BET Awards 2026 Red Carpet Shoes: Teyana Taylor’s Croc Pumps, Tyla’s René Caovilla Coils & More Statement Heels

The 2026 BET Awards recently wrapped up, celebrating Black excellence in music, television, film, and sports. The ceremony highlighted some of the industry’s biggest names, recognizing both established icons and rising talent for their impact and achievements over the past year.

Among the night’s winners, Kehlani took home Video of the Year and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while Clipse earned Album of the Year and Best Group. Cardi B was named Best Female Hip Hop Artist, with Kendrick Lamar winning the male counterpart. Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, along with other big wins in entertainment this year.

Beyond the awards, the red carpet delivered a mix of bold fashion and statement-making footwear. Teyana Taylor, who had a major night with multiple honors including Icon of the Year, Best Actress, Video Director of the Year, and Fashion Vanguard Award, stood out in a regal, head-to-toe wine-colored ensemble.

Tyla brought a sultry edge in a Christian Siriano lace corset paired with metallic silver René Caovilla heels, while Ari Lennox wore a Rey Ortiz design styled with sparkling Alexander McQueen pumps. Mariah the Scientist, who won the Viewer’s Choice Award, stepped out in Christian Louboutin Miss Z Sandal Alta Suola Strass heels.

Stars including Teyana Taylor, Tyla, Ari Lennox, Mariah the Scientist, Heart Hayes, Candace Maxwell, Nadège August, Flo Milli, and Dess Dior delivered a dramatic mix of couture gowns, mini dresses, and statement heels at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 28, 2026 (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images / Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

There were more standout fashion moments during the night, but the shoes deserved their own spotlight at the BET Awards 2026. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Teyana Taylor Embraces Regal Drama in Burgundy Croc Pumps and Stephane Rolland Couture

Teyana Taylor has developed a reputation for embracing sculptural, fashion-forward dressing, whether wearing Ashi Studio couture with Aquazzura pumps at The Rip premiere, stepping out in Schiaparelli’s surrealist platforms at the Golden Globes, or styling Rick Owens Bogun boots for a CBS Mornings appearance. At the 2026 BET Awards, she continued that aesthetic in textured wine-red pumps and Stephane Rolland Couture.

She wore pointed-toe pumps in a deep wine-red shade that matched her outfit, though they were barely visible under the gown. On closer look, the shoes had a croc-embossed texture that added a bold, structured touch to the dress’s softer design.

Teyana Taylor slips into a pair of burgundy croc pumps with squared vamps and sharp, pointy toes (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Taylor’s gown was a theatrical burgundy piece from Stéphane Rolland’s Couture Spring 2026 collection, designed in a sculptural ballgown silhouette.

The strapless neckline featured a rectangular, brooch-like detail placed vertically at the center, adorned with ruby-red crystals and beads. Her skirt flowed into a full bustle with soft, cloud-like folds gathered around the hips, giving the look a regal feel.

Teyana completed her ensemble with a structured burgundy headpiece, puffy in shape and embellished with matching ruby crystals and beads. I really liked how it tied the entire look together, giving it a Victorian-inspired, regal energy.

Teyana Taylor has always had a penchant for avant-garde red carpet creations, and this look was another example of that style direction!

Teyana Taylor opts for a monochromatic wine-red look, pairing her burgundy pumps with a theatrical Stephane Rolland Couture Spring 2026 gown featuring a crystal-embellished rectangular brooch at the neckline, a full bustle skirt, and a puffy headpiece (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Tyla Turns Up the Heat in René Caovilla Cleo Sandals and Christian Siriano Couture

Tyla has increasingly embraced statement footwear on the red carpet, from the René Caovilla Cleo sandals she wore while hosting the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards to the aquamarine Valentino Révélé pumps showcased at the 2026 Met Gala.

At the BET Awards, she revisited the iconic René Caovilla “Cleo” sandals, handmade in Italy from lustrous beige satin, finished with leopard-printed insoles that added a subtle wild touch underneath the elegant strappy design.

The straps stood out with a sensual, sculptural look, featuring the brand’s signature snake-inspired coils that wrapped around the leg, along with straps across the toes and the vamp. These straps were fully embellished with tiny crystals, creating a soft sparkle.

They were finished with chunky 1.5-inch platforms and towering 5-inch stiletto heels, amplifying their dramatic red-carpet appeal. The crystal-wrapped coils, leopard-print insoles, and sculptural proportions made the sandals sparkle from every angle.

