Hilary Rhoda, the American model born on April 6, 1987, stands tall at 5 feet 10 ¾ inches (179.7 cm) and has become a standout in both high fashion and red carpet style. Best known for her long-running partnership with Estée Lauder and striking appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue from 2009 to 2011, Hilary has carved out a reputation for effortless elegance and confident minimalism.
“I rarely use a stylist, and enjoy choosing my outfit on my own. If you know what suits your body and personality then your individual style emerges naturally,” she once shared—an approach that shines through in her shoe choices, from red carpet stilettos to casually chic sandals.
Hilary Rhoda’s sleek pointed-toe black heels and ankle-wrap design visually elongate her already statuesque frame, perfectly complementing the fringe detailing of her skirt at the Harper’s BAZAAR Global ICONS Portfolio and Bloomingdale’s 150th Anniversary event held at Bloomingdale’s in New York City on September 9, 2022 (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Standing at 5 feet 10 ¾ inches (179.7 cm), Hilary Rhoda is taller than the average American woman, who measures approximately 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm).
Hilary Rhoda wears a size 9 in US shoe sizing, translating to approximately a European size 40-41, a UK size 7-7.5, an Australian size 7.5-8, and a Japanese size 25.5-26.
Hilary Rhoda’s Most Memorable Designer Shoe Moments
- Jimmy Choo “Besso” Sandals: At the Estée Lauder “Modern Muse” fragrance launch, Hilary Rhoda stunned in an ivory Prabal Gurung dress and elevated the look with black-and-gold Jimmy Choo Besso sandals that highlighted her elegant feet and minimalist style.
- Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals: For the 2013 CFDA Fashion Awards, she embraced modern glamour in a Helmut Lang draped dress, completing the ensemble with strappy black Jimmy Choo Lance heels worn by multiple celebrities on the red carpet.
- Rebecca Minkoff Heels: At the 26th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards, Hilary chose a bold pair of Rebecca Minkoff shoes that stood out among the night’s best-dressed stars, proving her status as both model and muse in the fashion world.
For more fashion inspiration, see how she styled a marijuana plant motif skirt with black sandals, a sheer long-sleeved dress with elongating Jimmy Choo pumps, and a black Donna Karan Atelier halter gown.
A fixture on red carpets and in high-fashion campaigns, Hilary Rhoda never fails to deliver style with confidence and grace. One particularly standout moment came during a star-studded evening in New York City, where she turned heads in a bold yet elegant ensemble.
Hilary Rhoda Wows in Prabal Gurung Dress and Black-and-Gold Cutout Sandals at God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards
The God’s Love We Deliver’s 2016 Golden Heart Awards drew a stylish crowd to New York City’s Spring Studios. Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Kate Hudson in a floral Michael Kors dress paired with Bordeaux Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps.
Model Hilary Rhoda was one of the celebrities who glammed up the Michael Kors-hosted event. She arrived with designer Prabal Gurung, who wore a gray suit and a white shirt.
Hilary Rhoda, striking in a sheer black Prabal Gurung dress and black-and-gold cutout sandals, towers over the designer himself as they pose together at the 2016 God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards Dinner in New York City on October 17, 2016 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)
The then-29-year-old model showcased her sartorial credentials and donned a see-through black dress that contrasted beautifully against her alabaster complexion.
Prabal Gurung’s dress featured a feather pattern, long sleeves with flared cuffs, and a cinched waist, highlighting her slender frame.
Hilary skipped the jewelry and accessorized with a gold clutch, allowing the dress to take center stage. She wore her hair in a chic updo, highlighting her features with soft blush, well-defined brows, and coral lipstick.
Hilary Rhoda showcased her impeccable fashion sense in a stunning see-through black dress designed by Prabal Gurung (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)
Her mixed-media sandals have snakeskin front and ankle straps, suede vamps, metallic gold trims, and four-inch heels.
Hilary Rhoda put her polished red pedicure on full display in striking black-and-gold cutout sandals, featuring suede vamps, snakeskin straps, and metallic trim that added edge to her elegant ensemble (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)
From red carpets to fashion week front rows, Sports Illustrated models like Hilary Rhoda continue to prove that towering frames and high heels are a match made in style heaven. Their footwear choices aren’t just accessories—they’re statements of confidence, elegance, and unapologetic glamour.
Elevated Elegance: How Tall Sports Illustrated Models Embrace High Heels
Sports Illustrated models are renowned for their statuesque figures and impeccable style. Embracing high heels, they elevate their looks to new heights, showcasing a blend of confidence and fashion-forward sensibility. Here are some standout moments:
Irina Shayk Shines in Azzedine Alaïa Sandals
- Event: Sports Illustrated Celebrates Swimsuit 2016 VIP Press Event
- Outfit: Irina Shayk captivated in a white babydoll dress with flapper-inspired fringe layers.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with metallic floral laser-cut sandals by Azzedine Alaïa, adding a touch of glamour to her look.
- More Details: Irina Shayk’s Height and Heels: How the 5’9″ Model Elevates Her Style
Hannah Ferguson’s Dual Designer Delights
- Event: Sports Illustrated “Summer of Swim Fan Festival” 2016
- Outfit: Hannah Ferguson showcased versatility in two distinct looks during the event.
- Footwear 1: For the sunset cocktails, she donned white patent Saint Laurent “Jane” sandals, perfectly pairing them with a navy blue mesh cutout dress.
- Footwear 2: Earlier at the beach, Hannah opted for Schutz “Dubai” woven sandals, complementing her black bikini top and floral-embroidered kimono cover-up.
- More Details: Hannah Ferguson in Schutz ‘Dubai’ and Saint Laurent ‘Jane’ Sandals
Elle Macpherson’s Timeless Strappy Sandals
- Event: British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Cocktail Reception 2016
- Outfit: Elle Macpherson exuded elegance in an asymmetric one-shoulder gown with a sheer lace panel.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with black strappy “Oralie” sandals by Paul Andrew, featuring delicate caged straps and textured block heels.
- More Details: Standing Tall: Elle Macpherson’s Shoe Size, Height & Love for Heels
Chrissy Teigen’s Bold Casadei Gladiator Sandals
- Event: Spike Guys’ Choice Awards 2014
- Outfit: Chrissy Teigen turned heads in a sunshine yellow strapless ‘Aspen’ mini dress by Three Floor.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with nude gladiator stiletto sandals by Casadei, adding an edgy flair to her vibrant look.
- More Details: How Chrissy Teigen’s Height Enhances Her Style
Lily Aldridge’s Custom Red Alexandre Vauthier Heels
- Event: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Release Party
- Outfit: Lily Aldridge dazzled in a backless red dress with a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit.
- Footwear: She paired her sultry dress with custom-made satin, jewel-embellished sandals by Alexandre Vauthier, perfectly matching her ensemble.
- More Details: Lily Aldridge Celebrates Gigi Hadid Friendship at Swimsuit Release
These moments exemplify how tall Sports Illustrated models embrace high heels to enhance their statuesque presence, blending elegance with contemporary fashion.