The fashion world has been waiting not-so-patiently to see Alexander Wang’s debut collection for Balenciaga, mostly with a certain amount of pent-up derision for how the young American designer would never live up to the legend that Nicolas Ghesquiere built at the company. As it turns out, though, Balenciaga Fall 2013 has met with critical praise; Wang stepped up to the position and produced a smart, modern line of clothing with just enough nods to the company’s past. But what’s the deal with the shoes?

The show walked at 3:30 a.m. New York City time, so suffice it to say I didn’t watch live; as a result, I don’t know how well the models fared in these logic-defying pumps. This might be as much toe cleavage as I’ve ever seen, though, and likely as much as is physically possible while still maintaining the guise of possible forward movement. The thong straps that bisect the models’ feet on most of the designs are likely there out of pure necessity, and I can’t imagine they’re a pleasure to wear. If you’re looking for the last word in modernity, though, these shoes are likely it. Would you ever try a pair?

[Images via Vogue]