With access to luxury fashion and guaranteed photo-ops, the red carpet is the perfect place for celebrities to experiment with new colors, patterns and silhouettes. In preparation for the upcoming 81st annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7., Footwear News is looking back at some of the highest, brightest and most unconventional shoe moments in the show’s history.
Lara Flynn Boyle
Actress Lara Flynn Boyle attended the 2003 Golden Globes in a pair of baby pink lace-up heels. Inspired by the silhouette of a traditional ballet flat, these satin shoes completed Boyle’s high-fashion faux-ballerina look for the evening.
Sharon Stone
To attend the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, actress Sharon Stone wore a pair of cutout Versace boots. The pointed-toe shoes came up to her mid-calf and featured a series of crossed laces to keep the style in place.
Helena Bonham Carter
Actress Helena Bonham Carter arrived at the 2011 Golden Globes red carpet wearing a pair of mismatched heels by Vivienne Westwood. The red and green shoes each featured a rounded toe and a small ankle strap.
Shailene Woodley
To attend the 2012 Golden Globes afterparty, actress Shailene Woodley wore a pair of Vibram’s FiveFinger Sneakers. The slinky slide-ons were a creative choice by Woodley, who paired the sock-like shoes with a long black gown.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
In the promotional image for the 2013 Golden Globe Awards, comedians Amy Poehler and Tina Fey each wore a pair of Converse sneakers. Pairing the colorful shoes with sparkling gold gowns, the two creatives made the traditionally formal outfits their own.
Denis O’Hare
To attend the 2013 Golden Globes afterparty, actor Denis O’Hare wore a pair of Christian Louboutin platform heels. Raising his height by several inches, O’Hare paired his statement shoe with cherry-painted toes and a traditionally fitted suit.
Jason Sudeikis
Actor Jason Sudeikis attended the 2016 Golden Globes wearing a pair of Nike Concord XI Low sneakers. The chunky shoe perfectly juxtaposed Sudeikis’ neatly tailored suit.
Spike Lee
Director Spike Lee arrived on the 2018 Golden Globes red carpet wearing a custom pair of Air Jordan sneakers. The director paired the gold-colored platform shoes with a vibrant purple suit and white frames.
Kerry Washington
Actress Kerry Washington arrived at the 2018 Golden Globes wearing a pair of gray Prabal Gurung heels. The stiletto heel was covered in a matching sheer textile and adorned with sparkly flower accents.
Jamie Chung
Actress Jamie Chung attended the 2018 Golden Globe Awards in a pair of mismatched Sophia Webster heels. The simple shoes were bright and eye-catching against the black tulle of her dress.
Cody Fern
Actor Cody Fern attended the 2019 Golden Globes in a pair of Maison Margiela Tabi shoes. The jet-black style features a large indent along the toe which resembles an animal’s hoof.
Dan Levy
From home, actor Dan Levy wore a pair of chunky Valentino lace-up loafers for the 2021 Golden Globe Awards. The bold style was done in a bright metallic and featured a thick black platform.
Billy Porter
Actor Billy Porter took to the 2023 Golden Globes red carpet in a sky-high pair of Jimmy Choo heels. The platform shoes were covered in silver crystals and featured a chunky block heel and a rounded toe.
Emma D’Arcy in Acne Studios
Actor Emma D’Arcy attended the 2023 Golden Globe Awards in a sparkling pair of black boots from Acne Studios. The pointed-toe style is adorned with miniature crystals, adding the perfect amount of glam to their take on a traditional black suit.
Michelle Williams
Actress Michelle Williams arrived at the 2023 Golden Globes wearing a fun pair of Gucci sandals. The heeled silhouette featured an intricate design across the front of the foot all in an elegant soft gold color.
Angela Bassett
Actress Angela Bassett arrived at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards in a chunky pair of silver heels. The playful shoe was a perfect match to her sparkling metallic gown in the same shade.