Margaret Qualley recently sparked conversation by wearing Chanel's controversial "barefoot sandals" to the premiere of "The Dog Stars." The soleless design, which covers only the heel and leaves the toes exposed, debuted in Chanel's resort 2027 collection and drew criticism online for its impracticality and perceived unsanitary nature.
However, Qualley's choice is part of a longer trend of celebrities opting for barefoot or shoe-free appearances at high-profile events. In 2003, Cameron Diaz shed her broken stiletto at the premiere of "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," choosing comfort over conventional footwear. Similarly, Zooey Deschanel removed her strappy sandals mid-carpet at the 2005 London premiere of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
Actor Thomas Jane is known for his preference for going shoeless, stating in 2016 that he enjoys the sensation of being connected to his environment without the "imprisonment" of shoes. In 2016, Julia Roberts famously defied the Cannes Film Festival's ban on flats by ascending the steps barefoot in a black gown.
Kristen Stewart followed Roberts' lead in 2018, removing her pumps mid-premiere, an act that coincided with the film festival later revising its dress code to permit elegant shoes and sandals. Emma Thompson, who had previously joked about her red-soled shoes at the Golden Globes, showcased her pedicure while accepting an award at the Munich Film Festival in 2018.
More recent examples include singer Kesha forgoing footwear at the 2026 Grammy Awards and rapper Doechii arriving at the 2026 Met Gala barefoot in a Marc Jacobs creation. Doechii described the experience as both comfortable and vulnerable, signifying a sense of "groundedness." 
These instances highlight a recurring defiance of traditional red carpet norms, with celebrities embracing comfort, making fashion statements, or expressing a personal philosophy through their choice to go shoeless.