Freaky shoes demand bold pedicures

The rise of “freaky shoes” over the past year has pushed footwear into bold, unconventional territory. Now, the trend is moving downward—literally. Pedicures are getting just as eccentric, with nail artists and clients adopting detailed, eye-catching designs that turn toes into a canvas.

Nail artist Aja Walton calls toes “an underestimated canvas,” adding that people often underestimate pedicures only to leave surprised. She recently painted a client’s nails in a classic French manicure, then added Essie Not Red-y for Bed ladybugs to match a crystal snail on their Christian Louboutin stilettos. Walton also observes that clients now approach pedicures with deliberate intent, seeking detailed designs rather than basic colors, marking a broader shift in how nail art is perceived as a cohesive practice from hands to feet.

Celebrities are leading the charge. Hailey Bieber sported matching tips and toes in Japan, while Kylie Jenner opted for a metallic French pedicure in Turks & Caicos. Both looks were created by nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, whose work has helped propel the trend into mainstream visibility through social media shares.

Edgar Gatsinzi, Vogue’s associate social media manager, got a pedicure with 3D mercury-like embellishments at Chillhouse in SoHo. “My feet are all the rage in Greenpoint right now,” he said. The design drew attention in his neighborhood, with strangers even requesting photos to replicate the look at their own salons. Molly Romah, the artist behind the design, notes that pedicure requests are rising with warmer weather, as open-toed footwear encourages more experimentation.

Designers are taking notice. Tory Burch cites a growing fatigue with perfection, favoring pieces with personality. Her designs include mules that make heels appear floating and sandals with trompe l’oeil pedicures, emphasizing a playful, subversive approach to fashion. She describes this movement as a response to rigid aesthetics, adopting instead a sense of humor and individuality in accessories.

For those hesitant to go full freak, toenail art offers a discreet option. Julie Kandalec, a celebrity nail artist and co-owner of Star Touch Agency, calls it “a fun little treat” and a way to balance professionalism with creativity. She highlights how this approach allows for bold self-expression without compromising workplace norms, noting that the trend was already prominent in Japan during her visit last year.

Hannah Jackson, a Vogue fashion writer, took it further with Minami Yamagami of Vanity Projects, creating 10 tiny designs inspired by Claude Monet’s Water Lilies to match her Dior mules. Yamagami used Après polishes, including the shade Oh My Cod, to achieve the detailed, art-inspired effect. The collaboration shows how pedicures are increasingly treated as an artistic extension of personal style.

Many clients now treat pedicures as an extension of their manicures. Yamagami says they arrive with full concepts, wanting toes to complement their overall look. Walton agrees, noting that toenail art is no longer an afterthought but a deliberate part of nail art as a whole. She points to a cultural shift where feet are no longer relegated to the background but are celebrated as part of a complete aesthetic vision.

Feet, it seems, are stepping into the spotlight. And this time, they’re not going away.