Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Margaret Qualley’s Chanel Barefoot Shoes Spark Red-Carpet Debate
Margaret Qualley wore unusual Chanel sandals to a movie premiere in London.
The sandals cover only part of her heel and use thin straps to stay on.
Her toes and the bottoms of her feet were left uncovered.
This makes it look as if she is walking barefoot while wearing high heels.
People online have called them barefoot shoes, naked sandals and non-shoes.
Some people think they are a creative fashion experiment.
Other people think they look uncomfortable, impractical or too expensive.
The sandals came from Chanel’s Resort 2027 collection and are difficult for most people to buy.
Margaret Qualley wore Chanel’s barely-there sandals at The Dog Stars premiere in London on August 20.
The black design uses thin straps, a small leather heel cap and a Chanel monogram, while leaving the toes and soles exposed.
Creative director Matthieu Blazy introduced the footwear in Chanel’s Resort 2027, also called Cruise 2027, collection in Biarritz, France.
The shoes have been nicknamed “barefoot shoes,” “naked sandals” and “non-shoes” as social media users debate their purpose and practicality.
Reports say the sandals cost about $3,000 but are not available through regular websites and may mainly be accessible to VIP clients.
- Who
- Actor Margaret Qualley wore Chanel’s unusual sandals at the premiere, alongside director Ridley Scott and co-stars including Jacob Elordi.
- What
- Qualley brought Chanel’s barely-there “barefoot shoe” design from the runway to a high-profile red-carpet event.
- When
- August 20; the articles do not definitively specify the year of the premiere.
- Where
- The Dog Stars premiere in London; the sandals were introduced at a Chanel presentation in Biarritz, France.
- Why
- The design makes the foot appear almost bare and reflects fashion’s interest in barely-there clothing and accessories.
Fashion Experiment
Practicality Concerns
Definition of footwear
Fashion Experiment
Supporters may see the sandals as a deliberately provocative reimagining of what a shoe can be, retaining just enough heel and strap structure to function as footwear.
Practicality Concerns
Critics question whether a design leaving the front and sole of the foot exposed should be considered a conventional shoe at all.
Trend potential
Fashion Experiment
The design fits fashion’s broader interest in sheer, transparent and barely-there clothing and accessories, while creating a clean, uninterrupted silhouette.
Practicality Concerns
The sandals may remain a runway or red-carpet curiosity because walking in them for long periods, on crowded streets or uneven pavements could be difficult.
Value and access
Fashion Experiment
Qualley’s appearance brought an experimental runway design into the celebrity spotlight and generated substantial discussion.
Practicality Concerns
Online critics questioned the reported USD 3,000 price and the usefulness of the design, while its reported VIP-only availability limits mainstream access.
- Event
- The London premiere of The Dog Stars
- Wearer
- Margaret Qualley
- Brand
- Chanel
- Designer
- Matthieu Blazy
- Design
- Thin straps, a small leather heel cap and a Chanel monogram, with the toes and soles exposed
- Collection
- Chanel’s Resort 2027 collection, also called Cruise 2027
- Reported price
- About USD 3,000, according to one report
- Availability
- Reportedly unavailable through regular websites and difficult to obtain except for VIPs or major Chanel clients
Sources
Margaret Qualley leaves internet in disbelief with barefoot sandals in London; Where to buy them, cost and more
Margaret Qualley Goes 'Barefoot' In Chanel's Controversial Sandals With Jacob Elordi On Red Carpet: Know About The Viral 'Naked Shoe'
Margaret Qualley just wore the ‘naked shoe’ at The Dog Stars premiere: What is it?