Laverne Cox’s Shoe Size 13: Where She Finds Luxury Heels & Red Carpet Style

Before becoming a global icon of the screen and the red carpet, Laverne Cox navigated the same precarious financial realities faced by many aspiring artists in New York City—long before her statuesque 5ft 11 (180.3 cm) frame and US shoe size 13 would make her a commanding presence in sky-high heels and statement footwear.

In a landmark 2015 interview with Women’s Health, the actress reflected on the era just before she was cast as Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black, noting that she was months away from abandoning acting for graduate school simply to make ends meet.

Today, that struggle serves as a distant anchor to a career defined by “firsts” and a fearless approach to high-fashion footwear.

Laverne Cox stuns in a futuristic sheer metallic gown paired with transparent heels, posing alongside Paul McGill at the New York City Ballet’s 2022 Fall Fashion Gala on September 28, 2022, in New York City (Credit: John Eddy / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

From her history-making Emmy nominations to her status as a red-carpet tour de force, Laverne Cox has consistently used fashion as a form of self-expression—pairing advocacy with an architectural approach to style.

Laverne Cox turns heads in a bold, voluminous orange gown at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe Awards Post-Party in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2020 (Credit: WENN)

Here, we’re looking back at some of her most memorable fashion moments, defined by sky-high stilettos, avant-garde heels, and fearless red-carpet choices that command attention.

Sheer Embroidery & Custom Ruthie Davis Heels at the 2019 Pre-SAG Awards Party

In January 2019, the LGBTQ advocate dazzled on the red carpet in a sheer embroidered Zhivago dress at Entertainment Weekly’s Pre-SAG Awards Party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. She styled her revealing dress with custom Jordan heels by Ruthie Davis.

Laverne Cox in a sheer embroidered Zhivago dress at Entertainment Weekly’s Pre-SAG Awards Party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles on January 26, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

Classic Red-Carpet Confidence in Zac Posen at the 2019 SAG Awards

The same month, the American actress hit the red carpet in a red slinky Zac Posen Resort 2019 dress at the award ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Laverne Cox looked radiant in red at the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 27, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

She completed her stunning ensemble with Yvan Tufenkjian jewelry, Kenneth Cole shoes, and styling by Christina Joy Pacelli.

Laverne Cox dazzles in a vibrant red gown adorned with cascading crystal chains (Credit: WENN)

Metallic Elegance at the 2019 InStyle & Warner Bros. Golden Globe After-Party

The transgender Orange Is The New Black star started the new year by attending the InStyle & Warner Bros. Party after the 2019 Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Dressed in a metallic Hamel gown, she accessorized with an Emm Kuo clutch and Butani earrings. To complete the look, she paired her Kenneth Cole shoes with a stunning selection of bracelets and rings from Mattia Cielo, DJula Jewelry, Marli, and Vhernier.

Laverne Cox dazzles in a silver one-shoulder gown with cutout details, exuding elegance and sophistication at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe Awards After Party in Beverly Hills, California, on January 6, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

Fringe, Color, and Confidence at the 2018 Television Industry Advocacy Awards

In September 2018, Laverne flaunted her legs at the 2018 Television Industry Advocacy Awards hosted by the Creative Coalition at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.

Laverne Cox stuns in a bold blue ensemble with fringe detailing, paired with metallic heels and statement jewelry at the Television Industry Advocacy Awards in Los Angeles on September 15, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

The American actress and LGBT advocate flaunted her feet in metallic ankle-strap sandals.

Laverne Cox flaunts her metallic ankle-strap sandals on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)

Strappy Heels & High Fashion at the Glam Masters Premiere

Laverne showcased her statuesque style on the red carpet at the Glam Masters premiere at Dirty French in New York City, wearing a sophisticated Nha Khanh dress.

Laverne Cox dazzles in a chic black tulle dress paired with elegant strappy heels, effortlessly showcasing her sophisticated style at the premiere of Glam Masters in New York City on February 26, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

She styled her dress with Stuart Weitzman shoes, Alexis Bittar earrings, and an Irini Design necklace and ring.

Laverne Cox shows off her flawless red pedicure in sleek Stuart Weitzman sandals (Credit: WENN)

Studded Louboutin Pumps at the Ricki and the Flash Premiere

In August 2015, Laverne Cox joined Meryl Streep and Rick Springfield at Ricki And The Flash’s premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City.

Laverne Cox stuns with sleek, straight blonde hair and bold makeup, featuring dramatic smoky eyes and deep red lipstick, creating a striking beauty look on the red carpet in New York City on August 3, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

The American actress, reality television star, producer, and LGBT advocate donned an Elizabeth and James “Arron” mini dress featuring a double-layered skirt and an asymmetrical hem.

Laverne Cox captivates with sleek blonde hair, smoky eyes, and a bold red lip, adding glamour to her look at the premiere of Ricki and the Flash (Credit: WENN)

She styled the mineral blue dress with studded white Christian Louboutin pumps.

Laverne Cox stuns in a form-fitting light blue mini dress, cinched with a black belt and paired with studded white Christian Louboutin pumps, at the premiere of Ricki and the Flash (Credit: WENN)

Do you think it was a good idea to wear stockings with her luxurious red-bottom shoes?

Laverne Cox steps out in striking white Christian Louboutin pumps adorned with studs, paired with stockings for a bold and edgy red carpet look (Credit: WENN)

More of Laverne Cox’s Most Memorable Shoe & Fashion Moments

From architectural heels to boundary-pushing red-carpet looks, Laverne Cox’s style evolution is defined by fearless footwear choices. As this article concludes, explore more standout moments where statement shoes take center stage.