From Self-Conscious to Stiletto-Loving: Kelsea Ballerini’s Red-Carpet Shoe Evolution

Standing 5 feet 7¼ inches (170.8 cm) tall with a US shoe size 7, Kelsea Ballerini has never relied on towering footwear to create presence on the red carpet.

In fact, the country star has admitted that she once avoided high heels because she felt self-conscious about being taller than many people around her.

That changed as her confidence grew. Rather than downplaying her height, Ballerini embraced it, regularly pairing elegant gowns, tailored separates, and stage-ready looks with strappy sandals, stilettos, and statement heels.

We’ve seen her experiment with everything from lace-up sandals at the Teen Choice Awards to Jimmy Choo heels at the CFDA Fashion Awards and Christian Louboutin pumps at the Grammy Awards. Throughout her career, her footwear choices have tended to complement her naturally long legs rather than compete with them.

Below, we revisit four memorable red-carpet shoe moments from 2017 to 2019 that show how Kelsea Ballerini learned to embrace both heels and her height, from monochromatic Chloe Gosselin sandals to Stuart Weitzman’s iconic Nudist heels and Jimmy Choo’s enduring Minny sandals.

Blumarine Glamour: Kelsea Ballerini Elevates Her Height in Jimmy Choo Minny Sandals

At the 2019 CMT Music Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2019, Kelsea Ballerini paired a flowing Blumarine Spring 2019 dress with metallic Jimmy Choo Minny sandals, one of the brand’s most enduring red-carpet styles.

Kelsea Ballerini flashed her incredible legs in a flowy off-the-shoulder dress by Blumarine (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN / Nicky Nelson)

The minimalist ankle-strap heels complemented the movement of her off-the-shoulder gown without competing for attention, demonstrating why the Minny remains a popular choice for awards shows, weddings, and formal events years after its debut.

Kelsea Ballerini showcased her metallic Jimmy Choo Minny sandals with a thigh-high slit gown while posing with Morgan Evans at the 2019 CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 5, 2019

Ballerini completed the look with Simone Rocha earrings, diamond rings by Beladora and Djula, and an Edie Parker clutch.

A closer look at Kelsea Ballerini’s metallic Jimmy Choo Minny sandals reveals the minimalist design that has made the style a red-carpet staple

Sequined Confidence: Kelsea Ballerini Shines in Giuseppe Zanotti G Heel Sandals

Kelsea Ballerini kissed her then-husband, Morgan Evans, on the 2018 CMT Music Awards red carpet. They finalized their highly publicized divorce in November 2022.

Kelsea Ballerini kisses Morgan Evans on the 2018 CMT Music Awards red carpet held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 6, 2018

The “Legends” singer donned a custom sequined Brandon Maxwell top with matching high-waist pants from the American fashion designer’s Resort 2019 collection. She styled her two-piece with Giuseppe Zanotti’s ‘G Heel’ sandals and Lana jewelry.

Kelsea Ballerini flaunted her abs in a Brandon Maxwell sequined crop top and matching high-waist pants

Bridal-Inspired Elegance: Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals at the ACM Awards

At the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Kelsea Ballerini embraced a bridal-inspired aesthetic in a Kristian Aadnevik gown paired with Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals.

Kelsea Ballerini playfully posed with newlywed husband Morgan Evans, showing off her white Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals beneath a flowing Kristian Aadnevik gown at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 15, 2018

The sleek, barely-there heels balanced the dramatic silhouette of the gown and reflected the understated sandal trend that dominated many red carpets during the late 2010s.

The country music singer completed her outfit with a Tyler Ellis clutch and Roberto Bravo jewelry.

The barely-there straps of Kelsea Ballerini’s Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals complemented the soft, romantic lines of her gown

Monochromatic Green: Kelsea Ballerini Matches Chloe Gosselin Heels to Monique Lhuillier

At the 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Kelsea Ballerini coordinated her footwear and gown in a monochromatic green look.

Kelsea Ballerini posing with her father, Ed, a former sales manager for a country radio station

She wore a strapless Monique Lhuillier dress with matching Chloe Gosselin “Larkspur” sandals, creating one of the most shoe-focused outfits of her early red-carpet career.

Kelsea Ballerini in Monique Lhuillier at the 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 2, 2017

The singer accessorized with a Tyler Ellis clutch and jewelry from Suzanne Kalan, David Yurman, and Plukka.

Kelsea Ballerini shows some leg in a strapless gown

We’ve previously spotted the same sandals on Naomie Harris, though she wore them in black.

Kelsea Ballerini’s emerald-green Chloe Gosselin Larkspur sandals echoed the color of her Monique Lhuillier gown for a striking monochromatic effect

A closer look at the Chloe Gosselin Larkspur sandals reveals the sculptural strappy design and textured finish that distinguished the statement heels

How Kelsea Ballerini Turned Heels Into a Signature Style Statement

Although Kelsea Ballerini once admitted she avoided high heels because she worried about towering over people, these red-carpet appearances tell a different story. From monochromatic Chloe Gosselin sandals and timeless Stuart Weitzman Nudist heels to Jimmy Choo’s enduring Minny design, her footwear choices consistently enhance rather than overshadow her natural height and personal style.

Whether coordinating her shoes with a gown or relying on minimalist sandals to let a statement dress shine, Ballerini demonstrates that confidence—not heel height—is what truly elevates a look. Explore more celebrity takes on these iconic sandal styles below.