Since winning American Idol, Carrie Underwood has built a red-carpet reputation for dazzling minidresses, sky-high heels, and legs that seem made for the spotlight.
Across more than a decade in the public eye, the country superstar has repeatedly used statement footwear to anchor her most glamorous looks. Two standout moments—separated by more than ten years—perfectly capture how her style has evolved while staying true to her love of sparkle: a crystal-covered appearance at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2022 and a glittering shoe moment at the American Idol Season 10 finale in 2011.
Carrie Underwood Dazzles in Andrea Wazen “Antigone” Sandals at the 2022 ACM Awards
A prime example of Underwood’s affinity for sparkling silhouettes came at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, held on March 7, 2022, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

For the event, she wore a gemstone-encrusted Dolce & Gabbana mini dress that shimmered under the stage lights. But it was her footwear—the architectural Andrea Wazen “Antigone” PVC sandals—that added a modern edge to the classic Nashville glamour.
The heels featured transparent straps trimmed in silver leather, creating the illusion of barely-there support while visually elongating her legs—an effect that has become one of Underwood’s signature red-carpet styling tricks.

She completed the look with glittering jewelry from Le Vian, Yessayan, and Emily P. Wheeler, while her sleek golden waves and smoky eye makeup kept the focus on the dress’s crystal-studded bust and strappy detailing.

The night proved just as successful musically. Underwood received four nominations and ultimately took home Single of the Year for “If I Didn’t Love You,” her duet with Jason Aldean—a victory she celebrated by changing into a festive rainbow Rami Kadi mini dress whose playful skirt resembled confetti.
More than a decade earlier, Underwood delivered another memorable footwear moment at the Season 10 finale of American Idol in May 2011 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. While the finale featured appearances from stars like Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, it was Underwood’s glittering shoes that stole the spotlight.
Carrie Underwood Sparkles in Sergio Rossi “Cachet” Pumps at the 2011 American Idol Finale

She stepped out in crystal-studded satin slingback pumps by Sergio Rossi, a dazzling pair known as the “Cachet.”
The peep-toe design featured high-shine satin covered in sparkling Swarovski crystals, making them a perfect match for her embellished Lorena Sarbu Pre-Fall 2011 bell-sleeved mini dress.

The shimmering pumps caught the light with every step, while the short hemline highlighted Underwood’s famously toned legs—helping the shoes become one of the most memorable footwear moments of the night.

She later wore the same pair again while performing alongside finalist Lauren Alaina, pairing them with a glittering silver top and white shorts that further showcased the crystal-covered heels.

Carrie Underwood’s Sparkling Heel Game Is as Strong as Ever
From crystal-covered platform pumps at the American Idol finale to modern PVC sandals on the ACM Awards red carpet, Carrie Underwood has consistently proven that statement footwear is a defining element of her style.
Whether she’s performing on stage or posing for photographers, the country superstar rarely misses an opportunity to pair dazzling dresses with equally eye-catching heels. Explore more of Carrie Underwood’s most memorable shoe and fashion moments below.
👠 Explore Carrie Underwood’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📏 Standing at 5’3″ (160 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 7, Carrie Underwood is a longtime fan of sky-high heels that sharpen her red-carpet presence.
- 💎 Her 2019 ACM Awards look paired a diamond-embroidered Nicolas Jebran dress with crystal-embellished Jimmy Choo “Shiloh” sandals for a leg-lengthening, high-glam finish.
- ✨ Her futuristic 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame moment featured a sculptural Rafik Zaki gown and towering metallic platform heels.
- 👗 Her 2019 CMA Awards fashion marathon showcased nine outfit changes, including Jimmy Choo, Giuseppe Zanotti, and René Caovilla heels.
- 🌟 Her 2013 CMA Awards red-carpet look centered on a sheer Ralph & Russo Couture gown styled with Jimmy Choo “Fayme” sandals and a matching Jimmy Choo “Cloud” clutch.
- 👠 Her broader red-carpet shoe evolution traces how she moved from towering platforms to more sculptural Italian sandals while keeping her signature sparkle intact.