In November 2018, Victoria Beckham was named the People’s Fashion Icon at the 2018 People’s Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
While we think the singer-turned-fashion-designer is the rightful recipient, we can’t help but cringe at the fact that she was awarded for being stylish while wearing shoes that were way too big for her.
Victoria Beckham accepting her award for Fashion Icon at the 2018 People’s Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on November 11, 2018 (Credit: Apega / Brian To / WENN)
VB wore the strapless version of her Victoria Beckham ‘Solar’ pumps for the awards night.
Her black-satin pumps feature low-cut backs, but that wasn’t the culprit in the bad fit. There was a large gap between Victoria’s heel and the back of her shoe.
A large gap is evident at the back heel of Victoria Beckham’s black satin pumps
This elegant style has been crafted in Italy from lustrous black satin. It has a pointed toe, a strap across the vamp, and a low-heeled counter.
Victoria Beckham ‘Solar’ Mary-Jane Satin Pumps, $810
Mrs. David Beckham used the ill-fitting shoes to punctuate a white lace camisole, a slightly oversized jacket, and slim tailored pants from her eponymous Spring 2019 collection.
Victoria Beckham wearing a white lace-trim camisole and a tailored jacket from the Victoria Beckham Spring 2019 collection
We love Victoria’s white-on-white ensemble but think she could’ve switched the proportions. She could’ve worn a tighter jacket with looser pants to cover those too-big shoes.
Victoria Beckham wearing low-back black satin pumps that look way too big
Say goodbye to slipping heels—your shoes should fit like a glove. We’ve got tricks on how to make shoes smaller. If it’s impossible to shrink them, we also have tips on keeping shoes from slipping off your feet while walking.
Victoria Beckham in her own label’s black satin pumps—clearly too large, with a visible heel gap
While Victoria Beckham may have turned heads in her fashion-forward ensemble, her oversized heels show that even the most stylish look can falter without the right fit. Wearing heels that fit correctly is key—not just for comfort but for confidence and posture, too.
Look for heels with pointed toes to help elongate the foot and minimize slipping, or choose designs with adjustable straps or laces that offer a more secure fit. On the other hand, avoid wide-toe boxes that can cause your feet to slide forward, putting unnecessary pressure on your toes and the balls of your feet. A well-fitted heel isn’t just a style statement—it’s a fashion essential.
When Style Misses the Mark: Celebrities and Their Ill-Fitting Shoe Moments
Even the most fashion-forward celebrities can occasionally misstep by donning shoes that are not the right size. Here are some notable instances where stars have faced footwear faux pas:
Tyra Banks’ Oversized Yellow Pumps
- Event: “America’s Got Talent” Season 12 Premiere
- Outfit: Tyra made a bold statement in a pleated, multi-print mini dress by Stello featuring striking black and yellow panels.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with pointed-toe yellow d’Orsay pumps that appeared noticeably oversized, with a visible gap at the heel.
- More Details: Tyra Banks’ bold outfit and oversized yellow shoes at AGT
Kate Bosworth’s Oversized Rochas Bow Pumps
- Event: National Geographic Further Fronts Event
- Outfit: Kate Bosworth attended the event in a dark green pleated dress from Rochas’ Autumn/Winter 2017 collection, accentuating her petite frame and tiny waist.
- Footwear: She paired her ensemble with Rochas bow pumps that were visibly too large, detracting from the elegant bow details and gold pin heels.
- More Details: Kate Bosworth’s oversized Rochas bow pumps at National Geographic event
Julianne Moore’s ‘Toemageddon’ Moment
- Event: 2013 Cannes Film Festival
- Outfit: Julianne Moore graced the red carpet in a strapless Christian Dior Couture organza gown.
- Footwear: Unfortunately, her ill-fitting sandals led to a severe toe overhang, a mishap dubbed ‘Toemageddon’ by the media.
- More Details: Julianne Moore’s Cannes toe overhang incident
Aubrey Plaza’s Loose White Pumps
- Event: 2013 Critics’ Choice Television Awards
- Outfit: Aubrey Plaza looked chic in her ensemble but faced issues with her white Louboutin pumps.
- Footwear: The pumps were evidently too big, causing discomfort and a less polished appearance.
- More Details: Aubrey Plaza’s struggle with oversized Louboutin pumps
Jennifer Lopez’s Sizing Up in Heels
- Observation: At 5’4½”, Jennifer Lopez often opts for larger-sized heels to enhance comfort during performances.
- Footwear: While this strategy aids in prolonged wear, it occasionally results in visible gaps between her heels and the back of her shoes.
- More Details: Jennifer Lopez’s approach to heel sizing
Nicole Kidman’s Oversized Shoe Choices
- Observation: Standing tall at 5’10.5″, Nicole Kidman sometimes wears shoes that appear slightly too large, possibly to accommodate foot comfort.
- Footwear: This choice, while understandable, can occasionally detract from her otherwise impeccable red carpet looks.
- More Details: Nicole Kidman’s experiences with oversized footwear
These instances serve as a reminder that even style icons can face challenges with shoe sizing. For those encountering similar issues, explore our guides on how to make shoes smaller and preventing feet from slipping out of shoes.