Nicki Minaj may stand at 5 feet 2 inches (157.5 cm)—a little below the 5-foot-4-inch average for American women—but when it comes to footwear, she’s always reaching new heights. Literally. With a US shoe size 6, she proves that great things (and big attitudes) come in small packages.
Flats? Not in her world. As Minaj herself once admitted, “I’ve never worn flats in my life. I haven’t owned any since I was a kid. I suppose the only flats I have are the shoes I wear to the gym, but I put them on just before I start to work out… I like heels.”
Her love for towering footwear is so iconic that even Rihanna playfully acknowledged it, saying, “Nicki Minaj has a better booty; but I have better shoes.”
From red carpets to music videos, Minaj’s footwear choices are as bold as her bars. Whether she’s rocking sky-high stilettos, statement platforms, or bedazzled designer heels, one thing’s for sure—when Nicki steps out, she steps all the way up.
And just in case anyone forgot, she even rapped about her height in “Whip It” from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012): “I’m like 5’2, my SAT scores was high too.”
Nicki Minaj’s Height Compared to Other Female Rappers
Nicki Minaj has stated on Twitter that she is 5’3″ (160.02 cm), but most sources consistently report her height as 5’2″ (157.5 cm).
This places her at the same height as Doja Cat (5’2″), making them identical in stature. Cardi B, at 5’1″ (154.9 cm), is just slightly shorter, while Latto (5’4″ or 162.6 cm) stands a couple of inches taller.
Saweetie, at 5’6″ (170 cm), has a more commanding presence compared to Nicki, but it’s Megan Thee Stallion (5’9 ½” or 176.5 cm) who towers over all of them.
On the other end of the spectrum, Lil’ Kim (4’9 ½” or 146.1 cm) is the shortest, standing nearly five inches shorter than Nicki, reinforcing just how diverse the heights are among these powerhouse female rappers.
Not only does Nicki Minaj stand out in height comparisons, but she also makes bold footwear choices that elevate her look.
Nicki Minaj’s Most Daring Designer Heel Moments
Nicki Minaj’s fearless approach to fashion extends to her footwear choices, with each pair of heels making a statement as bold as her music. Here are some of her most unforgettable designer shoe moments:
- Dolce & Gabbana: At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Nicki embraced a Barbiecore aesthetic in a pale pink Dolce & Gabbana ensemble, exuding a bridal charm that captivated attendees.
- Alexander Wang: During the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards, she made a bold statement in a custom Alexander Wang ensemble, featuring a high-low satin gown paired with barbed lace-up sandals, showcasing her edgy fashion sense.
- Versace: At the 2017 Met Gala, Nicki paid homage to Rei Kawakubo in a custom H&M dress, complemented by Versace ‘Medusa’ platform sandals, blending avant-garde elements with high fashion.
- Oscar de la Renta: In 2018, she turned heads in a black and red ombré Oscar de la Renta gown at the Met Gala, paired with fur-embellished ankle-strap sandals, highlighting her ability to merge elegance with boldness.
- Balenciaga: During Paris Fashion Week in 2017, Nicki showcased a futuristic look with mirrored thigh-high Balenciaga boots, adding a sleek and modern touch to her ensemble.
Nicki Minaj’s shoe game is just as iconic as her music, proving that her heels are always a showstopper whether she’s walking the red carpet or performing on stage.
Global icon Nicki Minaj stuns in a custom Marni sculptural hourglass dress crafted from yellow silk duchesse and adorned with hand-painted aluminum flowers, perfectly complemented by matching satin pumps and a one-of-a-kind Trunkaroo bag at the 2024 Met Gala on May 6, 2024, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)
Nicki Minaj’s Fiercest Giuseppe Zanotti Shoe Moments
Nicki Minaj’s fashion is anything but subtle, and her love for bold, statement-making footwear is evident in her frequent choice of Giuseppe Zanotti heels. From music videos to red carpet events, here are some of her most iconic moments wearing the designer’s creations:
- MAC Viva Glam Campaign (2012): Nicki donned two-tone Giuseppe Zanotti sandals with swirly cyan and cobalt blue suede straps, perfectly complementing her vibrant ensemble for the campaign.
- “No Love” Music Video (2014): In her collaboration with August Alsina, she wore Giuseppe Zanotti studded leather pointed-toe ankle boots featuring gold-tone studs and buckled straps, adding an edgy flair to her look.
