Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently set the internet abuzz during his travels from Mumbai to Delhi for the high-profile wedding of Disha Sharma, daughter of veteran journalist Rajat Sharma. As videos of the actor at the airport surfaced on April 5, 2026, sharp-eyed fans and trolls quickly pointed to his seemingly worn-out footwear.
The rugged, scuffed appearance of the shoes led to a wave of “phate joote” (torn shoes) memes, with many questioning if the megastar was choosing “extreme simplicity” or simply holding onto an old favorite pair.
However, the fashion faux pas turned out to be a high-end statement. It was soon revealed that Salman was actually sporting Balenciaga Distressed Leather Cowboy Boots. Part of the luxury brand’s “Super-Distressed” collection, these boots are intentionally crafted to look aged, weathered, and even “ripped” to fit a specific high-fashion aesthetic.
Far from being a sign of wear and tear, these designer boots are priced between ₹1.2 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh ($1,850). Salman, who previously wore this same pair during Tiger 3 promotions in 2023, continues to prove that his style is often misunderstood by the masses but remains firmly rooted in global luxury trends. While the internet remains divided on the “distressed” look, the actor’s confidence in rocking the rugged pair has only added to his “Bhai” persona.