Barefoot chic: the sandal revolution is here – and it's less shoe than you think

Blake Abbie’s whisper-thin sandal – a Literary Sport x Xero collaboration – is the unexpected harbinger of a new footwear trend: minimal sandals that push the very definition of ‘shoe’. Forget chunky platforms and athletic soles; the future is shockingly light.

A step backwards? the rise of the almost-not-a-shoe

During the fall 2026 couture presentations, the fashion world witnessed a shift. Editor and actor Blake Abbie sported a sandal so minimal, it resembled a suggestion of footwear – a mere sole and a delicate leather cord. “You feel like you’re out there,” he explained, “a surprising sense of freedom and grounding.” The pairing with Literary Sport and Xero, known for their Genesis sandal with a remarkably thin 5.5mm sole, signals a deliberate rejection of traditional running shoe aesthetics.

This isn’t a fleeting fad. Celine’s men’s spring 2027 runway showcased similar designs, and the trend has already infiltrated menswear weeks in Paris. J.Crew is even experimenting with rope-bound versions of Xero’s sandals, while Jamie Haller, designer behind the lauded String Theory sandal, has completely abandoned bulk for a summer silhouette.

Minimalism redefined

Loeffler Randall’s Mika sandal, while undeniably elegant, appears almost cumbersome in comparison. At Rier, a rising Paris-based label, even their sandals feature a membrane-like sole and slim bindings – a consistent thread of reduction. Literary Sport’s creative director, Jackie McKeown, notes the influence of running sandals, citing their historical relevance, combined with a desire to move “up” rather than “down” in terms of design. “We’ve strayed away from the bulky shape,” she states,