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 paired her brown nappa leather heels with a rich burgundy satin Jean Paul Gaultier pantsuit, letting a leopard-print bustier peek through for a bold, fashion-forward contrast.

Soft waves and deep burgundy lips completed the look, while her plum, spiked ankle-strap Ruthie Davis heels delivered the sharp edge that tied the ensemble together.

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 Booties 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

Zoe Saldaña’s figure-hugging peach fringed mini dress from Salvatore Ferragamo’s Resort 2013 collection struck a sleek balance between softness and structure, especially when paired with eggplant suede Ferragamo booties from the Fall 2012 lineup. The deep, saturated tone of the shoes added contrast and grounded the light, fluid movement of the fringe.

She finished the look with Ludivine earrings and rings by Kathy Rose Karma El Khalil, keeping accessories minimal. While a clutch might have added polish, the only element that felt slightly off was her hair—the loose, wavy style read more hurried than intentional, a rare misstep for a star usually known for her impeccable red-carpet refinement.

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

Nicki Minaj leaned fully into shock value, stepping onto the red carpet in a black lace Versace catsuit embroidered with ruby-red jewel accents and sharp red trim.

She amplified the drama with towering Christian Louboutin ‘Decorapump’ platforms and a vivid yellow wig, creating a look that commands attention from head to toe.

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

Taylor Swift skipped a traditional gown in favor of a sharply tailored J. Mendel ivory silk-crepe three-piece suit, pairing the tuxedo jacket, pin-tucked trousers, and V-neck blouse with metallic gold Tom Ford sandals.

Lorraine Schwartz jewelry added a refined finish, subtly elevating the clean, menswear-inspired silhouette. The gleaming heels were a perfect complement.

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.