René Caovilla continues to expand its coveted Cleo line with embellished satin, leather, mirrored, floral-appliqué, and platform variations, with styles typically retailing from about $1,300 to over $1,900. Tyla’s crystal-covered platform version is currently available at Mytheresa for $1,660.

Tyla channels her inner vixen in a pair of sexy heels by René Caovilla featuring wild leopard-print insoles, chunky platforms, and stiletto heels, with crystal-embellished straps across the toes, the vamp, and around the ankle (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Tyla wore a custom Christian Siriano look featuring a fitted gray lace corset bodice, outlined with black beads that emphasized the structure and added definition throughout.

I liked how the corset had a deep, curved neckline with halter-style straps, while the hem featured sharp triangle cutouts that added structure and an edgy touch, beautifully shaping the hips. It then transitioned into black shorts layered over sheer black tights, making the styling bolder and more modern.

She completed the look with statement rings, earrings, and pink and neon green nails, which added a fun pop of color.

Tyla pairs her bold heels with an equally daring Christian Siriano mini dress featuring a fitted gray lace corset bodice with a curved neckline, a halter strap, and a curved hem (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Ari Lennox Shines in Crystal McQueen Skull Pumps and Rey Ortiz Chainmail Couture

At 5’6″ (167.6 cm) with a reported US shoe size 9.5, Ari Lennox leaned into sultry minimalism at the BET Awards, pairing crystal-studded McQueen pumps with a shimmering silver ensemble that was bold, streamlined, and contemporary.

On her feet, she wore a pair of McQueen skull-studded satin pumps, fully covered in crystal-like stud detailing. The shoes featured sharp, pointed toes and tall stiletto heels, giving them a sleek, elevated shape.

One of the shoes featured a skull embellishment at the back, adding a signature Alexander McQueen edge. I liked how the silver tone and sparkling finish matched her outfit perfectly, making the whole look coordinated from head to toe.

These McQueen skull-studded satin pumps are available for $1,850 at Mytheresa.

Ari Lennox completes her shimmering silver ensemble with crystal-encrusted McQueen pumps, featuring sharply pointed toes, sculpted stiletto heels, and a dazzling pavé finish that mirrors the chainmail-inspired texture of her Rey Ortiz gown (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Lennox paired the pumps with a custom silver Rey Ortiz gown made from a chainmail-inspired, crystal-embellished mesh fabric that moved fluidly with her silhouette. The entire dress shimmered with thousands of tiny silver accents, creating a continuous sheen from the neckline to the hem.

It also featured a halter-neck bodice with a geometric lattice pattern of interwoven crystal-like mesh, creating a web-like effect across the upper body.

Cutout sections added structure while also revealing Ari’s skin. The same intricate pattern extended into the skirt, which flowed into a sheer, chainmail-style finish with a daring thigh-high slit. The hemline was slightly uneven, giving the dress a modern, deconstructed edge.

Lennox completed the look with a voluminous, side-parted platinum blonde bob that added a soft ‘90s-inspired contrast to the futuristic outfit.

Ari Lennox teams her shimmering pumps with a shining Rey Ortiz creation, made from a chainmail-inspired, crystal-embellished mesh fabric with a web-like geometric lattice pattern (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Mariah the Scientist Balances Romance and Edge in Louboutin Miss Z Sandals

Mariah the Scientist embraced a romantic yet deconstructed red-carpet style at the BET Awards, blending soft pastel tones with distressed, vintage-inspired detailing, and finishing with black heels.

She wore Christian Louboutin’s “Miss Z Sandal Alta Suola Strass” in black crepe satin, an elevated interpretation of the house’s signature Miss Z line. The design combined a minimalist open-toe silhouette with slender ankle straps and towering 6.2-inch stiletto heels, while red strass crystals embedded into the iconic lacquered sole added a glamorous flash beneath the understated upper.

The Miss Z family continues to expand with pointed-toe pumps, ankle-strap sandals, metallic finishes, and crystal-embellished styles available at Nordstrom, generally priced from $1,045 to $1,995.

The line has also emerged as a red-carpet favorite, appearing on Zendaya in white Miss Z pumps, Anne Hathaway’s polished Miss Z looks, Ciara’s gingham-styled pumps, and Reese Witherspoon’s Rosa Z sandals.

Mariah the Scientist wears the Christian Louboutin “Miss Z Sandal Alta Suola Strass” heels featuring a simple upper and an intricately embellished heel and outsole (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

The understated black Louboutins grounded one of the evening’s most romantic looks: an archival Mandalay gown layered with pink satin, lace, beadwork, and frayed tulle.

