Miley Cyrus Wears Cherry Red Dr. Martens on “Wrecking Ball” Single Cover

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It was widely anticipated what visual direction Miley Cyrus would take for her next single, “Wrecking Ball.”

Following her highly talked-about 2013 MTV VMA performance, which sparked significant media attention, the promo image she tweeted a few days later aligned with the bold, provocative aesthetic she had recently embraced.

Miley Cyrus's September 5, 2013, tweet reveals the striking imagery for her "Wrecking Ball" single, featuring her on a wrecking ball wearing iconic Dr. Martens bootsMiley Cyrus’s September 5, 2013, tweet reveals the striking imagery for her “Wrecking Ball” single, featuring her on a wrecking ball wearing iconic Dr. Martens boots

Of course, there’s skimpy clothing, overt sexuality, and a literal wrecking ball. The only thing missing is Miley pictured twerking against the thing.

Miley Cyrus Rocks Dr. Martens 1490 Boots With Industrial-Inspired Cover Look

For the single cover, Miley opted for an abbreviated version of the white spandex suit she wore in her “We Can’t Stop” video, completing the look with cherry-red Dr. Martens boots — specifically, the 1490 style.

A longtime fan of Docs, Miley channeled the brand’s rebellious spirit, which perfectly complemented the gritty, industrial vibe of the cover shoot. The Dr. Martens 1490 is a 10-eye mid-calf boot, a taller sibling of the iconic 1460. Originally designed as a work boot in the 1970s, the 1490 became a subcultural staple among punks, goths, and skins for its bold silhouette and durability.

👢 Miley Cyrus & Dr. Martens Style Moments:

  • 📸 Playful in Cat Ears & Aggy 1490 Flatforms — Miley styled her ecru-and-black Agyness Deyn for Dr. Martens flatform boots with a fuzzy cat-ears beanie and playful separates while arriving at The Beverly Hills Hotel in 2015.
  • 🎤 Mixing Moschino & Martens at amfAR Gala — Miley turned heads in a custom Moschino gown paired with bold, printed Doc Martens at the 2015 amfAR Gala in New York, blending punk and glamour on the red carpet.

Crafted from the brand’s signature Smooth leather, the 1490 features a high-shine finish that can be polished or scuffed for a lived-in edge. Key design elements include yellow welt stitching, grooved sides, a heel loop, and the oil- and slip-resistant AirWair™ sole — all built using a Goodyear Welt construction for long-term wear. While the leather requires some breaking in, the boot’s cushioned sole provides solid support, making it a functional yet fashion-forward choice.

Miley’s cherry-red pair echoed the cover’s construction zone aesthetic while adding a defiant pop of color — a fitting choice from a star known for pushing style boundaries. Whether styled with edgy streetwear or contrasting glam pieces, the 1490 remains an iconic boot that blends attitude with versatility.

But if it weren’t for that, we think Miley would’ve stuck to her Prada stripper shoes. Check out the enlarged pic below (see if you can spot the Photoshop fail).

Miley Cyrus is pictured in a white crop top and underwear, paired with cherry-red Dr. Martens boots, perched on a wrecking ball for her "Wrecking Ball" single coverMiley Cyrus is pictured in a white crop top and underwear, paired with cherry-red Dr. Martens boots, perched on a wrecking ball for her “Wrecking Ball” single cover

Miley Cyrus’ Dr. Martens are these “1490” style with 10-eye lace-up closures that you can buy at Nordstrom and Zappos:

Dr. Martens "1490" Boots in Cherry Red SmoothDr. Martens “1490” Boots in Cherry Red Smooth, $130

While the edgy visuals matched Miley’s bold new image, the song itself surprised fans with its emotional vulnerability and stripped-down sound, echoing her earlier musical style.

The contrast between the raw lyrics and the rebellious styling, especially her choice of Dr. Martens boots, made the single’s debut even more striking. Watch the official music video below to see how fashion and emotion collide in this unforgettable pop culture moment.

👢 Explore Dr. Martens Highlights: