Serena Williams’ Best Footwear Moments Over the Years: Nike Shoes, Thom Browne Heels and More
Amina Ayoud
Assistant Digital Editor
Serena Williams is a fashion and footwear fanatic.
Both on and off the tennis court, the athlete shines, making her footwear prowess known wherever her journey takes her. Despite her recent retirement from tennis, Williams has continued to don stellar looks throughout her career, cementing herself as a fashion and footwear icon every step of the way.
Williams has been a long-time partner with Nike. Since signing with the footwear giant in 2003, Williams has been a featured face of the brand and has continued her partnership with the company after her retirement. The former tennis star also has partnerships with Wilson Sporting Goods, Gatorade and Tonal.
Williams‘ usual footwear game usually consists of versatile and glamorous styles. The Nike-sponsored athlete often opts for strappy sandals and pumps for formal events usually including accents like bold colors and crystals. The athlete regularly wears sneakers from Nike and Jordan Brand. Williams also has the title of designer under her belt after debuting her clothing line Serena in 2018. In honor of her stellar shoe style, FootwearNews is rounding up some of Williams’ best footwear moments over the years.
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1998 U.S. Open in New York
During the 1998 U.S. Open, Williams took the tennis court by storm in a pair of chunky sneakers. The athletic style featured black and white uppers, lace-up closures and flexible rubber soles. The silhouette is perfect for activity, allowing the wearer a wide range of movement no matter the terrain.
2004 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles
Cool and trendy, Williams attended the 2004 NBA All-Star Game in a pair of Chanel boxing boots. The laceless style featured black and white leather uppers, Chanel logo detailing on the toes and graphic detailing up the facade. The boxer booties are exceedingly popular and athletic, coming back in style as of 2024.
2006 U.S. Open in New York
The tennis star was repping Nike at the 2006 U.S. Open in a pair of the brand’s athletic sneakers. The footwear featured black, red and white uppers plastered with orange Nike swooshes. Lace-up closures and rubber soles rounded out the set.
2009 “The Ugly Truth” Premiere in Los Angeles
In a sophisticated twist, Williams wore a pair of very 2000s satin pumps at “The Ugly Truth” premiere in 2009. The silhouette featured tan satin uppers and black floral lace appliques. Additionally, the style included sharp pointed toes and 2 to 3-inch stiletto heels.
2013 “Late Show with David Letterman” in New York
While sitting down for an interview on “Late Show with David Letterman” in 2013, Williams opted for a colorful pair of sandals. The gladiator-inspired style included thick black straps adorned with high-shine crystals that transitioned into neon orange straps wrapped around the ankles. Stiletto heels finished off the set.
2016 WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party in London
While in attendance at a WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party in 2016, Williams wore an updated gladiator style in all-black. The style included woven textural uppers and crisscrossing straps that traveled up the tennis star’s feet. Stiletto heels offered Williams a subtle boost.
2021 Met Gala in New York
In a sky-high twist, The 2021 Met Gala saw Williams in a pair of shiny metallic silver platform sandals. The athlete’s footwear featured knotted straps, open toes, lofty thick platform soles, buckle closures and block heels standing at around 3 to 4 inches in height. Williams first attended the star-studded Met Gala in 2017.
2024 Thom Browne haute couture fall 2025 show in Paris
While at Thom Browne’s fall 2025 haute couture show in 2024, Williams donned a pair of black oxford-inspired heels hailing from the American designer brand. The star’s shoes included shiny black leather uppers, thin lace-up closures and short curved heels.
