Fashion meets basketball in the most unexpected way! Mariah the Scientist and Young Thug recently turned heads at a Los Angeles Lakers vs. Clippers game, but it wasn’t just their star power that caught everyone’s attention—it was Mariah’s bold footwear choice. And this is the part most people miss: she brought the thong sandal trend courtside, blending casual comfort with high fashion in a way that’s both daring and effortlessly chic. But here’s where it gets controversial—are thong sandals with heels the next big thing, or just a passing fad? Let’s dive in.
The R&B sensation sat courtside with her rapper boyfriend, Young Thug, at the Crypto.com Arena, sporting a pair of Acne Studios fringed sandals that were impossible to ignore. These Burning Blue heeled sandals featured a fringed thong-style strap that separated the toes, merging the laid-back vibe of a flip-flop—2025’s hottest shoe trend—with the sophistication of a heel. Crafted from linen canvas in a soft beige-ecru shade, the sandals were a masterclass in texture and detail, with fringed accents that popped against the Lakers’ vibrant purple court. The open round toe, rolled strap at the vamp, and antiqued silver-tone metal heel (measuring 2.75 inches) added a touch of elegance, while the slingback design with a wrap-around strap kept the look modern and edgy.
But here’s the kicker: These sandals, part of Acne Studios’ spring 2021 collection by creative director Jonny Johansson, are now available on resale sites like Clothbase and Modesens. This raises the question—is high fashion becoming more accessible, or are resale platforms just another way for brands to maintain exclusivity? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Mariah paired her statement heels with an all-white ensemble, including a crocheted robe-style top worn open to the navel and matching wide-leg trousers. Meanwhile, Young Thug kept it casual-cool in Converse Chuck 70 Canvas sneakers and red, black, and white leather trousers. Together, they showcased how couples can complement each other’s style without matching too literally—a lesson in modern pairing.
Mariah’s footwear choices have been making waves beyond the court. Earlier this year, she went viral for performing at an Atlanta Hawks game in Dsquared2’s Skate Moss boots from the brand’s fall 2011 collection. Her bold fashion moves, like her recent appearance at the 2025 Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala in Gianvito Rossi’s metallic gold Shanti sandals, prove she’s not just a musical talent but a style icon in her own right. And this is where it gets even more interesting: After Mariah and others like Doechii spotlighted the Skate Moss boots, Dsquared2 re-released the silhouette in an “Off White” colorway for their fall 2025 collection, celebrating their 30th anniversary. Is this a testament to the power of celebrity influence, or just smart marketing? Weigh in below.
Mariah the Scientist is redefining what it means to be a trendsetter, one shoe at a time. Whether you love her look or think it’s too out-there, there’s no denying she’s sparking conversations about fashion, accessibility, and individuality. So, here’s the burning question: Are thong sandals with heels the future of footwear, or just a bold experiment? Let us know your thoughts—agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!
