A true anomaly to some, the epitome of comfort to others, Vibram’s toe shoes continue to blaze their own trail—far from the beaten path. Here’s a closer look at this unconventional model that straddles innovation and a defiance of aesthetic norms. Forget Crocs and the timeless Havaianas. Could FiveFingers be on track to become the shoe of the summer?
Created by the Italian brand Vibram in 2005, FiveFingers were designed to mimic the sensation of walking barefoot. Their goal? To offer direct contact with the ground, improve posture, and strengthen the muscles in the feet and legs. Built with ultra-thin soles and individual slots for each toe, they were initially aimed at barefoot running enthusiasts, climbers, and sports lovers in general. Their success was as swift as it was polarizing, fascinating to some, unsettling to others.
A divisive aesthetic turned cult classic
With their radically unconventional silhouette, FiveFingers often spark strong reactions whether it’s mockery over their appearance or fascination with their ergonomic design, they never go unnoticed. Still relatively niche, they’ve won over a devoted community of loyal users who are willing to prioritise comfort and freedom of movement over style or maybe even redefine it. In an era where ugly shoes are making a comeback, FiveFingers have earned their rightful place in our wardrobes.
FiveFingers are enjoying a renewed wave of attention. The return of functional minimalism, the rise of outdoor sports, and fashion’s evolving beauty standards are all playing in their favor. It’s a deeper trend that reflects a growing appetite for the experimental.
Towards new lifestyles
Beyond aesthetics, FiveFingers embody a lifestyle philosophy rooted in return to essentials. They meet a need for grounding both literally and figuratively: reconnecting with the earth, feeling every step, and rediscovering lost sensations. It’s a nearly primal gesture, akin to a form of liberation of the foot, first and foremost, but also from conventional beauty standards.
This minimalist approach, inspired by barefoot running, is also part of a broader movement: a reconnection with the living world and a more conscious way of life. Wearing FiveFingers means choosing to go against the grain. It’s a bold, deeply personal statement, a way of thumbing one’s nose at convention. Because beyond their unusual shape, these shoes speak to a desire for both physical and mental emancipation, where others still see nothing more than a fashion faux pas.
In the fashion sphere
FiveFingers haven’t escaped the radar of the most fashion-forward profiles. Long before Vibram’s collaborations with Balenciaga or Japanese label Suicoke, the shoe had already won over connoisseurs. Defying the cult of performance, it was the shoe’s strange, standout appearance that first captivated the fashion-obsessed, a natural next step following the tidal wave of Tabi shoes made popular by Maison Margiela and later picked up by indie labels at more accessible prices.
For trendsetters, content creators, stylists, and other early adopters, FiveFingers offer a new playground for experimentation. Once mainly worn by men, the shoe has steadily gained popularity among women, who now wear them in growing numbers, embracing both their uniqueness and their lightness. Case in point: singer and content creator Mélissa Bon, known for her love of bold pieces owns several pairs, which she styles with everything from streetwear to more feminine looks. Inspiring!
Long mocked, FiveFingers are now following in the footsteps of the Tabis. At the intersection of comfort and innovation, they’re attracting a generation in search of new sensations and a break from the norm. Like other once-maligned shoes that turned cult, they show that “ugly” can often be the starting point for new aesthetics.
Article by Julie Boone.
