by Miu Miu is trying to make thong boots a thing — and it’s succeeding. The luxury brand first debuted the unexpected footwear hybrid during its spring 2023 show at Paris Fashion Week, where models like FKA Twigs, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski strutted down the catwalk wearing them. The shoes fit snug like a sock boot around the calves and seamlessly transition into a toe-exposing, thong-style sandal with a petite heel and zipper up the inside.
Designer Miuccia Prada has churned out several iterations of the quirky heels. They come in both leather and suede in a variety of colors ranging from neutrals like black, white, and brown to more splashy options like pastel yellow and neon pink. There’s a knee-high style and lower ankle-high style, though the former is certainly the more divisive choice. So far, just a few versions are available to shop online, with prices ranging from $1,220 to $2,050.
Controversial as they may be, the shoes have landed on the feet of numerous celebrities since their unveiling in October. Rita Ora took them for a spin around New York City in January, despite the freezing temperatures. Gabrielle Union, Emma Corrin, and Ziwe all wore a pair for Miu Miu’s dinner event last month. Most recently, Zaya Wade attended the GLAAD Awards in a head-to-toe Miu Miu look featuring the label’s white knee-high sandal boots. Plus, Kendall Jenner modeled them for an ad she posted on Instagram, thus spreading the hype even more.
Considering how many “ugly” shoes have gained widespread endorsement in recent years — see: embellished Crocs, clunky dad sneakers, and Mschf’s cartoonish Big Red Boots — it’s clear that Miu Miu’s thong sandals are on a similar trajectory, pulling more and more adventurous dressers into their orbit by the day. Read ahead to absorb styling inspiration from Ora, Union, and more stars who’ve dared to give them a try.
