Shoe Statements on Grammys Red Carpets Through the Years: Justin Bieber in Crocs, Lady Gaga in 10-Inch Heels & More
Renan Botelho
Senior Digital Editor
Different from other red carpets during the awards season where celebrities usually follow a stricter dress code, the Grammy Awards is known for over-the-top looks and bold fashion statements. Singers and musicians invited to the ceremony often let their creativity flow, wearing headline-making outfits — and it’s no different when it comes to footwear.
Over the years, the Grammys red carpets have seen Michael Jackson in his signature white socks and black loafers combo, Alicia Keys wearing big-toe sandals and Lady Gaga towering in heelless heels.
Ahead of the award show ceremony on Feb. 4, FN takes a look back at some of the Grammys’ shoe moments through the years.
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Michael Jackson, Grammys 1984
At the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, Michael Jackson wore white socks and black loafers, one of his favorite fashion trends in the 1980s. The singer, however, added a twist to the look, covering his white socks in sequins.
Whitney Houston, Grammys 1988
Whitney Houston made sure she would be sparkling from head to toe at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. The singer wore black pumps that featured an additional ankle strap covered in crystals.
Prince, Grammys 1988
Prince made a polka-dot statement at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards, pairing his white polka-dot-printed suit with matching heeled shoes.
Madonna, Grammys 1999
In her “Ray of Light” era, Madonna donned a Japanese-inspired red suit designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, with matching boots for her performance at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards. Her boots featured acrylic block heels that created the illusion of a heelless shoe.
Alicia Keys, Grammys 2002
Alicia Keys chose a casual pair of big-toe sandals to attend the 44th Grammy Awards. The signer wore denim, a white tank top and a sheer kaftan with floral embroidery throughout.
Erykah Badu, Grammys 2002
Keys wasn’t the only one catching attention on the 44th Grammy Awards red carpet. Erykah Badu showed up with chunky, metallic silver boots with black stripes and a gold platform.
Lady Gaga, Grammys 2010
Making her debut on the Grammys red carpet in Armani Privé, Lady Gaga wore bespoke shoes covered in crystals with a towering platform and sculpted heels.
Robyn, Grammys 2012
Robyn showed up to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards wearing a pair of platform Timberland boots, paired with a silky white miniskirt that featured a train behind.
Lady Gaga, Grammys 2016
The signer came back to the ceremony in 2016, making a tribute to David Bowie with her outfit inspired by his Ziggy Stardust persona. For shoes, she wore red 10-inch heels custom-made by Andre No. 1.
Miley Cyrus, Grammys 2019
At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, Miley Cyrus wore vegan shoes designed by her stylist, Bradley Kenneth, and created by Mink Shoes. Her golden heels featured her initials, “MC.”
Justin Bieber, Grammys 2022
Justin Bieber completed his oversized, edgy look for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards with a pair of Harcrocs, the mule collaboration between Balenciaga and Crocs.
Billie Eilish, Grammys 2022
Billie Eilish made sock boots appropriate for red carpets. The singer wore a custom look by Rick Owens with neoprene sock boots with chunk soles at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
Jennifer Lopez, Grammys 2023
Jennifer Lopez attended the 65th Grammys Awards wearing a shoe from her own line: the JLO Jennifer Lopez x Revolve Beverly platforms, a tall shoe with a semi-translucent beige toe strap and a silver base.
Miley Cyrus, Grammys 2024
Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” earned her multiple awards at the 66th Grammys. She rocked the red carpet in a John Galliano for Maison Margiela dress and a pair of yellow Maison Margelia Tabi heels which feature a cloven toe.
Taylor Swift, Grammys 2024
Swift won Album of the Year in 2024 for “Midnights,” taking the stage in a gown designed by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli, which was paired with black heels from Giuseppe Zanotti.