- Pink Friday Fragrance Launch (2012): At Macy’s Herald Square in New York City, Nicki sported bright cobalt blue Giuseppe Zanotti booties, adding a pop of color to her eye-catching outfit. Check out the details.
- 2015 Grammy Awards: Nicki graced the red carpet in a plunging black Tom Ford gown, paired with Giuseppe Zanotti heels, showcasing a blend of elegance and boldness.
Nicki Minaj’s affinity for Giuseppe Zanotti’s striking designs proves that when it comes to footwear, she never shies away from making a bold statement.
Nicki Minaj’s Bold Footwear Choice at the 2010 American Music Awards
Nicki Minaj in a Manish Arora Spring 2011 dress at the 2010 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, November 21, 2010 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
At the 2010 American Music Awards, Nicki Minaj showed off her feet in glittering Christian Louboutin heels styled with a Manish Arora Spring 2011 dress that gave her the attention she craved.
Nicki Minaj elevates her height in dazzling multicolored Christian Louboutin heels with signature red soles (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Nicki Minaj’s Stunning New Year’s Eve Ensemble
Nicki Minaj is known for her bold sense of style and for matching her hair with her ensembles. On New Year’s Eve in 2012, Nicki stayed in true form and wore head-to-toe gold.
Nicki Minaj flaunts her legs in a gorgeous Hervé Léger dress with gold Louboutin pumps (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
She paired a gorgeous Hervé Léger dress with gold Louboutin pumps, Versace jewelry, and platinum golden blonde hair.
Nicki Minaj hosting the New Year’s Eve affair at Pure Nightclub inside Caesars Palace Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 31, 2012 (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
I like Nicki’s heels for this occasion. The rest of her ensemble was toned down compared to her usual style.
Nicki Minaj shows off her feet in Daffodile 160 crystal-embellished suede pumps (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
On a scale from 1 to 10, I give her heel choice a 9. While she could have opted for sandals or booties, Nicki paired the perfect golden pumps with her sexy dress!
Christian Louboutin Daffodile 160 Crystal-Embellished Suede Pumps, $6,395
We also found this fabulous (and slightly more affordable) gold Louboutin style:
Christian Louboutin Exagona Glitter Crisscross Red-Sole Pumps in Gold, $1,075
We’ve also seen Jennifer Hudson wearing the black version of these pumps paired with a Jenny Packham slinky pewter draping mini dress:
Jennifer Hudson wearing a Jenny Packham dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, MCL jewelry, and a Swarovski bag at the 2011 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 20, 2011 (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
“Adele‘s song ‘Someone Like You’ captivates me, the lyrics move me. She’s my favorite artist of the year along with Ms. [Nicki] Minaj who is my favorite artist in the hip hop nomination,” Hudson said on the red carpet.
Jennifer Hudson shows toe cleavage in crystal-embellished pumps (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
Finally, let us not forget Heidi Klum, who wore yet another version of the Christian Louboutin ‘Daffodile Strass’ pumps paired with a Julien Macdonald Fall 2009 gown:
Heidi Klum in an elegant and stunning Julien MacDonald gown at the 19th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood on February 27, 2011 (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
Heidi Klum shows off her feet in Christian Louboutin Daffodile Strass pumps (Credit: Judy Eddy / Jody Cortes/Apega / WENN)
Why Women Wear High Heels – More Than Just Added Height
Transitioning from Nicki Minaj’s bold footwear choices, it’s clear that high heels are more than just a fashion statement—they’re a powerful tool of self-expression. Many women wear heels to gain a few extra inches, enhance their posture, and exude confidence.
Certain styles, like classic pumps, have remained timeless due to their versatility, while stilettos, wedges, and block heels each offer unique benefits suited for different occasions. Heels can elongate the legs, create a more streamlined silhouette, and add an unmistakable touch of sophistication.
However, not all heels are created equal. Choosing the right pair is key if you’re looking for comfortable high heels that balance style and wearability. For those who love bold statement pieces like Nicki Minaj, exploring platform heels can provide the ultimate height boost without sacrificing stability.
Whether for elegance, power, or personal style, high heels remain a staple in women’s wardrobes worldwide. Finding the right pair can make all the difference in height and confidence.