Miu Miu is trying to make thong boots a thing – and it’s succeeding. The luxury brand first debuted the unexpected footwear hybrid last year during its spring 2023 show at Paris Fashion Week, where models like FKA Twigs, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski strutted down the runway 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. A handful of versions are currently available to shop online, though many sizes have sold out, against all odds. The steep price tag has also led to the creation of several dupes that’ve made the rounds on TikTok.
Controversial as they may be, the shoes have landed on the feet of numerous celebrities since their unveiling in October 2022. Rita Ora took them for a spin around New York City in January, despite the freezing temperatures. Gabrielle Union, Emma Corrin, and Natasha Lyonne have all worn a pair at various Miu Miu events throughout the year. Both Sydney Sweeney and Kendall Jenner have posed for the ‘gram in head-to-toe Miu Miu looks featuring the label’s knee-high sandal boots, thus spreading the hype even more. We wouldn’t be surprised if even more stars step out in them this fall – they’re the ideal transitional footwear, if you think about it.
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 for a running list of all the stars who’ve dared to give them a try so far.
