The Emmy Awards are television’s biggest nights and they are an opportunity for TV stars to dress to the nines. While some continue to adhere to the black tie dress code, other stars have taken a more casual approach when walking the red carpet and once the awards show begins inside.
For stars like Viola Davis and Hannah Waddingham, comfort was the primary motivation behind their decision to trade in high heels for sneakers. Stars like “Stranger Things” star Gaten Matarazzo had a message behind his Converse sneakers, while Jenifer Lewis stated she wore Nike sneakers to “applaud” the brand for supporting Colin Kaepernick amid his NFL protests. Others simply wore the sneakers as an ode to their own personal style.
Check out some of the best sneaker moments on the Emmys red carpet so far.
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Hannah Waddingham
Image Credit: Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag Hannah Waddingham arriving at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in 2022.
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Hannah Waddingham
Image Credit: Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Waddingham famously wore Dolce & Gabbana sneakers under her pale pink, ballgown-style dress. She revealed the bedazzled, high-top sneakers on the red carpet, sharing that she opted for comfort for the glamorous event.
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Viola Davis
Image Credit: Getty Images Viola Davis took the stage during the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in September 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Viola Davis
Image Credit: Getty Images After wearing platform heels on the red carpet, Davis switched into Hogan Maxi H368 platform sneakers in silver and black during the show.
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Pete Davidson
Image Credit: Getty Images Pete Davidson took the stage during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater in September 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
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Pete Davidson
Image Credit: Getty Images Davidson opted for white, silver and gray Asics sneakers.
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Gaten Matarazzo
Image Credit: Getty Images Gaten Matarazzo attended the 70th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in September 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Gaten Matarazzo
Image Credit: Getty Images The “Stranger Things” star revealed he was wearing custom Converse sneakers in black and white to the awards show to promote awareness for his charity organization CCD Smiles. The actor has a rare genetic condition called Cleidocranial Dysplasia and wore the shoes to bring attention to those who cannot afford treatment.
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Jenifer Lewis
Image Credit: Getty Images Jenifer Lewis attended the 70th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in September 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jenifer Lewis
Image Credit: Getty Images The actress opted for a pair of high top Nike Air VaporMax Light 2 in black and white. Her Nike outfit was a political statement to support Colin Kaepernick and his protest against police brutality and racial injustice, after Nike made him the face of its “Believe in something” campaign.
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Michael Kosta
Image Credit: Getty Images Comedian Michael Kosta attended the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater in January 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
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Michael Kosta
Image Credit: Getty Images He wore Jordan 1 Retro High OG in the ‘Black Metallic Gold’ colorway.
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Jill Soloway
Image Credit: WireImage TV director Jill Soloway arrived at the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in September 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jill Soloway
Image Credit: WireImage Soloway opted for a pair of Nike Air Force 1 Mid LV8 GS in the ‘Team Red’ colorway.