For years, shoes that dared to reveal a bit of toe sparked intense debates within the fashion realm, with trends such as mesh flats, jelly sandals, and clear heels often dismissed as mere novelties. These once-controversial designs were relegated to the fringes of footwear fashion, facing criticism from both critics and consumers alike; however, as Hollywood’s most fashionable stars began to embrace these daring looks, the narrative around them significantly transformed. Today, styles once deemed polarizing are now proudly worn and celebrated, evolving into chic and versatile staples for the summer season.
In the late 1980s, Maison Margiela introduced the cleft-toed Tabi shoe, inspired by traditional Japanese footwear. Despite its cultural roots, the design was slow to gain mass appeal in the West, with many perceiving it as odd or excessive. Fast forward to the mid-2020s, and this ‘polarizing’ status has significantly diminished. Celebrities like Zendaya have been spotted wearing Tabi boots during casual outings, bringing the design into the everyday spotlight. Such endorsements illustrate how star power can redefine perspectives and normalize what was once deemed unconventional.
Another game-changer in controversial footwear was the mesh flat. This design surged to prominence in 2023, with luxury brands like Alaïa and The Row leading the charge. Hollywood icons such as Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Jennifer Lawrence became the faces of the trend, effortlessly integrating these breathable, minimalist shoes into summer wardrobes. Critics initially focused on their toe-baring nature, questioning their practicality and aesthetic appeal. However, their comfort, lightweight construction, and versatility quickly won over fans, and mesh flats became synonymous with understated elegance.
But perhaps no brand has reaped the benefits of a celebrity-endorsed turnaround more effectively than On. Founded in the Swiss Alps in 2010, On was initially known for its performance-oriented running shoes. Over the years, it has collaborated with major fashion houses and sports legends like Roger Federer, blending functionality with bold aesthetics. These partnerships culminated in collections that transcended the world of athletics, becoming coveted fashion items in their own right. With stars like Gisele Bündchen, Emily Ratajkowski, and Zendaya donning On shoes, the brand has successfully bridged the gap between high-performance and high-fashion.
Product on Amazon: On Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers
Brand: Brand: On
Price: 134.4 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 5086
Fabric type: Mesh
Origin: Imported
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: Synthetic
Features:
1. Fabric: Performance mesh
2. Rubber sole
3. Reflective accents, Lightweight design, Cushioned collar and perforated tongue, Removable insole, Patented CloudTec sole, Designed for everyday wear, Signature speed-lacing system
Top Review from US: “Perfect fit! Love the style and extremely comfortable. Run small because I wear a size 4 and I ordered a 5. Love them though. Will be buying me a black pair as soon as I can find them.
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Jelly sandals, too, have undergone a dramatic renaissance. Once relegated to nostalgic memories of the 1990s, these shoes returned to prominence in 2024 thanks to a contemporary makeover. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row reimagined the jelly sandal as a sophisticated, latticed flat, boasting a price tag of $890. Jennifer Lawrence was among the first to champion this revival, pairing the sandals with upscale outfits that defied their playful origins. Retailers followed suit, offering more affordable versions that captured the same sleek, modern aesthetic.
The shift in how these shoes are perceived reflects broader changes in fashion storytelling. Over time, exposure and repetition have proven to be effective tools for normalizing previously polarizing styles. Fashion weeks, red carpets, and social media posts have all played a role in reshaping public opinion, often aided by the influence of celebrities who are unafraid to take sartorial risks. For instance, when Jennifer Lopez paired clear PVC heels with her signature bold coats or Birkin bags, she not only showcased the versatility of ‘naked shoes’ but also inspired a wave of emulation among fans and fashionistas alike.
Zendaya’s contributions to this cultural shift cannot be overstated. Known for her fearless fashion choices, she has seamlessly blended experimental designs with timeless elegance. Whether rocking Loewe’s signature tennis-ball heels or Tabi boots, Zendaya demonstrates that footwear can be a powerful form of self-expression. Her stylist, Law Roach, has also been instrumental in pushing boundaries, introducing innovative pieces that challenge traditional notions of style while remaining accessible to a global audience.
The normalization of these trends has also been accelerated by their practicality and adaptability. Mesh flats and jelly sandals, for instance, are lauded for their comfort and breathable designs, making them ideal for hot summer days. Their versatility allows them to transition effortlessly from casual outings to more formal settings, ensuring their appeal to a wide demographic. Similarly, On’s line of shoes merges cutting-edge technology with everyday wear, proving that performance and aesthetics can coexist harmoniously.
What’s particularly fascinating about these footwear revolutions is how they mirror broader societal trends. Much like the rise of casual wear in professional settings or the incorporation of athletic elements into high-fashion, these shoes challenge conventional norms and encourage experimentation. They invite us to reconsider what is deemed acceptable or stylish, paving the way for greater inclusivity and innovation in design.
Looking ahead, the progression of these footwear trends prompts intriguing questions about the influence of celebrities and social media figures on fashion dynamics. Are we merely imitating the styles of our favorite stars, or are we collectively pushing the boundaries of what defines modern fashion? Regardless of the answer, one thing remains evident: Hollywood’s impact on the fashion industry continues to be a driving force. With icons like Zendaya elevating the Tabi boot and Jennifer Lopez championing the naked shoe, they remind us that embracing bold and unique choices can lead to remarkable transformations in our personal style.
