Over-the-knee boots have long served as a definitive silhouette in luxury footwear, with Tom Ford’s mid-2010s designs remaining a primary reference point for the trend.
These archival styles are defined by sharp silhouettes and industrial hardware, elements that continue to influence contemporary boot designs years after their debut.
On August 24, 2014, Ariana Grande highlighted the era’s shift toward high-contrast leather textures at the MTV Video Music Awards in Inglewood, California.
Her appearance followed a similar trend set by Khloé Kardashian in 2013, illustrating how these specific Tom Ford silhouettes transitioned from high-fashion runways to central fixtures of pop-culture styling.
Ariana Grande Rocks Tom Ford Over-the-Knee Boots at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards
With her hair slicked into a long, high ponytail, the pop star — who opened the show alongside Jessie J and Nicki Minaj (wardrobe drama and all) before performing “Break Free” in yet another pair of towering boots — leaned fully into biker-chic glamour.
Ariana Grande turned heads at the 2014 MTV VMAs in a strapless Moschino leather mini dress paired with Tom Ford over-the-knee boots
She hit the red carpet in a strapless bustier and matching mini skirt from Moschino’s Resort 2015 collection, cinched with a chunky logo belt, and grounded the daring look with Tom Ford’s $2,950 nappa stretch leather metal stiletto over-the-knee boots.
Her Italian-made Tom Ford over-the-knee boots feature functional back zippers and 110 mm heels.
Tom Ford Nappa-Stretch-Leather Metal-Stiletto Over-the-Knee Boots, $2,950
Finishing touches came courtesy of Borgioni’s 18K black rhodium gold, black diamond fleur-de-lis stud earrings, her now-signature half-up ponytail, and a matte red lip that sealed the tough-girl punch.
Ariana Grande completed her edgy look with a Moschino logo belt, bold zippers, and sleek straight hair tied in her signature high ponytail at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards held at The Forum in Inglewood on August 24, 2014 (Credit: Joel Ginsburg / DJDM / Judy Eddy / WENN / FayesVision)
Khloé Kardashian’s Bold Tom Ford Boots at Kim Kardashian’s 33rd Birthday Party
Standing tall at 5 feet 8.5 inches (174 cm), Khloé Kardashian towered over her 5-foot (152.4 cm) sister Kourtney as she paired Tom Ford’s geometric patchwork over-the-knee boots with a curve-hugging Hervé Léger bandage mini skirt.
Khloé Kardashian posed alongside sister Kourtney at Tao Nightclub, wearing a plunging black mini dress with Tom Ford geometric patchwork boots at Kim’s 33rd birthday party at TAO Nightclub in Las Vegas on October 25, 2013
The reality star amped up her look with layered gold necklaces and voluminous waves
Tom Ford’s Geometric Patchwork Fur Over-the-Knee Boots, originally retailing for $3,450, featured luxe suede and pony hair panels
Why Celebrities Love Tom Ford Boots
Rather than asking who wore them best, it’s clear that Tom Ford’s over-the-knee boots have become a red-carpet staple for stars like Ariana Grande, Khloé Kardashian, Rihanna, and Gigi Hadid.
Celebrities gravitate toward Tom Ford footwear because it blends prestige, distinctive design, and unmatched craftsmanship — making every pair a symbol of modern luxury and sophistication.
👠 Explore Tom Ford Boot Moments on YNS:
- 📏 Gigi Hadid Celebrates 21st Birthday in Tom Ford Over-the-Knee Boots — details how Gigi styled lace-up Tom Ford boots with corset-style design elements.
- 📏 Kylie Jenner Shows Off Her $2,450 Lace-Up Tom Ford Over-the-Knee Boots — a close look at her thigh-high lace-up Tom Ford boots and edgy styling.
- 📏 Rihanna’s Boldest Look: Tom Ford Over-the-Knee Boots Steal the Spotlight — Rihanna pairing geometric Tom Ford boots with minimal styling for maximum impact.
- 📏 Jessie J Stuns in Tom Ford Stiletto Boots During Performance — showcases Jessie J in over-the-knee Tom Ford boots in a stage setting.
- 📏 Kelly Rowland Shines in a Multicolored Dress With Tom Ford Boots — highlights how she paired Tom Ford boots with a bold Chloé dress.