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I guess it's time to let our dogs out. While freaky ugly clear shoes have been taking over the trend cycle this summer, we just unlocked the freakiest of them all: barefoot sandals. Margaret Qualley debuted Chanel's lace-up leather heel cap "sandals" for the London premiere of the Ridley Scott film The Dog Stars.
Don't be fooled by the sandals there; only the actor's heel is covered by the "shoes." Designed by Matthieu Blazy, we first saw these heels on the runway for Chanel’s cruise 2027 collection in Biarritz, France. Not available for sale, this design is meant to be polarizing. And that it was.
Yet, this isn't the first time a celebrity has gone practically barefoot on the red carpet. Stars like Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, Kesha, and Doechii have all made toe-spectacular appearances for the Met Gala, movie premieres, runway shows and talk show appearances.
While we don't all have the pretty feet privileges to wear barefoot sandals or clear mesh flats, keep scrolling to learn more about this new style trend that's forcing us to get a pedicure.
- Celebrities have been spotted sporting a practically barefoot style this year on red carpets, movie premieres, and even the Met Gala.
- 2026 has been the year of the freaky shoe and clear flats; this latest style worn by Margaret Qualley only solidified it.
- While the viral Chanel "barefoot sandal" isn't available for sale, we're predicting this will start a trend of even more polarizing shoes and an uptick in pedicures.
What Are Barefoot Sandals?
The barefoot sandal is the name given to the Chanel shoe worn by Qualley and seen on the runway for the luxury designer's cruise 2027 collection. The sandal features black laces and a leather cap with the CC logo on the side and a slight heel that covers that part of the foot. It leaves the sole and toes completely bare to the ground (or carpet, if you're lucky).
While it isn't available to purchase (unless you're an A-lister), it's practically a guarantee that we'll see dupes pop up at online retailers very soon. Still, if you're captivated by this "shoe," waiting for other brands might not be necessary. It looks pretty easy to DIY.
How to Style Barefoot Sandals & Clear Heels
The secret to wearing barefoot sandals without looking insane is to properly style them. These sandals are atypical, strange, and require an open mind to like. That means the style that best suits them is a free-thinking, beachy, romantic, and slightly boho vibe. Gravitate towards maxi dresses, skirts, bubble hems, and loose pants. Nothing structured or with too many sharp edges.
With clear heels and mesh flats, there's more styling freedom. These see-through shoes are more casual, and they can be styled to reflect that with jeans or shorts. Yet, they can also be dressed up for a night out or office days, with mini skirts or trousers. They can be an unexpected (but still stylish) pop to your outfit.
Shop Clear, Mesh & See-Through Shoes:
Jessica Simpson Jesynia Wedge Sandal
This sandal by Jessica Simpson tackles two trends at once: wedges and clear straps. It features an adjustable ankle strap, a lightly padded footbed, and a sleek cork wedge heel.
Steve Madden Calico Bone Mesh
These mesh ballet flats from Steve Madden feature a tabi toe split, sleek profile and a comfortable feel in a see-through mesh design.
Old Navy Mesh Ballet Flats
These ballet flats feature a mesh fabric made from thermoplastic rubber that nearly blends with your feet, with a contrasting black top line to make them pop.
Mix No. 6 Liliete Sandal
These sandals have a clear strap and a slim heel design in a skin-tone-like shade that gives that barely-there style we're yearning for.
Sam Edelman Michaela Jelly Mary Jane Flat
These jelly flats feature a Mary Jane design with an adjustable strap and a criss-cross clear construction that makes them stand out from the rest.
Melissa Possession Ballerina Beige Jelly Flats
These jelly flats feature a slim silhouette, a lightweight PVC construction, and a basketweave texture in a glossy beige shade.
Steve Madden XTRA RED
Make your nearly-clear shoes have a little pop of red. These heels by Steve Madden have a breathable mesh material, a trendy kitten heel, and a secure slingback design.
Christian Siriano New York Yash Sandal
These Christian Siriano sandals feature an all-over jelly material, a thong-style strap, a kitten heel, and a square open-toe design.
Shop Flip Flops:
TKEES Square Toe Lily
These TKEES leather flip flops are chic, thanks to their square toe, slim straps, thin design, and variety of chic neutral colorways.
Archies Arch Support Flip Flops
Want your flip flops to be city-approved? These top-rated Archies flip flops will get you through it all with their signature arch support, slightly platform design, durable (and soft) rubber, and a variety of colorways.
Sleepers Tapered Flip Flops
Cool and chic, these flip flops from Sleepers feature a tapered square shape, a natural rubber sole, and thin transparent straps in seven shades.
Reformation Amelia Flat Thong
Another chic option, these thong flip flops from Reformation are made from polished leather and include a two-toned design, a round toe, and a flat construction.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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