The gown featured a fitted, body-skimming silhouette that flowed into a multi-tiered mermaid-style skirt. Frayed layers of cream tulle and black mesh cascaded diagonally down the skirt, adding movement and an undone, fashion-forward finish. I loved how the design combined soft romantic elements with deconstructed vintage couture details!

To finish the look, Mariah the Scientist accessorized with an archival layered Christian Dior by John Galliano choker from Spring/Summer 2004, adding a punk-luxe touch with pearls, buckled belt details, and a crystal pendant.

Mariah the Scientist balances the simplicity of her sandals with her elaborate archival Mandalay gown in pink satin with crystals, beads, lace trims, and frayed layers of cream tulle and black mesh (Credit: Walik Goshorn / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Heart Hayes Channels Old Hollywood Glamour in Gucci Divine Sandals

Heart Hayes looked every bit a classic Hollywood siren in her all-black red carpet look at the BET Awards, and I have to say, the shoes immediately caught my attention.

She wore the Gucci “Divine” sandals, made in Italy from black patent leather, with slim, cage-like straps that wrapped around the foot for an edgy, structured feel.

A silver-tone Gucci horsebit detail on the instep strap added that signature luxe touch, while a buckled ankle strap kept the fit secure. These sandals also boasted an open square toe and a 4-inch tapered heel, giving them a sleek, architectural finish.

Heart Hayes wears the cage-like Gucci “Divine” sandals featuring a silver-tone horsebit detail, square open toes, and tapered heels (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Her Gucci sandals reinforced the old-Hollywood mood of a black Jesse J Collections evening gown.

The top was fully covered in glittering black sequins, adding texture and depth, while the skirt flowed into a draped silhouette gathered at the left hip, revealing a thigh-high slit and extending into a dramatic train.

Diamond drop earrings, stacked bangles, rings, and a crystal-embellished clutch completed the ensemble, adding another layer of glamour to the old-Hollywood-inspired look.

Heart Hayes opts for classic evening elegance with her LBD from Jesse J Collections, featuring a sequin-embellished bodice with a sweetheart neckline and a draped skirt (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Candace Maxwell Goes Wild in Jeffrey Campbell Everglades Sandals and Draped Bronze Gown

Candace Maxwell definitely had one of the most eye-catching heels of the night. She wore the Jeffrey Campbell “Everglades” sandals, and I really liked how bold they looked against her earthy-toned outfit.

The sandals were made of sleek satin in a leopard print design and featured a triple-strap silhouette that gave them a striking, structured feel. The standout detail, though, was clearly the gleaming gold-tone crocodile embellishment along the center, adding a unique, luxe edge. These sandals were finished with curved 4-inch gold-tone heels that added height and an elegant finish.

You can get these Jeffrey Campbell “Everglades” sandals for $204.95 at Nordstrom.

Candace Maxwell walks on the wild side with her Jeffrey Campbell “Everglades” sandals in leopard satin with a large, gold-tone crocodile accent along the center (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Maxwell paired the sandals with a chocolate brown floor-length gown in an asymmetrical silhouette. It had a ruched bodice that hugged her torso, creating a smooth, sculpted shape, supported by a one-shoulder strap.

Below, the skirt featured a thigh-high slit that revealed her leg, accented with a long fabric sash that draped from the hip and flowed to the floor.

Maxwell accessorized with chunky gold hoops and rings, while a sleek low bun underscored the gown’s clean, draped lines.

Candace Maxwell pairs her striking heels with a simple earthy brown one-shoulder draped dress (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Nadège August Adds Sparkle With René Caovilla Chandelier Sandals

Nadège August stood out at the event in a striking green gown, but I honestly think her shoes added the real sparkle to the whole look.

She wore the René Caovilla “Chandelier” strappy sandals made from satin and leather, designed with slim straps across the toes and foot, plus the brand’s signature coiled snake detail wrapping around the ankle.

These straps were covered in tiny crystals, giving a soft shimmer, but the delicate hand-stitched crystal-drop accents, inspired by Venetian chandeliers, elevated the entire design. The sandals sat on 4.1-inch stiletto heels, adding height and a sleek finish to the look.

René Caovilla continues to expand its Chandelier collection with crystal-embellished sandals, mules, and pumps in a range of heel heights, from elegant 65mm designs to dramatic 105mm and Super Chandelier styles. Current iterations available at Farfetch typically retail between about $1,550 and $3,400, with Nadège’s 105mm crystal-accented version priced at $2,050.

