Bottega Veneta Just Released a New Sneaker With Its Thinnest Sole Yet

Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta is no stranger to the slim-soled sneaker trend. The label was an early adopter, launching its techy, net mesh-adorned Orbit model in 2023. The part Y2K running shoe, part 1970s track sneaker has been the brand’s go-to silhouette over the last two years, withstanding the often brief trend cycles seen in designer footwear. Now, with the look arguably as hot as ever, Bottega Veneta is doubling down on its commitment to the thin-sole look with a new addition known as the Orbit Flash.

Described on the brand’s e-commerce store as a low-top lace-up sneaker in soft suede and lightweight nylon, the Bottega Veneta Orbit Flash is far from revolutionary, but it’s a tasteful take on a trend that doesn’t appear to be dying off any time soon.

With a nylon base, the Italian-made Orbit Flash’s upper details include criss-crossing suede overlays which wrap around the toe, heel and side panels of the shoe. Leather trim details are featured on the tongue and eyelets, while a thinner-than-ever rubber outsole completes the look. Like its Orbit predecessor, the Orbit Flash’s sole wraps up the back of the heel several inches. 

With roots in the post-pandemic rise of the Adidas Samba, the slim-sole movement is an even more exaggerated push toward barely there bottoms. Nearly every brand, from high-end to athletic, has produced their own version of the trending look. Beyond Bottega Veneta, designers including Loewe and Dries Van Noten have issued similar popular sneakers. 

Despite the popularity, not everyone is a proponent of the trend. Speaking with Footwear News in May, Zach Thomas — better known to YouTube subscribers as Foot Doctor Zach — said the footwear has its drawbacks. “If you want to wear a Samba, if you want to wear a Speedcat or god knows what else, go for it,” Thomas said. “It’s not going to kill you, but throw an orthotic in there, and it’s going to help you so much more.” 

For its introductory release, the Bottega Veneta Orbit Flash is available in black, abyss/ice/egg yolk and sea salt/black styles. Each pair is priced at $990 and comes in both men’s and women’s sizes.

The Orbit Flash can be purchased now from bottegaveneta.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Mr Porter, Neiman Marcus and other select retailers. A full look at each color is included below.