Michelle Obama sent the internet into a frenzy with her shoe choice on Dec. 19 when she hit the stage at the Barclays Center in sparkly golden Balenciaga boots.
The thigh-highs — which retail for $4,000 — wouldn’t have seemed out of place on a pop star, but on the former first lady, they were a surprising pick. With their razor-sharp pointed toe and slim stiletto heel, the shoes commanded attention even when paired with a canary yellow dress.
Although those boots were a standout from Obama’s wardrobe, her surprising shoe streak doesn’t end with those shoes. In celebration of her 55th birthday today, we’re taking a look at more of her unexpected choices.
![Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks as she is interviewed by Sarah Jessica Parker during an appearance for her book, "Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama" at Barclays Center, in New YorkMichelle Obama Book Tour, New York, USA - 19 Dec 2018](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/rexfeatures_10038381a.jpg)
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On Dec. 1, Obama made a separate visit to the Barclays Center for her “Becoming” book tour in another unexpected pair of designer heels. That day, the Harvard Law School graduate selected white-hot Jimmy Choo Sheldon cage booties. The ankle boots — which initially retailed for $1,050 — have a pointed toe and a 4-inch stiletto heel.
![michelle obama, book tour, jimmy choo sheldon boots](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/former-first-lady-michelle-obama.jpg)
While many of Obama’s more fashion-forward styling choices have come since former President Barack Obama left office, the first lady went more casual with her ensemble for a 2016 vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.
As first lady, Obama often kept it simple with sleek Jimmy Choo footwear like pointy-toed pumps or casual boots. But for her vacation, the Chicago native reached for a pair of casual ankle-strap Fendi sandals with floral detailing and a comfy block heel. Obama paired the sandals with a blue wrap dress that had red piping for a summery, patriotic look.
![michelle obama fendi sandals heels marthas vineyard vacation president barack obama family vacation](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/michelle-obama-marthas-vineyard-flower-sandals-2.jpg)
Take a look at Michelle Obama’s White House style through the years here.
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