Zoe Saldaña’s Height & Heels: How the 5’6½″ Star Uses Footwear to Amplify Her Red-Carpet Presence

Zoe Saldaña stands 5 feet 6 ½ inches (168.9 cm) tall—slightly above the average American woman’s height of 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm)—and wears a US shoe size 8.

On paper, those stats sound unassuming, but on the red carpet she projects pure presence, often rounding her height up to 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and using fashion to do the rest of the work.

Her style is all about effortless elegance with a modern, high-fashion edge. Saldaña gravitates toward sharp tailoring, sculptural leather, corseted details, and lingerie-inspired elements like sheer panels and exposed bustiers that feel provocative without ever reading try-hard.

She leans into monochromatic dressing—think head-to-toe black, rich browns, or saturated reds—using texture and structure rather than print to keep things interesting, and she frequently turns to Saint Laurent for sleek, chic, and powerfully minimal silhouettes.

Zoe Saldaña highlights her fresh pedicure in black Kurt Geiger ankle-strap sandals, finished with flirty mesh bow accents and slender stiletto heels (Credit: Tony DiMaio / Startraksphoto)

Even in heels, Zoe often appears slightly shorter next to her husband, Marco Perego, but her looks never fade into the background.

At the 2024 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, for example, she posed beside him in a dark brown Givenchy Fall 2024 dress that showcased her signature mix of polish, architectural lines, and confident, fashion-forward glamour.

Zoe Saldaña exudes sleek, modern glamour in a strapless sequined Givenchy dress and sharp black ankle-strap pumps as she joins Marco Perego at the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on April 14, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldaña’s Most Iconic Designer Shoe Moments on the Red Carpet

Zoe Saldaña’s red carpet choices reflect her impeccable style, with each pair of designer heels adding a distinct flair to her ensembles. From edgy avant-garde designs to timeless classics, her footwear choices always make a statement.

Zoe Saldaña has a penchant for bold, commanding footwear, a reflection of her strong presence. ‘I don’t like things like little sandals that look fragile. I like to look strong and commanding,’ she once revealed.

This philosophy is evident in her choice of structured heels, pointed-toe stilettos, and architectural designs that exude confidence on the red carpet.

Zoe Saldaña highlights her foot tattoo in soft suede Jimmy Choo crossover sandals, a refined neutral style that elongates her legs with its slim stiletto heel (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

Standing 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), Nicole Kidman towers roughly four inches over Zoe Saldaña—a difference that becomes especially clear when they pose together on the red carpet.

The contrast only elevates their style moment: Kidman delivers minimalist drama in a cutout Saint Laurent gown and sleek patent-leather sandals, while Saldaña counters with an edgier Alexander McQueen hybrid leather-and-tweed ensemble, topped off with sharp black-and-silver Punk ankle-strap pumps, at the Special Ops: Lioness London screening on July 11, 2023.

Nicole Kidman delivers minimalist drama in a cutout Saint Laurent gown and sleek patent leather sandals, while Zoe Saldaña contrasts beautifully in Alexander McQueen’s hybrid leather-and-tweed ensemble finished with sharp black-and-silver Punk ankle-strap pumps at the Special Ops: Lioness London screening on July 11, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldaña’s Standout Fashion Moments and Signature Style

In November 2022, Zoe Saldaña graced the Good Morning America Live set with Kelly and Ryan. Though her outfit may seem simple to the untrained eye, it is anything but simple!

The icon paired Christian Louboutin heels with a matching Lafayette 148 pebbled satin combo and finished it off with a chic, sleek black blazer. She was the epitome of poise as she mixed comfortable classics with an elegant flair, creating an outfit that exuded elegance.

Zoe Saldaña steps out in a silky lavender dress paired with tan Christian Louboutin pumps and a black coat in New York City on November 28, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Zoe Saldaña’s Bold Gucci Look: How She Masters Effortless Elegance

On November 28, 2022, Zoe Saldaña stepped out in an outfit that dropped jaws and encapsulated elegance and flair.

Her blazer, blouse, skirt, and leather belt are all Gucci pieces. This bold outfit features multiple textures, complemented by a pop of leather on the long pencil skirt.

