Met Gala 2026: 12 Best Shoe Moments From Rihanna’s Toe-Ring Sandals to Beyoncé’s Towering Platforms

The Met Gala 2026 is officially over, and this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” definitely brought out some bold fashion moments.

Celebrities fully embraced fashion as artistic expression, stepping onto the carpet in dramatic, sculptural, and creative looks. Of course, as with every Met Gala, not every outfit was a hit—some worked, some didn’t—but that’s part of the fun.

But beyond the gowns and dramatic silhouettes, one detail deserves its own spotlight: the shoes.

Rihanna, Beyonce, Anne Hathaway, Tyla, Kim Kardashian, and more, stand out in striking heels from Amina Muaddi, Roger Vivier, Valentino, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, and Marc Jacobs on May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

From statement heels to unexpected footwear choices, these standout pairs did more than complete the outfits; they elevated them, adding the perfect finishing touch that made each look even more memorable.

Rihanna’s Jeweled Toe-Ring Heels & Maison Margiela Sculpture

Rihanna arrived just minutes before the Met Gala 2026 red carpet closed, making her entrance even more exciting. It was such a classic Rihanna moment, showing up at the last minute, but still giving everyone a look worth waiting for.

Instead of going all out with something dramatic, she wore toe-ring sandals with a crystal-encrusted ring on the big toe, adding just the right amount of sparkle. It’s not the kind of footwear you usually see on the Met steps, but somehow, it worked perfectly.

The sandals probably had an ankle strap to keep them in place, while the stiletto heels gave RiRi that extra height and a touch of elegance. They also helped balance out the gown’s heavy, sculptural shape!

Rihanna shows off her metallic pedicured feet in a pair of toe-ring sandals with a jeweled toe strap and stiletto heels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Rihanna’s outfit was basically wearable art. She wore a Maison Margiela Couture gown by creative director Glenn Martens, inspired by a look from the Artisanal 2025 collection. The dress had a column silhouette, but the real standout was the sculptural piece wrapped around her upper body. It looked like a mix of architecture and fabric, which made the whole look even more dramatic.

The design pulled inspiration from medieval Flanders, and you could really see that influence in the heavy draping and detailed construction. It was made from fine copper oscillating duchess woven with recycled computer wire, layered over a bodice covered in 115,000 crystals, antique jewels, and chains. The fact that it took over 1,380 hours to complete just made sense, seeing how detailed everything looked.

Rihanna didn’t stop with the gown. Her accessories were just as detailed, from the rings and earrings to the facial jewelry that added even more texture to the look. And then there was the hair. Instead of a regular hairstyle, she wore 40 wire curls placed across her head, creating the effect of metallic hair. The wires had a dark bronze finish with hand-painted gold details, plus Swarovski crystals in champagne and black diamonds for extra sparkle.

Rihanna pairs her toe-ring sandals with a Maison Margiela Couture gown featuring a fully embellished turtleneck bodice, long sleeves, and a sculptural piece made from fine copper oscillating duchess woven with recycled computer wire (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Beyoncé’s Nude Amina Muaddi Platforms & Crystal Skeleton Gown

Beyoncé made a dramatic return to the Met steps after 10 years, and it was worth the wait. She arrived in a shimmering skeleton-inspired look that was glamorous, daring, and very Beyoncé. What I loved most was how her nude Amina Muaddi “Yigit” heels blended so smoothly with the outfit’s sheer underlayer, making her legs look even longer while keeping the focus on the crystal-covered dress.

She wore the nude satin version of the Yigit pumps, featuring a sharp, pointed toe and sculptural, covered, pointy platforms that added extra height without looking too heavy.

The platform detail, around 2.25 inches high, gave the shoes a bold shape, while the buckled straps added a sleek, secure finish. Set on sky-high 5.9-inch stiletto heels, the pumps brought even more drama and elegance to her full look.

Beyonce keeps her footwear simple with the nude Amina Muaddi “Yigit” pumps featuring sharp pointed platforms, slim ankle straps, and high heels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Beyoncé joins a growing list of celebrities who’ve embraced Amina Muaddi’s sculptural “Yigit” platforms. Lady Gaga previously wore the dramatic satin heels with a flowing Jason Wu gown at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, styling the towering platforms with her signature Old Hollywood glamour.

