Blackpink’s Jennie sparks viral craze over sold-out Vibram toe shoes

Jennie’s airport outfits have always been effortlessly cool, but this time, it was her feet that stole the spotlight. Dressed in a blue and white crocheted vest layered over a red bra, grey sweatpants, and a casual white travel bag, she topped off her look with a pair of peculiar shoes that seemed to wrap her feet and toes in a skin-like layer.

These quirky, foot and toe-hugging shoes are none other than the Vibram V-Soul shoes, part of their FiveFingers collection. Like a second skin, these peculiar shoes hug each toe individually, offering a barefoot, almost weightless feel.

Are toe shoes having a moment?

The concept of “toe” shoes are surprisingly not new at all. The Vibram FiveFingers series has actually been around since the mid-2000s, and is now transforming from a niche product to a viral fashion trend with the influence of Jennie.

Known for their foot-hugging design and lightweight build, Vibram FiveFinger soles were originally marketed for and gained popularity through outdoor activities like running and hiking. The V-Soul line, designed for calmer indoor pursuits such as yoga and pilates, promotes barefoot-like movement — but with the influence of Jennie, they’ve recently been embraced as a fashion statement, merging function with trend.

VIBRAM X Balenciaga

If the brand sounds familiar, it’s because this isn’t Vibram’s first venture into mainstream fashion. Back in 2020, Vibram collaborated with Balenciaga to launch the luxury brand’s first line of “toe shoes.” The collaboration introduced three distinct styles — the Toe Lace-Up, Toe Sock, and Heeled Toe — all featuring Vibram soles and made from recyclable materials. Priced at $2,000 SGD, these limited-edition pieces are now sold out or no longer available on Balenciaga’s website.

Toetally trending and sold-out

While they might seem odd at first glance, Jennie’s love for “toe shoes” is nothing new. She’s been spotted in both toe shoes and toe socks on occasions such as Pilates, proving she’s long been a fan of giving her toes room to breathe.

Apart from Jennie, fellow K-stars like Lee Hyori and actress Shin Minah were also spotted donning Vibram’s FiveFingers shoes, further forwarding the trend of the toe-gripping shoe frenzy.

Unsurprisingly, Vibram’s shelves were wiped clean in no time, and their FiveFingers collection, specifically the V-soul line, were quick to sell out on their official website. Vibram does not have a physical store in Singapore, but purchases can be made through the online retailer Tradeinn. While the V-Soul line is currently sold out, other Vibram FiveFingers models are still available on the site.

Fans and the public’s opinions are divided over the style verdict for Jennie’s choice of footwear — with some deeming it effortlessly stylish and others believing it as straight-up strange.

Still, Jennie’s influence is undeniable — she managed to sell out the entire V-Soul line, even the Ivory Dusty Pink color she wore. Now, fans aren’t just loving the shoes for their unique look, but also for the comfort and posture perks they bring.