Zoe’s ability to mix textures and structure with effortless grace is no surprise—her background in ballet has helped her move with poise and confidence. As she once said, ‘Without ballet, I don’t think I’d look graceful at all on screen.’ That same elegance translates into her fashion choices, from fluid fabrics to sharply tailored silhouettes.

On November 28, 2022, in New York City, Zoe Saldaña exuded elegance, donning a striking red Gucci python print leather pencil skirt along with a wool blazer and a cotton poplin shirt while heading to ABC Studios in Times Square, showcasing her impeccable style (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Zoe Saldaña’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments: A Designer-by-Designer Breakdown

On Your Next Shoes, Zoe Saldaña has been featured in heels from footwear designers such as Jimmy Choo, Kurt Geiger, Giuseppe Zanotti, Maison Margiela, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, and Tamara Mellon.

Below, you can check out some of her memorable fashion moments:

Zoe Saldaña pairs a lace skirt with a velvet-trimmed vest and black bow heels while holding hands with her niece, who sports a menswear-inspired look at the Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2022-2023 show on July 4, 2022, in Paris, France (Credit: Laurent Zabulon / ABACA / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldaña dazzles in a black-and-white floral dress with a thigh-high slit, holding hands with Marco Perego at the Baby2Baby Gala on November 11, 2023, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldaña looked stunning in a Balmain white & black floral mini dress with a black bag and completed her chic ensemble with Reza jewelry and black ankle strap sandals (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldaña’s Sparkly Lanvin Pumps: A Daring Fashion Choice?

At the Trevor Project event in December 2012, Zoe Saldaña wore a dark-blush Lanvin dress and finished her look with clear plastic Lanvin heels featuring crystal-covered toes.

Zoe Saldaña accessorized with exquisite jewelry from Dana Rebecca Designs and Melinda Maria (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

Zoe donned a stunning head-to-toe look from Lanvin’s Resort 2013 collection. While the dress exudes elegance, the cap-toe heels spark mixed reactions.

Zoe Saldaña donned a stunning head-to-toe ensemble from Lanvin’s Resort 2013 collection (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

They’re undeniably pretty, but there’s something intriguingly offbeat about them—a delicate-meets-quirky balance that doesn’t quite reach the timeless polish of a classic red-soled Louboutin ‘Pigalle.’ Still, their unconventional charm gives the look a personality all its own.

Zoe Saldaña’s sophisticated beige outfit included a captivating honeycomb-patterned dress cinched at the waist with a silk grosgrain bow-accented belt (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

Zoe Saldaña elevated her fashion game at the “Trevor Live Honors Katy Perry and Audi of America for The Trevor Project” at The Hollywood Palladium on December 2, 2012 (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

Zoe styled her Lanvin dress and shoes with a matching Lanvin ‘Piano’ box clutch, a Dana Rebecca ring, and Melinda Maria rings and earrings.

Zoe Saldaña donned a stunning head-to-toe ensemble from Lanvin’s Resort 2013 collection (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

She was joined at the Trevor Project’s 2012 Trevor Live by Brittany Snow, Jessica Sanchez, and Ashley Madekwe.

Zoe Saldaña shows off her feet in Lanvin crystal-cap-toe clear pumps (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

We’ve always been fans of Zoe’s sexy yet sophisticated style, and the fact that she’s talented, bright, and beautiful makes us fans of her, too. Below, you can check out five more of her most stunning shoe moments:

1. Black and Gold Crisscross Sandals: A Sleek Statement

Zoe attended the MTV Video Music Awards in a long-sleeved fringed Salvatore Ferragamo mini dress styled with tousled hair and Salvatore Ferragamo sandals.

Zoe Saldaña embraces effortless glamour with a tousled hairstyle at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Ian Wilson / Apega)

Her brown suede “Tyla” sandals featured gold-accented laces across the front of her feet. They also featured tassels and platform heels.

Zoe Saldaña steps out in suede Salvatore Ferragamo lace-up sandals, their intricate cutouts and gold-trimmed straps adding a bold, sculptural edge to her look

2. Christian Louboutin “Vampanodo” Sandals: A Playful Yet Chic Look

Zoe attended the Teen Choice Awards in a flirty and feminine look.

