Kim Kardashian’s Fashion Evolution: From Viral Mid-2010s Heels to Her Power-Boot Balenciaga Era

The Kardashians are no strangers to controversy, but their influence extends far beyond headlines. Through unforgettable red-carpet looks, viral street style, and era-defining footwear moments, the family has shaped fashion conversations for more than a decade.

Long before her Balenciaga era, Kim Kardashian was already refining some of her most defining style statements—pairing bold, body-con silhouettes with meticulously chosen heels and boots that helped cement her status as a modern fashion icon.

That evolution would eventually culminate in her starring roles in Balenciaga’s Spring 2022 and Winter 2022 campaigns, years before her official appointment as a brand ambassador in January 2024.

A Defining 2016 Moment: Kim Kardashian’s Sheer Dress and Strappy Heels in Miami

One example of a viral fashion moment came on September 17, 2016, when Kim stepped out in Miami Beach to support Kanye West during his Saint Pablo Tour. The look—a sheer, body-skimming black dress, a glittering diamond choker, and minimalist lace-up heels—captured the high-glam aesthetic that defined her mid-2010s style.

She even shared a bathroom selfie from the night, captioned “Bathroom selfie right before Pablo hits the stage,” creating one of the era’s most-shared behind-the-scenes moments.

Kim Kardashian wears a low-cut, sheer black dress and diamond choker as she and Kanye West leave their hotel on the way to Kanye’s concert in Miami Beach on September 17, 2016 (Credit: ACE / INFphoto)

Just one month later, in October 2016, Kim’s life would drastically change with the Paris robbery, making this appearance a striking snapshot of her fashion identity during a pivotal time.

A year earlier, the American media personality showcased another revealing outfit in Paris.

Kim Kardashian shows off her pregnant belly in a sheer dress with Kanye West at the Givenchy fashion show held during New York Fashion Week Spring 2016 on September 11, 2015, at Pier 26 in New York City (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INFphoto)

As the years passed, Kim’s fashion narrative only grew bolder. Fast-forward to 2022, and she had entered one of her most headline-making eras yet.

Kim Kardashian’s Headline-Making 2022 Era: Viral Moments, Met Gala Heels, and Family Tensions

Back in 2022, Kim Kardashian was rarely out of the spotlight. She “broke the internet” with new beau Pete Davidson when they posed for their Instagram debut, and she faced backlash for her drastic weight loss to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress paired with clear Pleaser heels at the 2022 Met Gala.

In an early 2022 episode of The Kardashians, Kim briefly addressed the strain of her divorce from Kanye West, noting the challenge of navigating public scrutiny while protecting her family. Khloé and Kris offered support, praising her composure during a difficult period.

Kim acknowledged the emotional weight of that chapter, but she also emphasized her focus on moving forward.

Surrounded by a family known for showing up for one another—whether in private moments or at high-fashion events like Kourtney and Travis Barker’s opulent Dolce & Gabbana wedding—she remained grounded as her style and confidence continued to evolve.

Kim Kardashian’s Style Reset: Confidence, Clarity, and the Road to Balenciaga

This period of introspection also marked a turning point in Kim’s public image. On The Kardashians, she spoke about rediscovering her confidence, saying, “For once in my life, I feel strong.”

That renewed clarity aligned seamlessly with a major professional milestone: her debut as the face of Balenciaga, ushering in a sharper, more architectural direction in her evolving fashion identity.

Kim Kardashian lounges in pointed-toe Balenciaga Knife boots on a massive Times Square billboard promoting the brand’s 2022 campaign (Credit: ABACA USA / INSTARimages)

The Skims founder had been spotted almost exclusively in all things Balenciaga. Remember that sky-blue Balenciaga dress at the Vanity Fair Oscar party?

It makes sense that the brand would leverage Kim’s star power to elevate creative director Demna’s vision.

Front and Center in Balenciaga: Kim Kardashian’s Power Boots Take the Spotlight

The campaign was shot by Stef Mitchell, who shared a few glimpses on Instagram. One of the photos shows Kim at her Calabasas home, dressed in all black, taking selfies on her couch.

She’s wearing the sock booties, which were crafted from black recycled knit and smooth calfskin.

These Balenciaga sock booties feature ribbed trim and champagne heels

In another shot, Kim wears a sleek all-black power suit with a cool futuristic vibe. The campaign successfully combines Kim’s personal style and Demna’s creative vision for the brand.

In one image, Kim carries the highly sought-after Le Cagole bag while clad in a leopard print coat and pointy-toe boots. Kim showcased the Cagole boots, which were beautifully crafted from black lambskin.

These Balenciaga Cagole boots feature pointed toes, decorative zipper trim, and aged silver hardware

Balenciaga also adds its luxe touch to sportswear, as seen on Kim in another Stef Mitchell shot. She poses in a red zip-up hoodie, pink spandex Pantaleggings, and a pink Le Cagole bag.

Kim makes a bold statement in these pink pantaleggings, which come with attached pointy-toe shoes.

These Balenciaga pink pantaleggings feature a body con fit, an elastic waistband, and attached shoes

Kim Kardashian’s Most Unforgettable Balenciaga Shoe Moments

As Kim’s partnership with Balenciaga solidified, her wardrobe quickly evolved into a masterclass in sculptural silhouettes, monochrome statements, and boundary-pushing boots.

Below, we look back at the standout Balenciaga footwear moments that defined this era—and cemented her status as one of the brand’s most influential muses.