Karolina Kurkova Stuns in Heels: How the 5ft 11″ Supermodel Elevates Her Style With Bold Shoe Choices

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

Karolina Kurkova, standing at 5ft 11 (180.3 cm), is noticeably taller than the average woman in both the Czech Republic and the U.S. Czech women average around 5ft 6 (167.6 cm), making Kurkova about 5 inches (12.7 cm) taller. She wears a shoe size 9 (US).

Karolina Kurkova makes a bold statement in a zebra-print suit paired with silver sandals, effortlessly combining elegance with a striking pattern at the Marc Cain Fashion ShowKarolina Kurkova makes a bold statement in a zebra-print suit paired with silver sandals, effortlessly combining elegance with a striking pattern at the Marc Cain Fashion Show on August 31, 2023, in Bodelshausen, Germany (Credit: DDP / INSTARimages)

As featured on Your Next Shoes, Karolina Kurkova often wears high heels from brands like Balmain, Jimmy Choo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Aquazzura, Stuart Weitzman, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Alexander Wang.

Strutting in Style: Karolina Kurkova’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments

Karolina Kurkova’s footwear choices consistently showcase her impeccable style, each pair adding a distinctive touch to her ensembles:

  • Jimmy Choo: At the 2014 amfAR New York Gala, Karolina complemented her one-shouldered Giorgio Armani dress with Jimmy Choo’s ‘Escape’ sandals, featuring tonal Swarovski crystals and delicate bow embellishments, enhancing her statuesque presence.
  • Giuseppe Zanotti: Embracing the Met Gala’s theme, she donned a red kimono-style mini dress paired with custom-made ‘Venere’ sandals, adorned with gold lacquered ankle wraps, epitomizing high-fashion elegance.
  • Alexander Wang: During NBC Universal’s Winter TCA Tour, Karolina showcased her long legs in a minimalist black dress complemented by Alexander Wang’s ‘Aline’ gladiator sandals, featuring a leg-lengthening vertical strap design.
  • Salvatore Ferragamo: At the Pirelli Calendar 50th Anniversary, she opted for sparkling heels from Ferragamo’s Fall 2011 Collection, embellished with Swarovski crystals, adding a touch of glamour to her androgynous ensemble.
  • Charlotte Olympia: Embracing summer vibes, Karolina paired a floaty Erdem dress with Charlotte Olympia’s ‘Ursula’ sandals, showcasing her flair for combining comfort with chic style.

These footwear choices further enhance her already tall frame, allowing her to stand out even more on red carpets and at fashion events.

Karolina Kurkova shows off her long toes and glossy pedicure in minimalist clear-strap sandals with lucite heels, perfectly blending modern edge with timeless eleganceKarolina Kurkova shows off her long toes and glossy pedicure in minimalist clear-strap sandals with lucite heels, perfectly blending modern edge with timeless elegance (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

Feeling like a “tall, skinny nerd” growing up in the Czech Republic, her father is basketball player Josef Kurka.

“I love a dress I can wear with flats to play with my son, but then I can add a great pair of pumps, maybe a jacket, a cool piece of jewelry and I’m ready for a meeting,” Kurkova told Net-a-Porter in a 2013 interview.

A Love Story Born on Social Media: Kurkova and Drury’s Unique Meeting

In 2009, she married actor Archie Drury, a former Marine whose credits include NCIS (2003), Swing (2003), and Voices of Iraq (2004).

Karolina Kurkova exudes elegance in a sheer black gown paired with a structured blazer, while posing with her husband Archie Drury at the Vanity Fair Oscar PartyKarolina Kurkova exudes elegance in a sheer black gown paired with a structured blazer, while posing with her husband Archie Drury at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)

They first met on Facebook. “We really got to actually connect through Facebook,” she told Hamptons Magazine in 2017. “I found his friend and then saw his name. It’s funny because he didn’t know who I was, which was great. I think if he knew, it wouldn’t have worked out.”

Karolina Kurkova highlights her flawless pedicure in sleek black stiletto sandals, featuring delicate ankle straps and a chain-accented T-bar designKarolina Kurkova highlights her flawless pedicure in sleek black stiletto sandals, featuring delicate ankle straps and a chain-accented T-bar design (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

Kurkova’s Family Life and Motherhood

In December 2020, Karolína Kurková and Archie Drury announced they were expecting their third child. A daughter named Luna Grace Drury Kurka was born on May 9, 2021.

Karolina Kurkova, alongside Archie Drury and their son Tobin Jack, showcases a sporty-chic look in Tribeca, New York City on May 16, 2013Karolina Kurkova, alongside Archie Drury and their son Tobin Jack, showcases a sporty-chic look in Tribeca, New York City, on May 16, 2013 (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Their first son, Tobin Jack Drury Kurka, was born in 2009. He was followed by their second son, Noah Lee Drury Kurka, in 2015.

Karolina Kurkova’s Acting Career and Notable Roles

She portrayed Courtney A. Kreiger / Cover Girl in the 2009 American military science fiction action film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Karolina Kurkova appears as Courtney A. Kreiger, a.k.a. Cover Girl, in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, moments before her character meets a dramatic fate in the high-stakes action thrillerKarolina Kurkova appears as Courtney A. Kreiger, a.k.a. Cover Girl, in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, moments before her character meets a dramatic fate in the high-stakes action thriller (Credit: Paramount Pictures)

Unique Features: The Mystery of Kurkova’s Belly Button

The former Victoria’s Secret Angel is known for not having a belly button.