Shakira also stepped out in Amina Muaddi footwear, pairing the brand’s bold platform silhouette with a crystal-embellished Balmain mini dress during her album celebration, proving how easily the dramatic design transitions from couture red carpets to high-glam party dressing.

Bey paired the heels with a daring cutout gown by Olivier Rousteing. The dress created a skeleton-like silhouette, with crystal-covered straps wrapping around her body and sheer fabric beneath that showed glimpses of skin. She also draped a huge feather cape over her arms, mixing beige and charcoal-gray tones that flowed down the Met steps.

As one of the celebrity co-chairs, Beyoncé made sure her accessories matched the moment. Her crystal-encrusted crown-like headpiece gave full queen energy, while her Chopard diamond hoops and necklace added even more sparkle.

Beyonce teams her platform pumps with a daring skeleton-inspired gown adorned with gems and crystals, finished with a feather cape (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Anne Hathaway’s Crystal Roger Vivier Sandals & Painted Michael Kors Gown

Anne Hathaway stayed true to the Met Gala theme while still keeping her usual polished, elegant style. Her shoes were the Roger Vivier “Viv’ Choc” sandals in shiny black satin, and while they looked simple at first, the details made them special. They had rounded peep toes, a slim ankle strap with a mini crystal Viv’ Choc buckle, and 4.7-inch block heels that gave her height.

Her crystal-covered platforms added just enough sparkle beneath the gown, making the shoes feel more red-carpet-ready. The sandals were also finished with Roger Vivier’s signature heart on the insole, a small detail that made them extra charming and feminine. You can find them in champagne color for $1,475, down from $2,493, on Farfetch.

Anne Hathaway shines in her black satin Roger Vivier “Viv’ Choc” sandals with peep toes and crystal-embellished platforms (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Anne paired the sandals with a custom-made Michael Kors gown of black silk-and-wool Mikado. The strapless dress served as a dramatic blank canvas, with artist Peter McGough painting motifs such as hands, a dove, and a portrait across the fabric.

Inspired by John Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” the gown featured a plunging neckline framed with botanical artwork, then flowed into a voluminous wrap-style skirt with a slit.

At the back, the skirt featured artwork inspired by Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace, along with doves, another symbol of peace. With her hair in a neat bun, Anne finished the look with Bulgari jewelry, including a Vimini necklace, a matching $2,400 single earring, platinum high-jewelry earrings, and a Serpenti snake ring.

Anne Hathaway pairs her crystal-encrusted black heels with a black-and-white Michael Kors gown painted by artist Peter McGough with motifs like hands, a dove, and a portrait across the fabric (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Tyla’s Aquamarine Valentino Révélé Pumps & Sheer Crystal Look

Tyla stepped onto the Met Gala carpet, wearing the Valentino “Révélé” pumps in bold aquamarine suede, and the color alone already made a statement. It was fresh, and honestly, not the kind of shoe you’d expect on a night like this. The suede finish also gave the pumps a soft, rich texture that contrasted nicely with the shine of her outfit.

The pumps featured a pointed peep-toe and a clear PVC strip across the front, giving the shoes a floating effect. The sides also looked slightly higher, making the shoe feel more sculpted and sleek.

Set on 4.1-inch stiletto heels, they added just the right amount of height, while the Valentino VLogo at the back gave them a subtle designer finish. You can get these pumps for $1,100 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tyla slips her hot pink pedicure into the aquamarine suede Valentino “Révélé” pumps featuring a clear PVC strip across the front, high topline, and high heels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Tyla isn’t the only celebrity embracing Valentino’s striking “Révélé” silhouette. Zoey Deutch recently wore the same Valentino “Révélé” pumps at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, styling the sleek PVC-trimmed heels with floral lace tights and a retro-inspired Valentino coat dress that accentuated the shoe’s sculptural, fashion-forward shape.

Tyla paired the pumps with a custom Valentino Garavani look that was both daring and detailed. The top was a sheer, rhinestone-covered bodice with strands of embellishments forming a deep V shape at the center, showing glimpses of skin. The sleeves had the same delicate detailing, while a large, swirl-like rhinestone basque wrapped around her hips like an ornate belt.

Below, the turquoise satin skirt matched her shoes beautifully, featuring a center high slit and a dramatic, long train trailing behind her.

Tyla also had dangling jeweled ornaments on her wrists, adding movement to the look. To finish it off, she wore a lariat necklace and dangling earrings, making everything look cohesive and eye-catching from head to toe.

