Giuseppe Zanotti’s heel-less design has evolved through several distinct transformations. Initially, the design resembled a fin, later taking on a Noritaka Tatehana-inspired style, and now, for Spring 2013, it’s been reimagined with a more angular shape.
Juliette Binoche in Giuseppe Zanotti Heel-Less Wedges at the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival
Juliette Binoche attends the premiere of Camille Claudel 1915 held on February 12, 2013, during the 63rd annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) held at Berlinale Palast in Potsdamer Platz in Mitte, Berlin (Credit: Eva Napp / WENN / Lia Toby / Daniel Deme)
The redesigns only make Giuseppe Zanotti’s heel-less shoes easier to identify whenever we spot a pair. Our most recent sighting? Juliette Binoche’s red carpet appearance at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival held last week.
Juliette’s austere pantsuit and blunt haircut set off the sharp angles of her Giuseppe Zanotti heel-less wedges.
Juliette Binoche in a simple black pantsuit and Bruno Dumont attend the premiere of ‘Camille Claudel 1915’ at the 63rd Berlinale International Film Festival at Berlinale Palast on February 12, 2013, in Berlin (Credit: Eva Napp / WENN / Lia Toby / Daniel Deme)
She finished her look with a bold red lip and showed off her size 8 (US) feet in heel-less Giuseppe Zanotti wedges.
Juliette Binoche’s feet in black suede Giuseppe Zanotti heel-less wedges (Credit: Eva Napp / WENN / Lia Toby / Daniel Deme)
Rita Ora’s Bold Look in Giuseppe Zanotti Heel-Less Wedges at the 2013 Brit Awards
We also recently spotted another celebrity wearing the same shoes. As soon as we saw the angular wedge of Rita Ora’s shoes at the 2013 Brit Awards, we instantly knew they were the same Giuseppe Zanotti shoes.
Rita Ora wears her hair back at the 2013 Brit Awards (Brits) held on February 20 at the O2 Arena in London (Credit: Eva Napp / WENN / Lia Toby / Daniel Deme)
But unlike Juliette, Rita went elegant instead of professional. The R.I.P. singer contrasted her Giuseppe Zanotti heel-less wedges with an elegant draped satin gown.
Rita Ora wears a backless satin gown on the red carpet (Credit: Eva Napp / WENN / Lia Toby / Daniel Deme)
Rita’s ensemble also flaunted the gold spikes on the ankle straps of these shoes. When you put the two versions side by side, it suddenly seems like the unembellished ones are sorely missing something.
Rita Ora’s feet in gold spike-embellished Giuseppe Zanotti shoes (Credit: Eva Napp / WENN / Lia Toby / Daniel Deme)
Juliette Binoche vs. Rita Ora: Who Wore Giuseppe Zanotti Heel-Less Wedges Better?
These Giuseppe Zanotti heel-less wedges will undoubtedly be big on the red carpet. Which one of these early adopters do you think wore the trend better: Juliette Binoche or Rita Ora?
While Juliette’s tailored pantsuit emphasized sophistication, Rita’s satin gown brought a touch of elegance, showcasing how Zanotti’s edgy heel-less wedges adapt to varied styles.
Giuseppe Zanotti Gold-Spiked Ankle-Strap Wedges, $1,425
If you love the gold spike straps on these shoes but not their heel-less-ness, check out these flat sandal versions:
Giuseppe Zanotti Gold-Spiked Ankle-Strap Sandals, $1,150
The Trend and Appeal of Heel-Less Shoes in Fashion
Heel-less shoes gained significant popularity in the early 2010s, captivating fashion enthusiasts and celebrities with their avant-garde designs and bold silhouettes. Pioneered by designers like Noritaka Tatehana and Giuseppe Zanotti, these unique footwear styles provided a futuristic twist to traditional heels while maintaining an air of elegance.
The trend became particularly prominent on red carpets and high-profile events, where stars sought to make a statement with their footwear choices. For a deeper dive into the rise of heel-less designs and their impact on fashion, check out our detailed exploration of heel-less shoes.