Nadège August draws attention with her René Caovilla “Chandelier” strappy sandals made from satin and leather with slim straps decorated with crystals and hand-stitched crystal drops (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Nadège August paired her René Caovilla heels with a fresh green Le Catou gown featuring a strapless column silhouette in matte moss green silk. The design was outlined with a thick, pale chartreuse border and visible top-stitching, giving the dress a clean, geometric outline around the torso.

It extended diagonally across the lower body, forming an asymmetrical hip line that flowed into a voluminous satin panel draped along the left side and down into a floor-length train. A high thigh slit revealed a deeper green satin lining underneath.

August finished the look with minimal Jacquie Anderson jewelry, including a pointed pendant necklace and stud earrings.

Nadège August teams her already striking heels with a fresh moss-and-chartreuse green gown by Le Catou (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Flo Milli Pushes Boundaries in Stuart Weitzman Frontrow Hybrid Booties

Flo Milli delivered a dark, fashion-forward look at the BET Awards, and I really liked how her shoes added to that modern, futuristic vibe.

She wore the Stuart Weitzman “Frontrow” booties, a hybrid design that boldly blended sandal and boot elements. The clear toe strap kept the front of the shoe clean and minimal, while the stretch leather shaft wrapped around the leg like a sleek overlay, giving a floating effect above the foot.

I liked how this combination made the shoes structured yet unexpected. The design was completed with slim stiletto heels that added height and a sharp finish.

Flo Milli delivers a dark, futuristic edge with her Stuart Weitzman “Frontrow” hybrid shoes, featuring a clear PVC strap across the toes and a black stretch leather shaft floating above the slim stiletto heels (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Flo Milli paired the shoes with a bold custom mini dress from Vietnamese designer Do Long’s Emerge collection. It had a strapless, sculpted design made from layered black mesh with diagonal pleats that shaped the top.

The neckline was slightly uneven, with a rose detail on one side of the chest, while the waist flared into a peplum effect with sheer tulle panels extending down the sides into a floor-length drape. This mini dress was finished with black rhinestones, adding sparkle across the neckline and hem.

Flo Milli finished her look with a heavy gunmetal statement collar and matching silver accessories, keeping the whole styling bold and fashion-forward.

Flo Milli pairs her hybrid boot-and-sandal shoe with a bold sheer mesh mini dress by Do Long featuring a sculpted bodice, a rose detail on one side of the chest, and a slight peplum with sheer tulle panels extending down the sides (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Dess Dior Leans Into Cyber Glamour in Alexandre Birman Boonie Gladiator Sandals

Dess Dior delivered a futuristic cyber-glam moment at the BET Awards, and I really liked how her shoes elevated the look into that bold, high-fashion direction.

She wore the Alexandre Birman “Boonie” gladiator sandals in ultra-reflective metallic silver leather, adding a futuristic edge to the look. They featured geometric, interlocking triangular straps that reworked the classic T-strap into a modern cage-like structure. These straps wrapped all the way up the leg with tiny buckle fastenings, creating a strong, sculptural effect. Adding height, the design was finished with a 4-inch curved chrome heel, giving it a striking finish.

These Alexandre Birman “Boonie” gladiator sandals are on sale for $447.50 (from $895) at Neiman Marcus.

Dess Dior brings ethereal futuristic glamour with her Alexandre Birman “Boonie” gladiator sandals in ultra-reflective metallic silver leather with interlocking triangular straps and curved chrome heels (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Dess Dior paired her sandals with a custom silver mini dress by M’kayla Lynne, featuring a web-like cage bodice made from metallic cords in an openwork design that extended up to the neck.

Over it, she layered a white silk mini dress with a soft draped front, long sleeves, and an asymmetrical tulip hem. I particularly loved the added hood, which gave the outfit a more ethereal, futuristic twist.

Dess Dior continues with the futuristic cyber-glam theme of her look, pairing her silver gladiators with a silver mini dress by M’kayla Lynne featuring a web-like cage bodice and a white mini dress with a draped front and a hood (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

How the 2026 BET Awards Reinforced This Year’s Biggest Red-Carpet Shoe Trends

From Teyana Taylor’s monochromatic croc pumps and Tyla’s crystal-wrapped René Caovilla sandals to Mariah the Scientist’s embellished Louboutins and Dess Dior’s futuristic gladiators, the 2026 BET Awards showcased the continued dominance of statement footwear.

Metallic finishes, crystal embellishments, sculptural heels, and fashion-forward silhouettes proved that shoes remain one of the most expressive elements of modern red-carpet dressing.

Explore more standout shoe moments, celebrity style evolutions, and defining footwear trends from 2026 below.