Karolina Kurkova walks the runway at New York Fashion Week 2010 in a futuristic blue cutout ensemble—her famously absent belly button once again sparking curiosityKarolina Kurkova walks the runway at New York Fashion Week 2010 in a futuristic blue cutout ensemble—her famously absent belly button once again sparking curiosity (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Whether she’s commanding the runway or attending star-studded galas, Karolina Kurkova consistently delivers fashion moments that are both daring and refined. One such standout appearance took place during the Cannes Film Festival, where she brought sultry sophistication to new heights.

Karolina Kurkova’s Fashion Highlights: The de Grisogono Dinner Look

In May 2011, Karolina Kurkova put her model genes to work at the de Grisogono dinner. She sizzled in an Emilio Pucci Spring 2011 black suede dress that would’ve fizzled on lesser beings.

Karolina Kurkova stuns in a daring black cutout gown paired with strappy sandals, showcasing her long legs and sleek silhouette at the de Grisogono dinnerKarolina Kurkova stuns in a daring black cutout gown paired with strappy sandals, showcasing her long legs and sleek silhouette at the de Grisogono dinner (Credit: WENN)

A combination of a backless style, giant side cutouts, and a thigh-high split rarely works on the red carpet, but everything works when you’re nearly 6 feet tall, slim, and look like a goddess.

Karolina Kurkova enhances her striking green eyes with soft smoky makeup, complementing her sleek, pulled-back hairstyle and delicate gold hoop earringsKarolina Kurkova enhances her striking green eyes with soft smoky makeup, complementing her sleek, pulled-back hairstyle and delicate gold hoop earrings at the de Grisogono dinner during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival at the Eden Roc Hotel in Antibes, France, on May 17, 2011 (Credit: WENN)

Karolina Kurkova herself is like a blank canvas with minimal makeup and that pulled-back ponytail, so she made sure her accessories made a bold statement:

Karolina Kurkova adds a touch of glamour with a sparkling jeweled braceletKarolina Kurkova adds a touch of glamour with a sparkling jeweled bracelet (Credit: WENN)

Karolina Kurkova shows off her polished pedicure in Emilio Pucci’s crisscross ankle strap thong sandals, featuring bold ring detailing and high-gloss leather that wraps elegantly around the ankleKarolina Kurkova shows off her polished pedicure in Emilio Pucci’s crisscross ankle strap thong sandals, featuring bold ring detailing and high-gloss leather that wraps elegantly around the ankle

As for her ankle strap sandals, they are these Emilio Pucci criss-cross ankle strap thong sandals (shown in burgundy):

Emilio Pucci Criss Cross Ankle Strap Thong SandalsEmilio Pucci Criss Cross Ankle Strap Thong Sandals

Karolina couldn’t have chosen a more fitting pair of sandals to complement her strappy dress—the Emilio Pucci crisscross ankle strap thong sandals were the perfect match in both form and flair. While this exact style is no longer available online, you can explore the brand’s most recent footwear designs at luxury retailers like Mytheresa and Farfetch.

Emilio Pucci, the iconic Italian fashion house founded in 1947, is renowned for its vibrant prints, swirling geometric patterns, and flowing silhouettes. Now operating under the LVMH group, the brand continues to dress modern style icons while honoring a legacy that once captivated legends like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy.

Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci’s vibrant prints and elegant designs have long been a favorite among celebrities. Here are some standout moments where stars showcased their love for the brand:

Eva Longoria’s Chic Look at the 2013 Premios Tu Mundo Awards

Selena Gomez’s Glamorous Appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

  • Event: 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
  • Outfit: Selena Gomez turned heads in a gold-embroidered tulle halter neck gown from Emilio Pucci’s Fall 2014 collection.
  • Footwear: She paired the gown with strappy cage Jimmy Choo “Sling” sandals from the Cruise 2014 collection.
  • Read more: Selena Gomez Shines in Gold-Embroidered Dress

Zoe Saldana’s Futuristic Flair at the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ Premiere

Nicole Richie’s Elegant Ensemble at the 2013 American Music Awards

  • Event: 2013 American Music Awards
  • Outfit: Nicole Richie wore an ultra-sexy floor-length Emilio Pucci gown adorned with chunky jewelry from Saint Laurent and Gucci.
  • Footwear: She completed her look with gray suede-and-mesh shoes from Casadei.
  • Read more: Stunning White Dresses Worn by Celebrities at the 2013 AMAs

Jennifer Lopez’s Dazzling Look at the 2011 Grammy Awards

  • Event: 2011 Grammy Awards
  • Outfit: Jennifer Lopez dazzled in a fully embellished long-sleeved Emilio Pucci mini dress.
  • Footwear: She paired the dress with Christian Louboutin’s Very Mix spiked heels, adding an edgy contrast to her shimmering ensemble.
  • Read more: Jennifer Lopez’s Effortless Street Style

These moments highlight Emilio Pucci’s enduring appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.