly touching the ground.
As of publication, the new model has not been listed for sale on the official Jeffrey Campbell website. The company has also chosen not to disclose a retail price for the item.
Social media reaction to the design
Potential buyers quickly split into opposing sides over the unconventional look. A majority of online commenters criticized the shoes, describing the concept as ridiculous and calling the footwear sheer idiocy.
Multiple users questioned why fashion brands were attempting to normalize such items, asking if wearers were expected to walk across dirty ground. Others expressed disbelief, insisting that the brand was mocking its audience and demanding that the company stop releasing such styles immediately.
However, other social media users defended the release by highlighting the brand's history. Supporters noted that bright and provocative designs are a signature staple for Jeffrey Campbell, describing the soleless sandals as footwear meant for true connoisseurs and pointing out that such avant-garde pieces are simply part of current fashion trends.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Jeffrey Campbell is an independent footwear brand widely recognized for its bold, platform-heavy, and experimental aesthetic. The label frequently releases eye-catching shoes intended to challenge traditional fashion boundaries.
Recent controversial footwear trends
The online debate follows another high-profile footwear controversy involving luxury fashion. In August, actress Margaret Qualley drew public attention when she wore controversial shoes from French fashion house Chanel to the movie premiere of The Dog Stars.
The star of the film The Substance arrived at the event wearing an evening black dress featuring a deep V-neckline. She paired the gown with Chanel ballet flats that covered only the heel of the foot, leaving the front exposed.
The luxury Chanel ballet flats first went viral on social media platforms in the spring due to their unusual silhouette. The shoes carry a retail price tag of $2,700, equivalent to approximately 235,000 Russian rubles.
