The Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge is a viral social media trend inspired by an iconic pose from Nicki Minaj's 2013 music video for the song "High School." In the video, she balances elegantly on stilettos, crossing one leg over the other while squatting near a pool. The challenge involves participants trying to replicate this pose by balancing on one foot or both in high heels, often on precarious or unusual objects such as dumbbells, kitchen utensils, cans, or bottles, making it very difficult and risky. The challenge gained momentum on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with many fans and celebrities attempting it. Nicki Minaj herself joined the trend in August 2025, posting videos of her attempting the challenge and acknowledging how tricky it really is, even joking about wardrobe malfunctions during her attempt. However, the challenge has also sparked safety concerns. A Russian influencer, Mariana Barutkina, seriously injured her spine while trying to balance on a baby formula container and saucepan as part of the challenge, highlighting the risks involved. Overall, the Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge is both a display of style and athleticism but comes with a cautionary note due to its physical difficulty and potential for injury.
