Embrace the Edge: Saint Laurent's 'Joe' Boots—A Red Carpet Revolution

The Unveiling of a Bold Fashion Statement: From Runway to Reality

In the dynamic world of men's fashion, a distinctive item has emerged to captivate attention, reminiscent of the widespread impact of the Miu Miu micro-mini skirt. This new sensation is Saint Laurent's audacious leather thigh-high boots, dubbed the 'Joe' boots, which created a stir following their debut at the brand's Fall 2025 menswear collection. Their bold and somewhat provocative design immediately positioned them as a compelling topic within fashion circles.

Red Carpet Dominance: Hollywood's Elite Embrace the Trend

Following their initial runway appearance, the 'Joe' boots quickly found their way onto the red carpet, donned by some of Hollywood's most discerning and fashionable male celebrities. Notable figures such as Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgård were among the first to courageously adopt this striking footwear, showcasing its versatility and daring appeal. Their endorsement has significantly propelled the boots into the mainstream, turning heads and sparking conversations about evolving menswear norms.

Designer Endorsement and Public Acclaim: A Testament to Influence

The impact of these distinctive boots extends beyond celebrity wearers, garnering praise from within the design community itself. Renowned designer Marc Jacobs, a staunch supporter and friend of Saint Laurent's creative director Anthony Vaccarello, openly expressed his admiration for the 'Joe' boots. Jacobs's enthusiastic unboxing and try-on video shared on social media, accompanied by the emphatic declaration, “They eat!”, further amplified the boots' desirability and cemented their status as a covetable fashion item.

A Shift in Parisian Menswear: From Thigh-Highs to Tailored Shorts

Interestingly, the recent Saint Laurent menswear 2026 show at Paris Men's Fashion Week presented a collection that seemingly diverged from the previous season's focus on the 'Joe' boots. Models sported short shorts paired with ankle socks and loafers, emphasizing exposed legs rather than concealed ones. Despite this thematic shift on the runway, the enduring allure of the thigh-high boots remained evident in the front row, where celebrities like American musician Del Water Gap and Korean actor Cha Eun-woo proudly showcased last season's coveted footwear, demonstrating the boots' lasting appeal beyond immediate trends.

Key Figures Championing the Thigh-High Trend

This evolving narrative of fashion influence is best illustrated by the prominent personalities who have championed the Saint Laurent thigh-high boots. From their initial high-profile appearances at premieres and film festivals to their continued presence at exclusive fashion events, these individuals have collectively elevated the 'Joe' boots to an iconic status, solidifying their place in contemporary menswear and inspiring others to explore bolder style choices.