Ciara kicked off the morning with power and polish during her live performance on NBC’s “Today” show in New York City on Friday. The Grammy-winning singer is promoting her eighth studio album, “Cici,” and took the stage in Rockefeller Plaza wearing a dramatic all-black look punctuated by rugged combat boots.
Ciara performs at NBC’s “Today” show Citi Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza on July 11, 2025 in New York City.
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The “Goodies” singer opted for a pair of matte black lace-up combat boots, which offered a grounded counterpoint to the rest of the high-concept ensemble. The boots featured a thick, textured rubber sole with a defined tread, rounded toe, reinforced eyelets and a structured ankle-height shaft. Though the label has not been confirmed, the silhouette aligns with performance-forward pairs from Rick Owens or Prada’s Monolith range, or Dr. Marten’s boots, which are known for combining fashion and utility. The slightly extended sole and utilitarian detailing echoed the functional-meets-futuristic energy of the overall outfit.
A closer look at Ciara’s black leather boots she wore while performing on the “Today” Show on Friday.
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Ciara hit the stage in a glossy black bustier with sheer panels, visible boning and ruched fabric across the bodice. The futuristic look featured a silver collar framing the neckline wide-leg pants with oversized grommets and belted side panels with exaggerated draping.
This latest combat boot moment fits neatly into a broader evolution of Ciara’s recent footwear choices. While she’s often leaned into sleek thigh-high boots — like the Balenciaga denim pair she wore on “Watch What Happens Live” in June or the slouchy patent style spotted during a night out in May — her “Today” show look shows a shift toward grounded, streetwear-adjacent silhouettes. Just weeks ago at Fanatics Fest, she went casual in all-white sneakers and a mesh jersey, proving her comfort in both glam and low-key modes.
Speaking with the “Today” hosts, Ciara described “Cici” as “a labor of love” developed over five years. “There’s strength and vulnerability…but there’s also dance,” she said. “I want to make the world dance.” Her eighth studio album is set for release on Aug. 22.