The Most Iconic Shoe Moments in Film

From Dorothy’s ruby red slippers to Andy’s Chanel boots in The Devil Wears Prada.

(Image credit: Getty Images / Lionsgate / Shutterstock)

published 3 May 2021

More than 80 years ago, the world was graced with an all-American classic: The Wizard of Oz. While no one knows exactly when women’s love affair with shoes began, there’s no doubt that Dorothy helped teach us the importance of good footwear. Since then, there have been many more memorable shoe moments in film—from Princess Leia’s gray moccasin boots to Andy’s Chanel boots in The Devil Wears Prada. See the best shoe moments in movies throughout the years, ahead.

‘Three Little Words,’ 1950

While showing off her impeccable dance moves with partner Fred Astaire, actress Vera-Ellen gave a glimpse of her dreamy pink satin ballet shoes in Three Little Words.

‘Funny Face,’ 1951

Audrey Hepburn danced in a pair of black loafers in Funny Face. She rounded out the iconic look with a black turtleneck and cigarettes pants.

‘Alice in Wonderland,’ 1951

Alice may have been trapped in Wonderland, but her classic black Mary Janes, paired with a pinafore dress and black hair ribbon, are a win.

‘Singin’ in the Rain,’ 1952

Debbie Reynolds looks like she can brave any storm in her chunky black mid-calf rain boots from Singin’ in the Rain.

‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’ 1953

Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe wore a monochromatic look in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, right down to their stunning red satin pumps.

‘The Seven Year Itch,’ 1954

The photo of Marilyn Monroe standing over a subway grate for The Seven Year Itch‘s promotional shoot wouldn’t be complete without her white strappy high heels.

‘Belle de Jour,’ 1966

Catherine Deneuve’s patent leather Roger Vivier buckle shoes are so iconic, they were re-issued in 2017 (opens in new tab) in honor of the movie’s 50th anniversary.

‘Funny Girl,’ 1968

Who would have thought that not knowing how to roller skate would work out so well? Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) may have hung up her olive green skates, but they still live on in infamy.

‘Taxi Driver,’ 1976

Twelve-year-old actress Jodie Foster became well known for her role as Iris, a child prostitute, in Taxi Driver, and for her red platform sandals.

‘Grease,’ 1978

There’s no better scene in Grease than Sandy’s makeover at the end. Her all-black outfit wouldn’t be complete without her red statement mules.

‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi,’ 1983

Fans of Star Wars will remember Princess Leia’s gold bikini. To complete the look, she wore a pair of questionable gray moccasin boots.

‘The Breakfast Club,’ 1985

After watching The Breakfast Club, we all followed popular girl Claire Standish’s lead and purchased a pair of brown leather lace-up boots.

‘Dirty Dancing,’ 1987

The white sneakers Baby wore to practice her routine in Dirty Dancing were on everyone’s feet the following summer.

‘Father of the Bride,’ 1991

Remember when George sees his daughter in her bridal gown for the first time and she lifts her skirt to reveal bridal Sidekick sneakers? Iconic.

‘Batman Returns,’ 1992

Although one would think Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman footwear would play second fiddle to her latex cat suit, the knee-high stiletto boots completely enhanced the look.

‘Forrest Gump,’ 1994

“Run, Forrest, Run!” But just what was Forrest Gump running in? A pair of 1972 Nike Cortez sneakers, which the company re-released in 2017 (opens in new tab) .

‘Jurassic Park,’ 1993

Ranger chic is a hard look to pull off, but Laura Dern makes it look easy in Jurassic Park in 1993 with her brown lace-up hiking boots.

‘Empire Records,’ 1995

Were combat boots even cool until Liv Tyler wore them in Empire Records? The grungy combat boot goes perfectly with Tyler’s plaid mini skirt and cropped sweater.

‘Bring It On,’ 2000

No cheer team is complete without their matching white sneakers and thick white socks. The Rancho Carne Toros were no exception in Bring It On.

‘Monsters Inc.,’ 2001

Besides Boo’s heartwarming bond with the furry monster, Sully, her socks were the cutest thing in the movie.

‘The Wedding Planner,’ 2001

Mary Fiore from The Wedding Planner almost met her fate when her new Gucci shoes got stuck in a manhole. Instead, they kicked off the plot of the entire movie.

‘The Princess Diaries,’ 2001

Mia changed a lot about herself to take over the crown, but the one thing she couldn’t change was her school uniform. Enter: Her beloved Dr. Martens.

‘The Notebook,’ 2004

Allie’s patent leather burgundy wedges will always be remembered as her footwear of choice for her dance with Noah in the street—and are truly underrated, if you ask us.

’13 Going on 30,’ 2004

When Jenna Rink becomes a 30-year-old overnight, she was most excited for her new high heel collection. She wears a pair in every scene, even with her nightgown.

‘Marie Antoinette,’ 2006

To show the extent of Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle, director Sofia Coppola created a montage filled with champagne, french pastries, and, yes, plenty of shoes!

‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ 2019

When actress Margot Robbie teased her role as Sharon Tate on Instagram (opens in new tab) , we were instantly transported to the ’60s thanks to her amazing white go-go boots.

‘Hustlers,’ 2019

Jennifer Lopez had too many amazing outfits in Hustlers to count, but her white wedged sneakers by Giuseppe Zanotti edged this look to the top.