Valentino Rockstud classic studded pumps get an upgrade, and even Anne Hathaway has quietly started wearing them again

The studded shoes that took the world by storm more than a decade ago have quietly returned. Just when it seemed this trend had passed, the Valentino Rockstud – a pair that was in nearly every fashion girl’s closet back then – has officially announced its return for 2026.

• Related reading: A chapter in haute couture officially closes: Valentino Garavani has passed away, marking the end of an elegant era.

The Valentino Rockstud We Once Chased After

Looking back at Valentino’s fall/winter 2010 runway show, the brand – then jointly led by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli – introduced this legendary shoe for the first time. Inspired by the raised stonework of Roman architecture, its slightly rebellious “aristocratic punk” style instantly brought new energy to Italian haute couture. It caused a sensation as soon as it launched, not only doubling the brand’s sales but becoming such a hit that you were bound to see someone else wearing the same pair on the street.

At the time, Emma Stone and Jennifer Lopez were among the shoe’s most devoted fans. While its towering heels meant it was mostly seen at parties and gatherings, the signature metal studs had already become an irreplaceable icon for fashion lovers.

The Updated 2026 Version

Since Alessandro Michele took over, everyone has been eager to see what changes he would bring to this classic. For Valentino’s 2026 pre-fall collection, he retained its signature silhouette while updating many of its details. The toe shape has been streamlined, the hardware switched to eye-catching platinum, and the insole changed to the distinctive Valentino red.

The new Rockstud is priced at around HK$ 9,300 / NT$ 38,500. Addressing the difficulty of walking in the earlier high-heeled version, this release offers a dramatic 100 mm heel alongside a 40 mm low-heel and flat style. The color selection also has plenty to offer, from lime green and baby blue to versatile nude, meeting the everyday styling needs of modern women.

Big-Screen Star Power

There have long been signs that this comeback was coming. In the recent trailer for “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Miranda Priestly makes a commanding entrance in the updated studded shoes. Anne Hathaway also quietly wore this much-talked-about pair to a recent event.

Fashion has always been a game of cycles, though the editor believes the Rockstud’s return is about more than nostalgia. Back then, they could only really be paired with body-hugging dresses or skinny jeans; today’s styling landscape is very different. Now, these studded shoes are better suited to relaxed baggy jeans or simple shorts.

While the heeled styles still have a strong party feel, the addition of 40 mm and flat options makes them much more practical. If you’re looking for an investment pair that works for formal occasions as well as casual weekend brunches with friends, this Valentino Rockstud, full of memories and new details, is well worth trying on in person at a boutique.

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