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MSCHF’s Big Red Boot essentially transforms the wearer into a cartoon straight out of a video game. The oversize, visually smooth, plastic-rubber shoe has been worn by Ciara, Lil Nas X, Janelle Monáe (who customized hers with a cloud print), Diplo, Wisdom Kaye, the brand’s campaign star Sarah Snyder, and more. Made to be an approximation of the red boots worn by Astro Boy of the Japanese manga series from the ’50s, the fashion It item has also been compared to Mario of Super Mario and the character Boots from “Dora the Explorer.” The Big Red Boot (aka “BRB”) has gone viral on TikTok, with many users documenting how difficult it is to put it on.
The New York-based streetwear brand, founded by Daniel Greenberg, Gabriel Whaley, Stephen Tetreault, Kevin Wiesner, and Lukas Bentel in 2019, sent out a press release about the $350 footwear, explaining, “Big Red Boots are REALLY not shaped like feet, but they are EXTREMELY shaped like boots. If you kick someone in these boots they go BOING!” And although MSCHF is known for making extremely bold statements with its artistic products, oftentimes acting as commentary on the cultural zeitgeist, a representative told The New York Times, “It’s not a satire. But what’s interesting is that we’re at a moment in time where it doesn’t have to be.”
Ciara famously styled her own pair for a selfie posted to Instagram, drawing attention to the shape of the boot by nixing pants altogether. She pulled black striped sport socks up to her shins to accent her Michael Jackson tee from Ferris, finishing the look with chain-link jewelry, layered gold pendants, and cat-eye sunglasses. Her long, beachy waves were swept over to the side, and her scarlet manicure seemed to be a deliberate choice for her moment showcasing the BRB.
Lil Nas X, who collaborated with MSCHF in 2021 to release “Satan Shoes,” a spoof on Nike’s Air Max that contained actual blood and led Nike to sue the company, also owns the BRB. The American rapper wore them with a metallic space suit and matching guitar.
Ahead, see a handful of celebrity takes on MSCHF’s Big Red Boot.
