The 2013 AMAs Red Carpet Revisited: 5 Iconic Shoe Moments That Defined an Era

At the 2013 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 24, 2013, the red carpet delivered a mix of sharply contrasting styles — from metallic minidresses and neon Dior to studded gowns and strappy designer heels.

While the night’s fashion covered everything from sleek couture to dramatic embellishment, the strongest looks were often grounded by standout footwear choices.

Taylor Swift paired her shimmering Julien Macdonald minidress with Jimmy Choo “Madison” sandals, Jennifer Hudson added platform height with Charlotte Olympia heels, and Jordin Sparks leaned into the edgy feel of her Jovani Couture gown with strappy Schutz cage sandals.

Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum, Jordin Sparks, Rihanna, and Jennifer Hudson brought dramatically different approaches to red carpet dressing at the 2013 American Music Awards in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Apega / Nikki Nelson)

From gold sandals and towering platforms to intricate cage heels, here’s a closer look at some of the night’s most memorable shoe and fashion moments.

1. Taylor Swift: Gold Julien Macdonald Mini & Jimmy Choo “Madison” Sandals

Taylor turned up the glamour in a sparkling golden minidress by Julien Macdonald. Its daring hemline showcased her long, lean legs, which were perfectly complemented by strappy Jimmy Choo “Madison” sandals.

Taylor Swift dazzles in a golden Julien Macdonald minidress at the 2013 American Music Awards, showcasing her long legs with strappy Jimmy Choo “Madison” sandals on November 24, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: WENN)

She finished the look with va-va-voom hair that was perfect for the ensemble.

Taylor Swift showed off her gold Jimmy Choo “Madison” sandals, featuring slender cage-like straps, towering stiletto heels, and a metallic finish that perfectly complemented the shimmer of her Julien Macdonald minidress

2. Jennifer Hudson: Neon Dior Dress & Charlotte Olympia Platform Sandals

Bright colors can be hard to pull off, but Jennifer Hudson seemed to have no problem doing so. The curvy singer totally rocked a neon number by Christian Dior.

Jennifer Hudson shines in a neon Christian Dior dress at the 2013 American Music Awards, paired with electric blue eyeliner and Charlotte Olympia platform sandals (Credit: WENN)

The striking dress boasted a high-low hemline and a peekaboo neon-pink lining, while J-Hud added a bold touch with electric-blue eyeliner, making her look both fun and fierce.

Jennifer Hudson showed off her metallic Charlotte Olympia platform sandals, featuring braided crossover straps, sky-high heels, and a gleaming gold finish that added even more drama to her neon Dior look

3. Heidi Klum: Sheer Marchesa Lace Dress & Brian Atwood Heels

We’re a bit on the fence about Heidi’s red carpet look because of the rather unappealing fringe at the bottom of her Marchesa Spring 2014 dress.

We would have loved the sheer lace dress if it weren’t for that bit of detail. What do you think?

Heidi Klum stuns in a sheer lace Marchesa dress with a fringe bottom at the 2013 American Music Awards, adding a unique touch to her red carpet look (Credit: WENN)

4. Jordin Sparks: Studded Jovani Couture Gown & Schutz “Blandina” Cage Sandals

Jordin Sparks balanced glamour and edge in a studded Jovani Couture halterneck gown with a flowing pleated skirt and thigh-high slit.

Jordin Sparks wearing a Jovani Couture gown at the 2013 American Music Awards on November 24, 2013 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)

The gold-tone embellishments across the fitted leather bodice gave the look a sharper feel, while her high braided ponytail, stacked bangles, and ear cuff kept the styling cohesive without overpowering the dress.

Jordin Sparks looks glamorous in a studded Jovani Couture dress with a thigh-high slit at the 2013 American Music Awards, completed with a high braided ponytail and caged Schutz heels

She completed the outfit with Schutz “Blandina” sandals featuring a cage-inspired silhouette, slim straps, metallic chevron detailing, and adjustable ankle buckles.

The structured heels paired especially well with the movement of the gown’s pleated skirt and dramatic slit.

Jordin Sparks showed off her Schutz “Blandina” sandals, featuring slim cage straps and metallic chevron detailing that mirrored the studded edge of her Jovani Couture gown

5. Rihanna: Jean Paul Gaultier Couture and AMA Icon Award Glamour

Bad gal Riri channeled her inner mermaid with a two-piece couture ensemble by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Rihanna channels her inner mermaid in a two-piece Jean Paul Gaultier couture ensemble at the 2013 American Music Awards, accessorized with stunning jewelry pieces (Credit: WENN)

More American Music Awards Red Carpet Shoe Moments Worth Revisiting

From Taylor Swift’s shimmering Jimmy Choo sandals to Jordin Sparks’ cage-inspired Schutz heels, the 2013 American Music Awards reflected an era when statement footwear played just as important a role as the gowns themselves.

Over the years, the AMAs red carpet has continued to deliver memorable shoe moments — from towering platforms and crystal-embellished sandals to sleek pumps paired with couture dresses. Revisit more standout celebrity shoe and fashion moments from past American Music Awards below.