Tyla keeps things cohesive by pairing her pumps with a custom Valentino Garavani gown featuring an aquamarine sweeping skirt and a crystal-embellished fringed bodice (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Kim Kardashian’s Nude Louboutin Pumps & Sculptural Whitaker Malem Dress

Kim Kardashian stepped onto the Met steps looking like a walking sculpture. Compared to some of the more over-the-top looks, hers felt more modern and stripped back, but it still had that strong, attention-grabbing effect. It was simple, but still made a statement.

Her shoes matched the look seamlessly. Kim kept it simple with nude Christian Louboutin “Merci Allen” pumps in a glossy patent finish. The shine made them look sleek and polished, while the rounded toe kept them classic and easy to wear.

The high heels added extra height and elegance, but they didn’t compete with the outfit. I liked how they blended in seamlessly and let the sculptural dress stay as the main focus.

Kim Kardashian opts for the classic Christian Louboutin “Merci Allen” nude leather pumps with rounded toes and high heels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Kim paired the pumps with a bold orange dress by Whitaker Malem, created in collaboration with pop artist Allen Jones.

The top part featured a fiberglass breastplate with a high neckline, sculpted to look like a human torso, complete with conical bra cups. You could also see details like the ribs and navel, making it look almost like a second skin.

Attached to it was a leather skirt by Patrick Whitaker and Keir Malem of Whitaker Malem. It had an open front that showed off her legs, while the draped leather softened the look, making it seem as if the solid sculpture were melting into something more fluid.

Kim Kardashian goes futuristic in a sleek tangerine orange dress by Whitaker Malem with a fiberglass breastplate and conical bra cups by Allen Jones (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Kris Jenner’s Crystal Manolo Blahnik Sandals & Dolce & Gabbana Kimono Dress

Kris Jenner looked stunning in a modern kimono-style Dolce & Gabbana dress with Manolo Blahnik crystal sandals. The shoes instantly elevated the look. They were made from a shiny, metallic calf-leather that gave them a sleek, luxe finish, while the crystal embellishments on the front strap formed pretty, flower-like clusters across her feet.

Her sandals added a soft, elegant sparkle that complemented the dress beautifully, especially since the kimono already had so much detail. The metallic finish complemented the silver accents and embroidery, making the outfit look polished from head to toe.

These Manolo Blahnik crystal-embellished sandals are on sale for $1,474 (down from $1,811) on Farfetch.

Kris Jenner elevates her kimono dress with silver crystal-encrusted Manolo Blahnik sandals (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Kris Jenner’s dress was pretty simple, following a kimono-inspired silhouette, but the details made it stand out. The Dolce & Gabbana piece was covered with metallic sequins, silver-tone bauble studs, swirling patterns, and floral embroidery. The white and copper tones worked together, giving the look a rich, dramatic finish while still looking elegant and wearable.

Kris also added Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda high jewelry earrings with sculptural details and gemstones, which complemented the outfit’s elegant, high-fashion vibe. Her Lorraine Schwartz rings added even more sparkle and luxury!

Kris Jenner pairs her crystal heels with a simple kimono dress embellished with sequins and bauble studs (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Joey King’s Ivory Miu Miu Mules & Sheer Crystal-Embroidered Dress

Joey King stayed true to Miu Miu’s soft, feminine aesthetic at the Met Gala, pairing her sheer, embellished gown with understated ivory satin mules that quietly completed the look without competing for attention.

The peep-toe heels featured a subtle satin sheen, slim stiletto heels, and an open-back silhouette that kept the styling light and elegant.

A tiny Miu Miu logo at the front added a discreet designer finish, while her crisp white pedicure echoed the look’s delicate, barely-there palette.

Joey King keeps it sleek and modern in ivory satin peep-toe mules by Miu Miu (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Her custom Miu Miu dress had a sheer, barely-there base that showed glimpses of her skin, with her bra and underwear visible underneath. In addition, intricate silver crystal embroidery adorned the dress in flame-like shapes, making it look delicate yet bold.

The bodice also featured pale pink sculptural panels that wrapped around the chest, forming a soft halter neckline. Crystal-embellished straps added even more detail, while the sheer skirt flowed down softly to her ankles, giving the whole look a light, airy finish.

Joey styled her hair in long ginger curls and added Legacy Vintage Jewels diamond earrings and rings, including a standout $9,500 white gold diamond cluster ring that completed the look beautifully.

