Balenciaga isn't necessarily known for having the most practical footwear. From shoes inspired by socks to sneakers reminiscent of a reptile, the luxury fashion house has, in the past, often fell victim to wide-ranging discussions over its designs.

Balenciaga describes The Zero as footwear distilled to its essence, pushing the concept of barefoot shoes to the extreme. Made entirely from 3D-molded EVA foam, the design leaves most of the foot exposed,

Discover the buzz around Balenciaga's fall 2025 collection, featuring the Zero shoe, a minimalist design that sparked debate over sustainability and pricing.

According to Balenciaga, the Zero “distills footwear to its essence” by taking the barefoot shoe concept to the max. Secured only by a heel cup and a notch at the big toe, the 3D-molded shoe is composed entirely of EVA foam and is essentially a thin, wearable sole rather than a shoe.

Balenciaga's Fall 2025 collection introduces The Zero, a bizarre slip-on shoe made of EVA foam that leaves your foot exposed and feels like you are barefoot.