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Product on Amazon: mysoft Women’s Comfortable Slide Sandals Air Cushion Knit Slip On Wedge Lightweight Walking Sandals Platform Summer Shoes
Brand: Visit the mysoft Store
Price: 32.99 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 689
Sole material: Rubber
Outer material: Knit
Closure type: Slip On
Features:
1. Stylish and Supportive: Designed with a 1.5 inch platform for optimal balance and support, these women’s platform slide sandals elevate your height, elongate your legs, and exude confidence with every step
2. Breathable Knit Upper: The soft and breathable knit upper gently envelops your feet without causing discomfort or sweat, even on the hottest summer days. The backless design also makes them effortless to slip on and off
3. Air Cushion Design: Featuring a unique air cushion design, these sandals reduce the pressure and impact on your knees, allowing you to stay comfortable and active throughout the day
4. Ultra-Light and Comfortable: The latex insole of these platform wedges are covered with a soft and smooth PU upper, providing a cushioned and supportive fit. The ultra-light PU soles further increase your height without weighing you down, making these sandals perfect for all-day wear
5. Summer Must-Haves: These versatile slide sandals are a must-have for any summer wardrobe, pairing effortlessly with any outfit. From casual outings to formal events, these sandals are suitable for shopping, vacations, summer dates, parties, dinner events, and everyday wear
Top Review from US: “Very comfortable and runs true to size”
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From their controversial beginnings to their current status as wardrobe essentials, these summer shoes exemplify the transformative power of fashion. They challenge us to step outside our comfort zones, embrace the unexpected, and, most importantly, have fun with our style choices. After all, isn’t that what fashion is all about?
When it comes to transforming the trajectory of once-maligned trends, few names resonate as powerfully as Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez. Their impeccable fashion sense and innate ability to make bold choices have turned summer shoes into coveted statement pieces, redefining the boundaries of style along the way.
Zendaya, with her fearless approach to fashion, has consistently showcased how footwear can be both avant-garde and universally appealing. Take, for instance, her choice to don Tabi boots during casual outings. The cleft-toed design, which once polarized audiences, found a new sense of normalcy and intrigue under Zendaya’s effortless styling. Paired with minimalist outfits or experimental ensembles, she transforms the divisive into the desirable. Her stylist, Law Roach, has been instrumental in this evolution, curating looks that seamlessly weave unconventional pieces into mainstream appeal. From Loewe’s tennis-ball heels to Tabi boots, Zendaya’s footwear choices aren’t just accessories, but bold proclamations of individuality and artistry.
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Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, has been a stalwart advocate of the ‘naked shoe’ trend. Clear PVC heels, once criticized for their unorthodox appearance, have become a hallmark of Lopez’s wardrobe. She pairs them with her signature bold coats or luxurious Birkin bags, proving their versatility. Whether strutting through the streets of Los Angeles or stealing the spotlight at a red carpet event, her ability to elevate these transparent designs showcases her mastery of blending casual elegance with undeniable glamour. Her love for these ‘barely-there’ shoes has inspired countless fans and designers alike, breaking down barriers and inviting experimentation at every turn.
What makes these trends particularly fascinating is how they align with broader shifts in societal norms. The mesh flat, for example, rose to prominence in 2023 and quickly transitioned from high-fashion runways to everyday wardrobes. Thanks to celebrities like Zendaya and Anne Hathaway, these breathable, minimalist shoes gained a reputation for being more than just toe-baring—they became synonymous with effortless summer elegance. The mesh flat’s evolution reflects the growing appreciation for comfort and functionality in fashion, a sentiment that resonates deeply with today’s consumers.
Similarly, jelly sandals made an unexpected comeback, shedding their nostalgic 1990s image for a sophisticated reimagining under brands like The Row. Jennifer Lawrence, one of the style’s earliest adopters, showcased how a latticed flat could be paired with upscale outfits to create a juxtaposition of laid-back charm and high-fashion polish. These transformations underscore how influential figures can breathe new life into forgotten styles, offering them a modern context that feels fresh and relevant.
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Both Zendaya and Lopez have also highlighted the adaptability of summer shoes in bridging the gap between casual and formal wear. For instance, the mesh flat’s ability to transition from a beach outing to a dinner party reflects a broader trend of multifunctional fashion. Similarly, clear heels have proven their merit as both a red-carpet staple and a chic addition to everyday attire. Such versatility not only broadens their appeal but also cements them as timeless staples in a fashion-forward wardrobe.
Looking beyond individual styles, it’s clear that the influence of celebrities extends far beyond just what they wear. Their public endorsements serve as powerful tools for redefining public perception. When Zendaya steps out in Tabi boots or Jennifer Lopez champions naked shoes, they aren’t merely following trends—they’re setting them. This ability to shape and transform the narrative surrounding fashion pieces highlights the symbiotic relationship between Hollywood and the fashion world. It’s a reminder of the incredible impact that star power can wield, turning even the most controversial designs into celebrated icons of style.
As the Spring 2025 runways approach, the ripple effects of these trends continue to unfold. Designers are embracing the bold and unconventional, pushing boundaries with transparent mules, cleft-toed flats, and other daring designs. This willingness to experiment speaks to a larger movement within the fashion industry—one that values innovation, self-expression, and the breaking of traditional norms. And at the heart of it all are the icons who dared to take the first step, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a little courage and a lot of style to redefine what’s possible.
Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez have accomplished more than just popularizing summer shoes—they’ve redefined them. Their ability to seamlessly integrate these designs into everyday and high-fashion contexts has elevated them from functional footwear to statements of individuality and elegance. Whether it’s through bold experimentation or effortless styling, they’ve reminded us that fashion is as much about self-expression as it is about trends. And as we look to the future, one thing is certain: their impact on the world of footwear will continue to inspire and innovate for years to come.
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