From Platforms to Stilettos: How Shakira Used Shoes to Balance Gerard Piqué’s Towering 6′4″ Frame

In June 2022, Shakira and her long-time partner Gerard Piqué announced their split after more than a decade together.

While their separation made headlines, the couple had already long captivated fans with their striking physical contrast—Shakira at just 5′1¼″ (155.6 cm) and Piqué towering at 6′4″ (193 cm).

Shakira added a touch of rocker chic in a leopard-print top layered with a leather jacket as she joined Gerard Piqué, ten years her junior, at the Spain vs. Canada final during the 2019 Davis Cup in Madrid on November 24, 2019 (Credit: Dubreuil Corinne / ABACA / INSTARimages)

To bridge that nearly 15-inch gap, the Colombian superstar often reached for sky-high heels, bold platforms, and statement wedges—whether it was bold black platforms paired with a Julien Macdonald dress, towering Stuart Weitzman sandals, shimmering Aquazzura heels, or sculptural Amina Muaddi stilettos—making her footwear choices as much a signature of style as they were a practical way to stand tall beside her then-partner.

Gerard Piqué whispered to Shakira, who kept her look edgy in a studded black leather jacket, during the 2019 Davis Cup in Madrid (Credit: INSTARimages)

A Height Difference That Defined Their Red-Carpet Looks

Standing side by side, the couple often highlighted their dramatic height difference — Gerard Piqué towers at 6ft 4 (193 cm) with a US shoe size 13, while Shakira is a petite 5ft 1¼ (155.6 cm) with a US shoe size 7.5.

Before taking the stage, Shakira made her red-carpet appearance at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, turning heads in a blue Julien Macdonald dress paired with bold black platform heels that helped compensate for the couple’s striking height difference.

Shakira, in platform black pumps, stands nearly 15 inches shorter than 6ft 4 Gerard Piqué as they pose on the red carpet at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: INFphoto)

Casual Days, Signature Heels

Even on her most casual days in jeans, Shakira rarely skipped her signature heels — a style choice that not only elevated her laid-back looks but also helped balance out Piqué’s towering frame.

Shakira, in wedge sandals and skinny jeans, still appears much shorter than 6ft 4 Gerard Piqué as the couple step out in casual coordinated denim looks (Credit: INFphoto)

And even when stepping out solo, Shakira rarely skipped her signature sky-high shoes.

Just a few months after becoming a mother, she was already back in the spotlight with her fearless style on full display—proving that heels weren’t just for red carpets, but an essential part of her identity.

Shakira’s Post-Baby Red Carpet Return in 2013

In May 2013, it was hard to believe that Shakira had given birth to her first child just a few months earlier. Milan Piqué Mebarak was born on January 22, 2013.

Shakira rocked an edgy mix of a black leather jacket, metallic tee, and faded boyfriend jeans, finishing the look with black platform heels that added height and polish to her casual vibe

The Voice Red Carpet: Leather Jacket & Platform Heels

The then-36-year-old singer and ‘The Voice’ judge stepped out for a special red carpet event of the hit reality show in an edgy androgynous ensemble.

Shakira’s rocking outfit consisted of a black leather jacket, a metallic tee, and faded boyfriend jeans. Quite a few women can pull off this kind of look, but not quite like the Colombian singer.

Shakira in a leather jacket at “The Voice” Season 4 Top 12 Event at the House of Blues on May 8, 2013, in West Hollywood (Credit: Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / WENN)

Beyond her personal life, Shakira has consistently delivered unforgettable fashion and footwear moments that showcase her fearless sense of style.

Shakira’s Iconic Shoe & Style Highlights