Joey King embraces a delicate look, pairing her white heels with a sheer Miu Miu dress featuring silver crystal embroidery in flame-like shapes and pale pink sculptural panels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Keke Palmer’s Red Crystal Louboutin Pumps & Draped Prabal Gurung Gown

Keke Palmer fully embraced the drama of monochromatic dressing in head-to-toe red, grounding her look with a pair of Christian Louboutin suede pumps trimmed in leather and completely covered in tonal red crystals.

Because the embellishments matched the saturated crimson suede, the sparkle felt refined rather than overpowering, giving the shoes a rich, jewel-like finish under the lights.

The sharply pointed toes and slim stiletto heels added structure and polish, balancing the fluid draping of her gown while keeping the overall look sleek and glamorous.

Keke Palmer looks red hot wearing a pair of red Louboutins with tonal crystal embellishments (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Keke paired her red pumps with a stunning Prabal Gurung gown made of hand-pleated, draped shimmering silk tulle. The sheer red dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, with the bodice gathered and twisted around her torso, revealing glimpses of her skin.

Around the hips, the fabric flared out into bold sculptural drapes before falling into a dramatic floor-length train. I liked how the gown had so much volume and movement, but still left enough room for the crystal red pumps to stand out.

Keke Palmer also wore jewelry by Wempe, including a one-of-a-kind necklace worth $1,000,000. The piece, which reportedly took more than 300 hours to make by hand, featured over 1,200 diamonds totaling 211 carats, set in 257 grams of 18k rose gold. Her diamond studs and matching ring added even more glam, while her red pixie cut and matching eye makeup pulled everything together beautifully.

Keke Palmer embraces a monochromatic look, pairing her red pumps with a red hand-pleated, draped tulle gown by Prabal Gurung (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Lena Dunham’s Red Valentino Rockstud Heels & Feathered Sequin Gown

Lena Dunham also went all in on red, stepping onto the Met carpet in head-to-toe Valentino. Marking her return to the Met steps, she wore Alessandro Michele’s edgy take on the iconic Valentino “Rockstud” pumps.

The shoes had a narrow, squared toe with a platinum-finish metal toe cap, giving them a sharper, more structured look. They also featured caged straps covered in shiny, pyramid-shaped studs inspired by bugnatos in Roman architecture, making the heels feel bold and edgy.

The rectangular cutout across the toes added a modern, futuristic detail, while the high heels gave Lena extra height and kept that signature Valentino glamour.

Lena Dunham chooses an all-red look, slipping her feet into the Valentino Rockstud pumps with a squared platinum-finish metal toe cap, a rectangular cutout across the toes, and studded straps (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

She paired the red pumps with a strapless Valentino gown drenched in red sequins. Thick red feathers trimmed the neckline, sides, and hem, adding volume and drama that nearly swallowed her frame.

With its full-body shimmer and dramatic finish, the dress gave her a glamorous showgirl edge while still staying true to Valentino’s bold, theatrical style.

It also had a thigh-high slit that gave a glimpse of her legs and kept the look from feeling too heavy, while the dramatic train trailing behind her made the whole outfit even more theatrical.

Lena Dunham pairs her edgy red pumps with a strapless Valentino gown drenched in red sequins and trimmed with red feathers (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Rosé’s Crystal Saint Laurent Liza Sandals & Sleek Black Gown

Rosé arrived at the Met Gala with her Blackpink bandmates also in attendance, and she stayed true to her signature Saint Laurent style. As one of the house’s brand ambassadors, she went for an all-black look that was feminine, polished, and very Saint Laurent.

Her Saint Laurent “Liza” sandals featured crisscrossing front straps covered in tonal rhinestone crystals, along with open pointed toes that made them look delicate but sharp. The slingback strap had the same crystal detail, while the thin leather cord ties wrapped around her ankles for a snug, secure fit.

I also liked the geometric flared heels, around 4.1 inches high, which gave Rosé extra height and added a little more glamour to the all-black outfit. Ciara actually wore the same Saint Laurent heels to the BET Awards last year.

Rosé goes for a strappy pair of Saint Laurent sandals featuring open pointed toes, crystal-embellished crisscrossing front straps, strappy wraparound leather ties, and slightly flared heels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Rosé’s dress was simple, and honestly, I do think she could have pushed the Met Gala theme a bit more. Still, it matched her style and Saint Laurent’s usual bold-but-chic vibe.

