When Saint Laurent debuted its “Niki” boots during the Fall 2017 runway presentation in Paris, the fashion world witnessed the birth of an instant icon.
Adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals, the boots brought an opulent, high-glitz aesthetic to the forefront of luxury footwear.
A model walks the runway in Saint Laurent’s Fall 2017 show, pairing a sleek black velvet slit dress with crystal-encrusted Niki over-the-knee boots that shimmer with every step
This over-the-knee design set the definitive standard for embellished boots during the late 2010s. Masterfully handcrafted in Italy, the Niki features a pointed-toe silhouette, a slouchy pull-on style, and the brand’s signature self-covered cone heels.
Designed for versatility, the shafts can be worn fully extended over the knee or scrunched down for a more relaxed, editorial look.
Model wearing Saint Laurent’s “Niki” crystal-embellished over-the-knee boots.
Upon their release, these boots dominated global fashion spreads and social media feeds.
Despite a retail price of approximately $10,000—making them one of the most expensive footwear releases of 2017—the Niki boot became a “must-have” for A-list celebrities and serious collectors alike.
How Rihanna Debuted the Saint Laurent Niki Boots Fresh Off the Runway
Fans of these shoes include Beyoncé Knowles, Nicki Minaj, Rita Ora, Celine Dion, and Kendall Jenner. Rihanna wore these Saint Laurent boots fresh off the runway and shared photos on Instagram.
Rapper Cardi B also flaunted her own pair during her performance at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards pre-show.
Cardi B Stuns at the 2017 MTV VMAs in Crystal-Embellished Niki Boots
Cardi B was styled by Kollin Carter and wore a custom sparkling outfit by Angel Brinks, featuring delicately placed stones that matched those on her embellished boots.
This was Cardi B’s first appearance at the awards show, and it was the perfect way to make a lasting impression on stage.
Cardi B commands the stage in a crystal-studded bodysuit paired with slouchy, thigh-high Saint Laurent Niki boots that catch the light with every move
Cardi B at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show held at the Forum in Inglewood, California, on August 27, 2017 (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision)
Cardi B wearing Saint Laurent “Niki” crystal-embellished over-the-knee boots
Other iterations of these boots include the leather and suede mid-calf ones that Chrissy Teigen wore while strolling through LAX.
Olivia Culpo Pairs Saint Laurent Niki Boots with Gucci and GRLFRND Denim
The previous month, Olivia Culpo also wore the “Niki” over-the-knee boots in black glossed leather while out and about in Los Angeles.
She styled them with the Gucci “Coco Capitan” logo shirt tucked into black GRLFRND skinny jeans. A black Ruslan Baginskiy baker boy hat and a red croc-embossed shoulder bag from Saint Laurent finished off her look.
Olivia Culpo wearing a Gucci “Coco Capitan” logo shirt, GRLFRND “Kendall” skinny jeans, and Saint Laurent “Niki” glossed-leather knee boots
Olivia Culpo out and about in Los Angeles, California, on November 29, 2017
Olivia Culpo wearing Saint Laurent “Niki” glossed-leather knee boots
Why Saint Laurent Boots Remain a Celebrity Footwear Powerhouse
From runway debuts to red-carpet moments and off-duty street style, Saint Laurent boots continue to anchor some of the most memorable celebrity looks. Whether styled with sleek tailoring, dramatic gowns, or casual denim, the brand’s boot silhouettes consistently balance sharp Parisian edge with wearable glamour—making them enduring favorites among fashion insiders and A-listers alike.
👢 Saint Laurent Boot & Fashion Features on Your Next Shoes:
- 📍 Demi Moore Steps Out in Saint Laurent Velvet & Platform Boots — Fall 2025 celebrity street style featuring bold Saint Laurent platform boots completing a luxe autumn look.
- ❄️ Chrissy Teigen in Saint Laurent Boots: 3 Edgy Winter Looks & Style Guide — Chrissy Teigen showcases various Saint Laurent knee-high and bootie silhouettes in polished winter outfits.
- ✨ How Charlize Theron Styled Saint Laurent ‘Niki’ Boots With White Satin — Red-carpet styling with Saint Laurent Niki boots at a high-profile event.