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The Academy Awards red carpet is the perfect place for celebrities to experiment with new colors, patterns and silhouettes, featuring their luxurious outfits, ballgowns and tuxedos. But who said the Oscars aren’t the place for affordable shoes?
From Hailee Steinfeld’s appearance at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, wearing a $65 pair of cherry red Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, to Melissa McCarthy attending the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a $100 pair, the stars celebrated the Nike Classic Cortez. Awards show in affordable footwear options while wearing lavishly expensive designer pieces on top.
In preparation for the 2024 Oscars on March 10, FN looks back at cheap shoe moments from the Oscars and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet over the years.
Sam Worthington, 2010
At the 2010 Academy Awards, “Avatar” actor Sam Worthington wore a pair of Palace lace-up dress shoes. The star’s choice of footwear, which featured a slightly elevated thick black base and shiny leather finish, is estimated to cost less than $60.
Hailee Steinfeld, 2011
Hailee Steinfeld, then nominated for her supporting role in “True Grit,” arrived at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party wearing a pair of $65 Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars in a bright cherry colorway. The deeply pigmented shoes, available in both high-top and low-top styles, stood out against the pale pink shade of the star’s Marchesa gown.
Tina Fey, 2019
Tina Fey attended the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a pair of $65 White Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. Comedian J. Mendel paired her dark brown chrome gown with red detailing and low-top sneakers.
Melissa McCarthy, 2019
At the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Melissa McCarthy wore a pair of $100 Nike Classic Cortez sneakers in black. The shoe, adorned with the traditional Nike “Swoosh” and matching white rubber base, was styled with an Adidas tracksuit in the same black and white colourway.
Constance Wu, 2019
Constance Wu arrived at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a pair of $120 Pariah heels from Aldo. The heels, embellished with a slightly elevated platform base and peep-toe design, were paired with a long metallic gold gown by Versace.
Kacey Musgraves, 2019
At the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Kacey Musgraves walked the red carpet in a pair of $80 Madeleine heels by Aldo. Elevating her look to the top, the star paired her affordable footwear choice with a sparkling Versace gown in burnt orange.
Questlove, 2019
Questlove arrived at the 91st Annual Academy Awards wearing a pair of $130 Nike Air Jordan 11 sneakers with cobalt blue soles. The star paired her sleek and simple athletic shoes with a traditional outfit in the same shade.
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