Five-Toed Footwear Is the Unlikely Shoe Trend Taking Over Korea

The controversial shoe has made it to the closet of style icons like Jennie Kim.

Published on Jul 18, 2025

There are many things that make Jennie Kim a hot topic of pop culture discussion—from her performances as a solo artist and as a member of Blackpink, to her fashion choices that deviate from South Korea’s sartorial standards for women. Not everyone can step into Jennie’s shoes, and that applies both literally and figuratively.

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PHOTO: X/KWaveBuzzz.

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Jennie Steps Foot on the Airport in Five-Finger Shoes

The latest spark of controversy surrounding Jennie’s style had nothing to do with showing skin. Instead, it was ignited by an unpredictable choice of footwear: five-finger shoes.

Staying comfortable, Jennie was photographed in an airport wearing gray baggy sweats. Her red tube was layered with a textured top that came in a checkered pattern of blue and white, with snowflakes and daisies adorning it. To accessorize, Jennie opted for a baseball cap and her signature pair of heavily tinted shades. While the stylishly casual outfit was expected from the performer, the public just couldn’t keep their eyes peeled from her feet.

K-drama actress Shin Min Ah recently shared photos of herself strolling through Paris in a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, the Italian footwear brand known for its distinctive toe shoes. Meanwhile, Sojin had her own toe shoe moment while vacationing in Seychelles.

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Korean actress Shin Min Ah and Sojin wearing toe shoes.

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What Are Toe Shoes?

In an effort to promote a reconnection with the earth, toe shoes were designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot. Wearing them will allow your feet to feel each change in terrain, resulting in shorter strides and lighter steps. They take running back to its natural form where the runner depends on their own strength more than the support of their footwear.

Toddlers are encouraged to learn how to walk barefoot, so they can train their bodies to use their muscles and bones properly. This remains the same when getting older. As Dr. Jonathan Kaplan explained to Healthline, walking barefoot encourages the use of muscle groups that strengthen, not only your feet and legs, but also your whole body. Better control of foot position is achieved, leading to improved balance, motion, stability, and body awareness.

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PHOTO: Instagram/vibramfivefingers.

However, like other pairs, the minimalist shoe requires conditioning and breaking in. This is especially true as we’ve spent most of our lives in shoes. Considering the surface you’ll walk on matters as well; certain exteriors simply require additional cushioning and support.

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PHOTO: Instagram/vibramfivefingers.

“Without appropriate strength in the foot, you are at risk of having poor mechanics of walking, thereby increasing your risk for injury,” explained the doctor. Before jumping into the trend, it’s important to transition slow to prevent repercussions from occurring.

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PHOTO: Instagram/vibramfivefingers.

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Toe Shoes to Add to Your Footwear Rotation

Standing on the right side of fashion history doesn’t mean avoiding “ugly” and controversial shoes. Rather, it means wearing whatever you want to. If five-finger shoes resonate with your style and preferences, here are some pairs to shop.

V-Soul Women's Ivory/Dusty Pink, $120 (approximately P6860), VIBRAM, vibram.com

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KSO EVO Women's Yellow/White, $115 (approximately P6573), VIBRAM, vibram.com

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Breezandal Men's Olive Green/Brown/Ivory, $150 (approximately P8587), VIBRAM, vibram.com

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V-Alpha Men's Hydro/Black, $140 (approximately P8015), VIBRAM, vibram.com

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Graspifier Women's Fig/A. Green, $120 (approximately P6860), VIBRAM, vibram.com

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V-Run Men's Black/Blue, $170 (approximately P9732), VIBRAM, vibram.com

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Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.