At 81 years old, Diana Ross is still performing on stage with a dazzling wardrobe to match her powerful vocals. The musical icon is embarking on her 2026 “Diana in Motion” tour, which comes on the heels of a New Year’s Eve performance in Times Square.
Her ongoing career has spanned decades, from her chart-topping hits with The Supremes to her successful solo artist era. Both on and off stage, the Queen of Motown has proven herself to be a fashion maven, with a penchant for pieces with vibrant color and sparkle. She’s been outfitted by Bob Mackie and more designers through the years, and has even delved into designing pieces herself, including her 2025 Met Gala outfit in collaboration with son Evan Ross and Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie.
The artist remains a style icon for younger generations, from her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross to Jordyn Woods. Woods previously told FN, “I’ve always loved the drama and femininity she brings to fashion — everything feels powerful, expressive and fun. Her maximalist approach, from body-hugging silhouettes to sparkle and statement looks, made style feel like a form of storytelling and confidence, not just clothing.”
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Ross has lived through many fashion eras, and her footwear journey reflects the shifting trends while mirroring her enduring taste for glamour and proving which silhouettes are timeless. Looking through her long list of style moments, you might find her wearing classic pumps, peep-toe heels, classic boots or strappy sandals to complement her wide-ranging looks.
Below, FN rounds up some of her footwear fashion statements.
While her fellow Supremes Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson wore modest low-heeled pumps in this photo from the 1960s, Ross showcased a classic tall leather boot with a block heel. The style accompanied a plaid skirt, turtleneck and tights.
The Supremes would often wear matching outfits, and here they all showcased traditional pumps with almond toes and stiletto heels. They accompanied silky dresses with fluffy trim along the bottom section of the skirt.
To go with this vibrantly colorful look showcased in the 1975 film “Mahogany,” Ross showcased a pair of metallic heels with thin ankle straps and a peep toe in front; the style was elevated by a block heel. In addition to starring, Ross also took on a costume design role for this film, credited for several of the looks; she worked with Italian courtier Irene Galitzine.
Ross has showcased peep-toe heels throughout her fashion journey as well. The style has had its recurring moments in various decades, and Ross styled the pump version pictured above in 1977 with a pinstriped suit.
At Studio 54 in 1979, Ross kept the peep-toe style going with a strappy slingback worn with tight jeans and a tank.
The “Reach Out and Touch” singer kept her footwear casual in this 1987 portrait, wearing a classic white lace-up canvas sneaker with a low-profile — while her other foot had no shoe.
The classic pump once again made an appearance as on-stage shoe during a performance in Belgium, paired with an embellished minidress.
Ross put on a dainty metallic strappy sandal to attend a premiere in 2006, pairing the stiletto heels with a black and white top and black knee-length skirt.
Ross showcased a contemporary ballet flat at a Christian Dior show in 2019, a black mesh style with a thick strap across the foot. The style accompanied a black tulle dress.
