Real Photos Behind the 'Poot' Phenomenon: How Stylists and Influencers Are Actually Wearing It
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
The construction of the pantaboot began as an intellectual exercise in eliminating seams. During Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2017 collection, Demna sent models down the runway in jewel-toned spandex wraps that defied standard garment taxonomy. The footwear did not sit underneath the hem; the hem did not drape over the shoe. Instead, an 80-denier stretch elastane casing flowed continuously from the waistband down to a razor-sharp stiletto heel, effectively blurring activewear, hosiery, and classic shoemaking.
The design drew immediate parallels to mid-century couture experiments, specifically Cristóbal Balenciaga’s obsession with volume and architecture. Rather than building outward with crinolines or stiffened gazar, Demna engineered inward. The body became an aerodynamic vector. By eliminating the sock gap, the pant cuff, and the ankle break, the pantaboot forced viewers to re-evaluate where clothing ends and footwear begins. High-fashion statement pieces rarely balance pure utility with conceptual rigor, yet this hybrid managed to shock both couture clients and everyday digital observers within hours of its runway debut.
Fashion houses quickly registered the commercial shockwaves. Brands ranging from Richard Quinn to Saint Laurent and Diesel unveiled their own takes on avant-garde footwear hybrids, testing textiles from supple lambskin to structured distressed denim. Yet none captured digital shorthand quite like Balenciaga's foundational stretch-spandex iteration.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
