Carrie Underwood’s Height Hack: Sky-High Heels That Elevate Her Red Carpet Style

Carrie Underwood may stand at just 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), but her stage presence and red-carpet style command towering attention. The country superstar, who wears a US shoe size 7, has long mastered the art of elongating her petite frame with bold footwear choices.

From glittering platforms to sky-high stilettos, Underwood leans on statement heels to add both height and drama. With an ever-growing collection of nearly 250 pairs, her footwear closet is as dazzling as her chart-topping career—proving that shoes aren’t just accessories for her, but an extension of her star power.

Carrie Underwood stuns in a lime-green feathered mini dress paired with studded gold Louboutin booties while performing at NBC’s Today show Citi Concert Series in New York on September 14, 2023 (Credit: Udo Salters / Startraksphoto)

Sky-High Obsession: Inside Her 250-Pair Heel Collection

In an interview, Underwood said that she would like to be a couple of inches taller and that she wears high heels to appear taller.

I’m 5ft 3in and I would love to be a couple of inches taller. That’s why I have so many pairs of sky-high heels in my closet – it means that at least I can fake being taller when I want to

Carrie Underwood, known for her impeccable style, revealed in an interview with Refinery29 that she owns approximately 250 pairs of heels. She admitted she often forgets about some of them, humorously confessing, “I feel like I have a problem!”

Designer Favorites: From Jimmy Choo to Zanotti

On Your Next Shoes, Carrie Underwood is featured wearing heels from footwear brands such as Brian Atwood, Ryan Haber, Jimmy Choo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Minna Parikka, and Greymer.

Carrie Underwood is often assumed to be much taller than her actual height. Her secret? It’s her love for high heels, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Height Illusion: Dresses and Heels That Flatter

Carrie Underwood prefers above-the-knee dresses as longer styles overwhelm her shorter frame. She embraces the strength in her legs, which bear scars from sports injuries, and often wears heels to appear taller.

Carrie Underwood stuns in a shimmering purple sequined gown paired with metallic platform heels at the American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: WENN / Avalon)

“Sometimes I try dresses that are a little bit longer or even long dresses and I get lost in them cause I’m 5 foot 3. It just seems like above the knee works better for my height. I just try to be strong. My legs are scarred from sports and from injuries, so I view them as being strong,” she told People in 2016.

“I’m a short girl. I’m 5-3 so I would like to at least look like 5-5,” she told Tennessean about wanting to look taller.

Carrie Underwood’s towering metallic platform heels give her a height boost, perfectly complementing her petite frame and making her appear taller on the red carpet (Credit: WENN / Avalon)

“I’m 5ft 3in and I would love to be a couple of inches taller. That’s why I have so many pairs of sky-high heels in my closet – it means that at least I can fake being taller when I want to,” Carrie revealed in a 2015 interview with Express.

Before diving into the details of her ensembles, it’s worth noting that some of Carrie Underwood’s most unforgettable red-carpet appearances showcase how she utilizes bold gowns and statement heels to accentuate her petite frame.

Radiant in Red: Elie Madi Gown & Jimmy Choo Sandals at the 2017 Grammys

Red may not be Carrie Underwood’s usual color, but at the 2017 Grammy Awards she made a daring exception—stepping onto one of music’s biggest stages in a show-stopping crimson gown that turned every head.

Carrie Underwood’s signature blonde locks were elegantly styled in an updo, allowing her natural beauty to shine through

The wealthy country singer shunned her usual colors for a shade she rarely reaches for. Maybe it was a bit of a tribute to Valentine’s Day?

Carrie made a stunning appearance on the red carpet of the 2017 Grammys in her striking color of choice. The singer was set to perform with fellow country musician Keith Urban on the Grammy stage.

Carrie Underwood selected a mesmerizing crimson embellished gown from Kuwaiti fashion house Yas Couture by Elie Madi at the 59th Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 12, 2017 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / Apega / WENN)

Carrie turned to her recent designer of choice, Yas Couture by Elie Madi, for the bold dress. The dress consisted of sheer fabric doused with metallic embellishments, a cutout at the front bodice, a front slit, and bell sleeves.

Carrie Underwood balanced out her red look with a pair of metallic Jimmy Choo sandals

The singer finished her look with jewelry from Nigaam Jewels and Effy Jewelry, a Randall Scott ring, and a pair of metallic Jimmy Choo sandals.

Carrie Underwood performed “The Fighter” with country star Keith Urban at the 59th Grammy Awards (Credit: CBS)

Spring Sparkle: Sequins & Strappy Sandals at the 2012 ACAs

Once again, Carrie Underwood appeared taller than her actual height in a fun, flirty spring-ready look at the 2012 American Country Awards.

Carrie Underwood wears her blonde hair in curls at the 2012 American Country Awards held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on December 10, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

The “Mama’s Song” singer wore a Georges Chakra bubble dress from the designer’s Spring/Summer 2012 Couture collection, which showed off her toned legs.

Carrie Underwood sparkles in a peach sequined mini dress and gold strappy heels at the American Country Awards, completing her look with glamorous curls and a matching clutch (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

She finished her look with a pair of gorgeous B by Brian Atwood “Cassiane” chain fringe sandals.

Carrie Underwood elevates her look in gold Brian Atwood strappy sandals, their towering stiletto heels adding extra height and glamour to her red carpet appearance (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

Other celebrities who have worn these sandals include Ashley Tisdale, Brenda Strong, and Z La La.

Glamorous Green: Rene Caovilla Sandals & Basil Soda Dress at the 2010 ACMs

We want to share this stunning sandal that Carrie Underwood wore to an award show in April 2010.

Carrie Underwood looks stunning in a Basil Soda cocktail dress at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, April 18, 2010 (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

She paired a Basil Soda Spring 2010 Couture cocktail dress with moss-green Rene Caovilla ankle-strap heels. The outfit was completed with a black studded Swarovski clutch.

Carrie Underwood displays her feet in moss green Rene Caovilla ankle strap heels

While Carrie Underwood has mastered the art of using heels to elevate her petite frame, she’s not alone. Several other stars around her height also rely on statement footwear to enhance their red-carpet presence and everyday style.

Other Celebrities Around 5′3″