The gown featured a strapless neckline, an exaggerated hip, and a high slit that showed off the sandals. The large crystal-embellished bird design at the waist added the main statement detail.

For extra sparkle, Rosé accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including pieces from the 2026 Blue Book High Jewelry Collection.

Rosé embraces her signature elegance with a black Saint Laurent gown featuring a large crystal-embellished bird design at the waist (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Doja Cat’s Saint Laurent Kika Platforms & Skin-Tone Monochrome Look

Doja Cat was fully committed to the monochromatic trend, stepping onto the Met carpet in head-to-toe skin-tone Saint Laurent. Everything matched seamlessly, from the dress down to the shoes and even her hair.

She wore the Saint Laurent “Kika” platform mules in a beige-tan silicone finish, reportedly painted by a special-effects artist to match her skin tone.

The mules featured peep toes and an open back, giving them a sleek, minimalist look, but the towering 2.5-inch platforms and 4.3-inch stiletto heels brought all the drama. They added serious height, making the whole look feel even more striking.

You can find these mules in black patent leather at FWRD, retailing for $1,300.

Doja Cat towers in a pair of Saint Laurent “Kika” platform mules in a beige tan silicone finish (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Doja matched the shoes with a Saint Laurent dress designed by Anthony Vaccarello. The gown was made of a PVC-like, chiffon-like silicone material that looked glossy and sculpted against her body.

It featured soft draping across the neckline and bodice, long fitted sleeves, and a floor-length skirt with a hip-high slit that showed glimpses of skin.

Doja Cat styled her blonde hair in soft waves to match the outfit’s nude tones, making the monochromatic effect even stronger. For accessories, she kept it sleek with rings and earrings, including the Leviev Elysian Glamour 16.73Ct Diamond Earrings. Her bronzed makeup, sharp eyeliner, and glossy nude lips tied everything together perfectly.

Doja Cat embraces cohesiveness, pairing her nude mules with a PVC-like silicone drape dress by Saint Laurent, blonde hair, and nude makeup (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Anna Weyant’s Marc Jacobs Bow Heels & Doll-Like Babydoll Dress

Painter Anna Weyant embraced Marc Jacobs’ playful surrealism at the Met Gala, stepping onto the carpet in a striking head-to-toe look anchored by a pair of sculptural burgundy satin heels that immediately drew attention.

The pumps featured dramatically elongated duckbill toes and oversized satin bows placed across the front, giving the silhouette a whimsical, almost cartoon-like quality.

Their curved inward heels added to the exaggerated proportions, transforming the shoes from traditional pumps into something that felt closer to wearable art.

Anna Weyant opts for the whimsical burgundy satin Marc Jacobs pumps with elongated duckbill toes, oversized bows, and curved heels (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

Anna paired the dramatic burgundy heels with a pale pink Marc Jacobs organza dress that fully embraced the designer’s doll-like, theatrical aesthetic.

The babydoll-inspired silhouette featured an oversized white lace-trimmed collar, a plunging neckline, and a large satin bow at the center, echoing the exaggerated details of the shoes.

The airy organza fabric flared into a voluminous A-line shape before finishing in a structured bubble hem just below the knees, giving the look a sculptural softness. Weyant kept the styling understated with a loose curly updo and fresh, natural makeup, allowing the exaggerated proportions of the shoes and dress to remain the focal point.

Anna Weyant teams her edgy pumps with an airy, flowy babydoll dress by Marc Jacobs featuring a huge white lace-trimmed collar and a large bow at the center (Credit: TheStewartOfNY / INSTARimages)

From Sculptural Platforms to Crystal Sandals: The Met Gala’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments

While the gowns often dominate the conversation, the Met Gala’s most unforgettable fashion moments are usually finished from the ground up. From Rihanna’s jeweled toe-ring heels and Beyoncé’s towering Amina Muaddi platforms to Kim Kardashian’s sleek Louboutins and Anna Weyant’s surreal Marc Jacobs pumps, this year’s carpet proved once again that shoes can completely transform a look.

Over the years, the Met Gala has delivered some of fashion’s boldest footwear moments — dramatic platforms, sculptural heels, crystal embellishments, and avant-garde silhouettes that blur the line between couture and wearable art. Revisit some of the standout Met Gala shoe moments from past years below.