Every New York Fashion Week, certain designer items emerge as fashion crowd favourites. Last year, everyone wore a Prada logo tank top and minimal strappy heels from The Row. This past week, however, little Manolo was trumped by one shoe that was destined to go viral: the MSCHF big red boots, nicknamed the Big Red Boot.
If you’re not familiar with MSCHF, they are an experimental fashion brand that likes to use their product releases to make (often controversial) statements. They have released boots that resemble medical casts, Birkinstock sandals made from Hermès Birkins, and even judi online Devil sneakers in collaboration with Lil Nas X that feature a drop of real blood on the sole. Labels love to push the boundaries of fashion and, more importantly, make headlines. Their latest release – which looks like something Mario from Super Mario would wear – is out today. They retail for $350, are made of TPU rubber and EVA mid-outsole, and take design cues from video games. “Cartoons are an abstraction that frees us from the limitations of reality,” reads the shoe’s press release. “If you kick someone with these boots on, they’ll boo!”
The macabre boots were spotted on celebrities and street style stars at New York Fashion Week. Vogue street style photographer Phil Oh shot her at Dorian Electra, who styled her in a graphic coat, miniskirt (to fully reveal her shoes) and a red beret to match. Model Sarah Snyder was paired with a shiny red skirt and white tights; TikTok star and model Wisdom Kaye styled them in athletic shorts. The consensus seems to be letting the boots statement be the focal point (and it would be hard not to). Outside of the fashion sets, there are also quite a few stars rocking them. Basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wears them to the arena Casino Online before games; Diplo wears it to watch the Knicks play; Janelle Monae even shoots hoops in it.
Given how impractical and unconventional footwear was, it’s surprising to see how quickly—and how widely—the fashion world jumped on it, even before it was released. They’re certainly a commitment to wear: A number of TikTok videos show how much practice it takes to get them on and off. But if the people of fashion are into one thing, it’s gimmicks, and these boots have everyone talking and paying attention this season. Those who dare to wear it get bonus points for taking the risk. Even though something tells us they’ll be just as obsolete as the Nintendo 64 next season.