From Sculptural Pumps to Statement Boots: The Standout Shoes at the 2012 MTV VMAs

At the MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 6, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the red carpet delivered its usual mix of pop-culture moments—but it was the footwear that quietly stole the spotlight.

While headlines at the time focused on appearances by stars like Robert Pattinson promoting The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, the evening’s most enduring style statements came from what celebrities wore from the ankles down. From sculptural pumps and strappy sandals to statement boots that sparked years of debate, the shoes on this carpet captured a wide range of early-2010s red-carpet dressing.

Below, we take a closer look at five standout footwear moments—from Katerina Graham’s Ruthie Davis pumps to Taylor Swift’s sleek Tom Ford sandals—and revisit the boots worn by Kreayshawn, which remain one of the night’s most talked-about styling mysteries. Which pair still holds up today?

Sculptural Glam: Katerina Graham Elevates a Satin Suit With Ruthie Davis Peep-Toe Pumps

Kat Graham poses on the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in a sharply tailored burgundy suit, pairing sleek tailoring with a sultry beauty look and confident stance on September 6, 2012 (Credit: Apega / FayesVision / WENN / Ian Wilson)

She styled her brown nappa leather shoes with a matching satin suit and a leopard print bra.

A close-up highlights her burgundy platform Ruthie Davis peep-toe heels, finished with dramatic ankle cuffs studded in metallic spikes for an edgy contrast

Soft Neutrals, Sharp Finish: Zoe Saldaña Pairs Ferragamo Suede Pumps With a Fringed Mini Dress

Zoe Saldaña smiles on the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in a softly textured blush mini dress, balancing delicate detailing with an effortless, relaxed silhouette

How do you like her fringed Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2013 off-white mini-dress? Zoe completed her look with Ludivine earrings and rings by Kathy Rose Karma El Khalil.

A close-up focuses on her dark strappy heels, where intricate cutouts and fine trim add graphic interest against the red carpet backdrop

High Drama Heels: Nicki Minaj Goes Bold in Christian Louboutin ‘Decorapump’ Platforms

Nicki Minaj commands the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in a black lace, ruby-embellished catsuit topped with a military-inspired cap, delivering unapologetic high-drama glamour

Would you dare to wear her black lace Versace catsuit featuring ruby red jewel embellishments?

A close-up reveals her towering Christian Louboutin ‘Decorapump’ platforms, densely studded with crystals and finished with signature red soles for maximum impact

Polished and Modern: Taylor Swift Grounds Tailoring With Metallic Tom Ford Sandals

Taylor Swift arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in a crisp white J. Mendel Spring 2012 suit, sharpening the tailored look with bold red lipstick and understated elegance

The singer styled her metallic-gold Tom Ford sandals with a sophisticated J. Mendel three-piece suit and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

A close-up spotlights her metallic gold Tom Ford sandals, where fluid, sculptural straps wrap the foot in a striking, architectural pattern

Another angle highlights the sandals’ sky-high stiletto heels, emphasizing how the gleaming gold finish elevates the clean lines of her tailored trousers on the red carpet

Statement Boots Moment: Kreayshawn’s Black Boots Spark a Red-Carpet Style Mystery

Kreayshawn steps onto the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in a sheer black mini dress, balancing playful attitude with edgy tattoos and a sculptural updo

A close-up captures her towering black lace-up platform boots, where chunky heels and hardware details bring a rebellious finish to the look

More Iconic Shoe Moments From the MTV Video Music Awards

The MTV Video Music Awards have long served as a testing ground for bold footwear—where artists experiment with proportion, texture, and attitude in ways that often influence red-carpet trends for years to come.

If you’re interested in how shoe statements at the VMAs have evolved across different eras and stars, these standout moments offer a deeper look at the styles that helped define the event’s fashion legacy.