Zoe Saldaña attends the 2012 Teen Choice Awards held July 22 at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California

She wore a matching set from Jonathan Saunders composed of a sleeveless crop top and a bubble skirt.

Zoe Saldaña turns heads at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards in a patterned Jonathan Saunders crop-top and bubble-skirt set paired with bold teal satin sandals

She finished her look with metallic blue bow-accented “Vampanodo” heels from Christian Louboutin. We’ve also featured these heels on Holly Madison.

Zoe Saldaña showcases her foot tattoo and a striking pair of teal satin bow-back sandals that add a playful, sculptural finish to her Teen Choice Awards look

3. Brian Atwood’s “Claudia Bis” Pumps: A Metallic Masterpiece

Zoe looked ethereal and light in a flouncy Elie Saab dress as she celebrated her Cosmopolitan Latinas cover at New York City’s Press Lounge.

Zoe Saldaña poses at the Cosmopolitan for Latinas premiere held May 10, 2012, at the Press Room in New York City

The tiered, sleeveless dress showcased the Afro-Latina actress’s toned arms and slim legs, giving the outfit a light, graceful finish.

Zoe Saldaña stuns at the Cosmopolitan for Latinas event in a romantic tiered Elie Saab dress paired with metallic Brian Atwood platform pumps

She styled her ensemble with a pair of metallic bronze Brian Atwood “Claudia Bis” pumps, featuring a slight platform and a crystal floral design on the heel.

Zoe Saldaña highlights her foot tattoo in metallic bronze Brian Atwood “Claudia Bis” pumps, featuring sculpted heels adorned with delicate gold detailing

4. Giuseppe Zanotti Heels: A Timeless Red Carpet Favorite

Zoe attended the SAG Awards in a floor-length white Givenchy Couture gown.

Zoe Saldaña attends the 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 29, 2012, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles

The shimmering frock featured elbow-length Dolman sleeves, crystal embellishments along the neck, sleeve hems, and waist, and a side slit that gave us a peek at Zoe’s choice of footwear.

Zoe Saldaña brings modern elegance to the SAG Awards in a shimmering white Givenchy Couture gown with delicate embellishments and a soft, draped silhouette

She styled the couture frock with strappy black-and-taupe Giuseppe Zanotti heels featuring a small buckle.

A peek through the gown’s slit reveals Zoe Saldaña’s strappy black-and-taupe Giuseppe Zanotti heels, adding a sharp, sculptural finish to her ethereal look

5. Brian Atwood’s “Alba” Pumps in Pink: A Bold Pop of Color

Zoe wore a purple floral-print Giambattista Valli dress to the Machine Gun Preacher premiere.

Zoe Saldaña shows off her legs at the “Machine Gun Preacher” premiere held September 21, 2012, at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in Los Angeles

She styled the colorful mini dress with an equally colorful pair of buckled pink Brian Atwood “Alba” pumps.

Zoe Saldaña highlights her foot tattoo in vibrant pink Brian Atwood platform pumps, a bold, feminine pop of color against the red carpet

Beyond the red carpet, Zoe Saldaña embraces individuality in every aspect of her style. ‘I like to look strong and commanding,’ she has said—a statement that rings true with every striking outfit choice. Whether in towering stilettos or an avant-garde designer gown, Zoe continues to define fashion on her own terms.

Explore More Celebrities With Style and Shoe Choices Similar to Zoe Saldaña’s Height

If you’re curious to explore more celebrities whose style sits in the same height range as Zoe Saldaña, two standout parallels come to mind.

At 5′6½″ (168.9 cm), Angelina Jolie offers a masterclass in red-carpet minimalism, consistently turning to luxury heels from Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent, and Stuart Weitzman to sharpen her sleek silhouettes and subtly elevate her already statuesque frame.

Likewise, Anya Taylor-Joy, who stands around the same height, showcased how strappy stiletto heels can amplify couture proportions at Dior’s Spring 2025 presentation in Paris.

Both women use footwear with intention—whether classic pumps or modern, architectural stilettos—offering rich inspiration for readers who share a similar height and want shoe styling ideas grounded in real, wearable celebrity fashion.