How else would David Bowie celebrate his 69th than to release a new album? The rock legend’s latest album, “Blackstar,” debuted to positive reviews today.
One thing we’re celebrating at Footwear News is Bowie’s lasting impact on fashion. Besides being married to legendary model Iman and hitting up events from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala to the CFDA Awards, Bowie has influenced fashion with his androgynous styles and Ziggy Stardust alter-ego.
In 1972, Bowie introduced the world to the wild costumes of Ziggy Stardust, complete with colorful bodysuits, pointed-toe boots and facepaint. The glam-rock character lasted only about a year before Bowie moved on to a different persona with funk and soul roots blended with his rock music.

In the 1980s, we knew Bowie as a pop star singing “Fame” and “Under Pressure” and “Let’s Dance.” His look lightened up, too, with playful shoes on stage and some serious stadium-rock looks, Bowie embraced some of the trends and set others.


Click through the gallery to see David Bowie’s best shoe moments on stage and off.