The Best Shoe Moments From the 2013 Radio Disney Music Awards: Selena Gomez, Zendaya & More

In April 2013, the Radio Disney Music Awards delivered one of its most unexpectedly fun red carpets—an explosion of youthful color, playful silhouettes, and statement heels that captured the early-2010s aesthetic in the best way.

From Selena Gomez’s graphic black-and-white ensemble to Bella Thorne’s neon pumps and Zendaya’s sleek white Gucci sandals, the night served a surprisingly strong lineup of celebrity shoe moments.

Revisiting the event more than a decade later, it’s easy to see how these emerging stars were already experimenting with bold footwear choices that hinted at the fashion influence they’d later command. Below, we’re taking a fresh look back at the standout heels from the 2013 Radio Disney Music Awards—from designer pairs that became early signatures to fun. These colorful styles perfectly captured the era’s red-carpet energy.

Scroll through the retrospective to see which shoes still hold up today—and feel free to help us identify the few mystery heels we still haven’t been able to confirm.

Selena Gomez Revisits Graphic Chic in Nicholas Kirkwood Snakeskin Sandals

Selena Gomez, who was the night’s Best Female Artist, wore an ensemble in dominant black and white — a leather tee by Vince and a Blumarine Fall 2013 floral-printed skirt that showed off her slender legs.

She paired her outfit with Nicholas Kirkwood sandals that complemented the colors of her top and skirt.

Selena Gomez pairs a Vince leather tee with a Blumarine Fall 2013 floral skirt and Nicholas Kirkwood Elaphe metallic-and-patent sandals, finishing the look with Charriol, Pippa Small, and Kami Lerner jewelry at the Radio Disney Music Awards 2013 held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on April 27, 2013 (Credit: Visual / Nikki Nelson / WENN)

These Spring 2013 heels feature toe and ankle straps in black patent and metallic gold, with hidden snap-button closures.

Selena Gomez highlights her look with Nicholas Kirkwood’s Elaphe metallic-and-patent sandals featuring sculpted snakeskin counters and glossy black straps

A fascinating detail is the black-and-white snakeskin on the heel counters and the 4-inch stiletto heels.

Nicholas Kirkwood Elaphe Peep-Toe Sandals, $995

Bella Thorne Goes Bold in Neon Christian Dior Pumps

Bella Thorne continues to turn heads on the red carpet. The young star, whose video for “Fashion Is My Kryptonite” with Zendaya was nominated for Best Music Video, was stunning in a rosette-embellished crop top and a matching skirt.

She added a playful twist by wearing candy-colored accessories and very striking Christian Dior shoes.

Bella Thorne brightens the 2013 RDMA red carpet in a rosette-textured navy dress paired with striking neon Christian Dior pumps and playful multicolor accessories

Her minimalist pumps in a very bright neon shade feature pointed toes and heels that measure about 4 inches. They may be simple, but they definitely delivered — creating a very chic contrast to her midnight blue outfit.

Bella Thorne energizes her textured navy dress with striking neon Christian Dior pumps that pop against the red carpet

Zendaya Elevates Early Red-Carpet Style with White Gucci “Ursula” Sandals

16-year-old Zendaya looked so sophisticated at the awards show. She was on-trend in a matching leaf-designed jacket and shorts. This is a refreshing look, and we like it a lot!

Her white Gucci heels seem perfect on her feet. We’ve previously spotted them in black on Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé was seen wearing a snakeskin version in Shape magazine.

Zendaya brings fresh, tropical energy to the 2013 RDMA red carpet in a Juicy Couture Palmetto leaf-print blazer and matching shorts

The cage sandals are made of patent leather, and their wide ankle straps are adjustable.

Zendaya steps out in sleek white Gucci “Ursula” sandals featuring wide ankle cuffs and gold horsebit hardware

Attached to each is a gold-tone horsebit detail that breaks the shoes’ solid color and adds an extra touch of interest and elegance.

Gucci Ursula High-Heel Sandals, $850

Debby Ryan Embraces Playful Color in Jean-Michel Cazabat Mixed-Media Heels

Debby Ryan, one of the night’s presenters, chose a very feminine, youthful look in a hot-pink DKNY frock. She accessorized with gold accessories and a green clutch, matching her Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals.

Debby Ryan brightens the red carpet in a hot-pink DKNY dress paired with Jean-Michel Cazabat heels, a Tacori bracelet, Switch earrings, and an Ashlyn’d clutch

Debby’s heels are a mixed-media design — wild, bright snakeskin in yellow and green on the ankle straps, heel counters, and 4-inch heels; a floral print in silk on the insoles; and gold glitters and sequins on the toe straps.

Debby Ryan steps out in Jean-Michel Cazabat’s “Oka” sandals featuring mixed-media straps, glittering gold accents, and bold snakeskin details

With snakeskin, sequins, and floral accents all at play, this mixed-media sandal still comes together as a surprisingly polished, unified design.

Debby Ryan’s mixed-media Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals show a bit of toe overhang, revealing her soft metallic pedicure

Denise Richards Adds Sparkle in Crystal-Embellished Sandals

Denise Richards was one of the few veterans at the event, and she showed how she does it on the red carpet. She was radiant in a coral dress and looked even better with sparkling crystal accessories and crystal-embellished heels.

Denise Richards brightens the red carpet in a vibrant coral dress paired with crystal-embellished sandals and a sparkling gold clutch

These classic and versatile sandals feature studded crystals and stone rings.

Denise Richards highlights her look with crystal-studded T-strap sandals that bring a touch of shimmer to the red carpet

Madison Pettis Channels Early-2010s Glam in Steve Madden Platform Heels

14-year-old Madison Pettis looked a bit mature in a tight-fitting animal-printed tube dress and high-heeled platform sandals.

Madison Pettis turns heads in a leopard-print mini dress with gold side panels and bold statement jewelry

Her Steve Madden sandals feature two-tone colors (tan and black) and glittery gold crystal embellishments.

Madison Pettis steps out in Steve Madden “Reality” platform sandals featuring gold-studded straps and edgy black ankle cuffs

The pointy metal spikes along the ankle straps were edgy additions. They definitely matched the fierceness of Madison’s dress.

Steve Madden “Reality” Sandals, $129.95

Diamond White Brightens the Carpet in Multicolored Rainbow Sandals

Diamond White was charming on the red carpet in a blue sweetheart frock, the prominent feature of which is the crystal-embellished bodice.

Diamond White lights up the 2013 RDMA red carpet in a sparkling corset-bodice tulle dress paired with playful multicolored strappy heels

Making her look more playful and age-appropriate were her trendy rainbow-colored sandals.

Diamond White completes her look with vibrant multicolored strappy sandals that add a fun, youthful pop of color to her fairy-tale dress

From 2013 to Today: More Unforgettable Celebrity Shoe Highlights

From bold platforms to sculptural stilettos, celebrity footwear has evolved dramatically since the 2013 RDMA red carpet—here are more can’t-miss shoe moments to explore next.