Fri Dec 06 06:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Balenciaga Unveils Minimalist “Zero” Shoe, a Radical Departure from Brand’s Puffy Sneaker Trend
**LAS VEGAS/NEW YORK** – While Malika Haqq sported red Balenciaga boots at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Tracee Ellis Ross reminisced about her Louboutin’s, Balenciaga is making headlines with its latest footwear innovation: the “Zero” shoe. This minimalist design, previewed in an unconventional lookbook, marks a dramatic shift for the brand known for its oversized, often controversial, sneaker silhouettes.
The Zero, described as distilling footwear to its essence, is a barely-there slip-on made of EVA foam. Secured only by a heel cup and a toe notch, it essentially resembles a wearable sole. The design, available in muted colors, features the Balenciaga logo on the big toe and showcases an imprint of the foot on both the inside and outside. Images shared on social media highlight the shoe’s unique anatomical detail.
This stark minimalism represents a complete turnaround from Balenciaga’s previous trend of increasingly large sneakers, culminating in the 10XL and 6XL models. The Zero is currently available for pre-order at select locations, though pricing remains unannounced. The brand also announced a new collaboration with Under Armour featuring three footwear models. This unexpected move underscores Balenciaga’s ongoing experimentation and its willingness to challenge conventional footwear design.
First Piper 