"Did I See That Right?"... The 140,000-Won Sold-Out Craze: What Are Jennie's Shoes?

'Toe Shoes' Emerge as a Fashion Item
Jennie, Lee Hyori, and Shin Mina Also Draw Attention by Wearing Them

Jennie, a member of the group BLACKPINK, drew attention when she appeared at Incheon International Airport wearing shoes with a unique design that separates all five toes. Commonly referred to as 'toe shoes,' these were originally developed as functional athletic footwear, but have recently been gaining popularity as a fashion item.

BLACKPINK Jennie's airport fashion on the 11th. The 'toe shoes' catch the eye. Capture from Dispatch YouTube video.

On July 11, Jennie departed for Los Angeles, USA, via Incheon International Airport. She caught the eye by pairing a red bra top with a crochet knit vest in white and sky blue, gray sweatpants, and distinctive 'toe shoes' that expose all five toes.

The 'toe shoes,' which resemble so-called 'athlete's foot socks,' were initially developed for activities such as running, fitness, and water sports. However, interest in them as a fashion item has surged recently, as leading fashionistas in the entertainment industry, including Jennie, have been seen wearing them. The model Jennie wore is sold for around 140,000 won on the official website, but all sizes are currently sold out both on the official site and at major retailers.

Previously, singer Lee Hyori and actress Shin Mina also attracted attention by sharing photos of themselves wearing these shoes. Lee Hyori posted a photo of the shoes during a hike on social media with the caption "ㅋㅋㅋ," eliciting laughter, while Shin Mina posted a picture of herself wearing them during a trip to Prague, catching the attention of fans.

Actress Shin Mina (left) and singer Lee Hyori wearing 'barefoot shoes.' Instagram

'Toe shoes' help improve balance and strengthen the muscles of the soles by encouraging more active use of the small muscles and joints of the feet. They can be worn not only for walking or running, but also for indoor workouts, and offer protective features, making them popular among activity enthusiasts. However, because the soles are thin and offer less shock absorption, they are not recommended for individuals with foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet.