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Key Takeaways
- A “naked shoe” is any shoe that’s made up of clear and neutral-toned materials—when you wear a pair, it looks like you’re not wearing shoes at all.
- Hailey Bieber is a recent adopter of the Y2K-inspired trend, while naked shoes have also been seen on the feet of Victoria Beckham, Alexa Chung, and Kim Kardashian.
Let’s get something straight: Naked shoes and barefoot shoes are not the same thing. I know she’s a trendsetter, but if I told you Hailey Bieber was wearing barefoot shoes I hope you would ask me to repeat myself. And if I didn’t correct myself and say naked, I hope you would be so bold as to giggle in my face.
Not to be confused with the toe-separating, grounding contraptions my dad was loving when I was at peak you’re-embarrassing-me age, the naked shoe describes a piece of footwear that’s modeled with fashionable, clear material which seems to disappear into thin air as you walk down the street. Ahead, learn everything there is to know about the barely-there trend—and shop it yourself.
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The Trend
The “naked shoe” trend includes footwear that’s skin-toned and see-through enough to expose your bare foot. A lot of times, you’ll find your pair in pump format—but a neutral toned jelly shoe or nude mesh ballet flat can get the job done, too.
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As for why these shoes are so popular, it could be that we’re into earthing enough these days that even the illusion of having your bare tootsie on the ground can make you feel a little more at peace. Another (probably better) idea is that it plays into our love of all things Y2K. Looking through old red carpet photos, you’ll find all sorts of celebs making the naked shoe their own. Britney Spears had a pair, and so did Serena Williams; I hope she saved them for Olympia and Adira.
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Stars have also been loving the look more recently—hence the current trend. We already mentioned that Bieber is a fan—her recent naked shoes of choice were a pair of iconic early aughts brand Gianvito Rossi’s pointed peep-toe pumps with extra peep thanks to their transparent PVC material. Alexa Chung wore a similar pair earlier this year, as did Victoria Beckham (hers came complete with a transparent heel). Kim Kardashian did it back in 2016 with a pair of Yeezys, and brought the look back for the 2024 Met Gala with custom, heel-less, see-through platforms to go with her Maison Margiela gown.
How to Style Naked Shoes
The best thing you can pair your naked shoes with is a good pedicure—it’ll be on full display. Then, you can play it up or down—but the tastemakers have been loving theirs with a funky and similarly nostalgic dress like Bieber’s summer 1998 baby blue Tom Ford for Gucci number.
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Something about these shoes, especially the pumps, also screams pair-me-with-skinny-jeans. Can’t you see Alix Earle in her dark-washed Frame jeans and a clear pump? Give me a vlog with that outfit where she offers bag options, stat.
The Best Naked Shoes for Summer
Now, shall we shop? Ahead, find some of our favorite naked shoes to complete your summer looks. It’ll be so hot soon, and I know you won’t want to wear anything—that’s where these babies come in.
