A Brief History of Marilyn Monroe’s Shoes: How Ferragamo’s Heels Became an Iconic Symbol

Today would have marked Marilyn Monroe’s 99th birthday—a celebration of a cultural icon whose influence transcends decades and disciplines, from film and music to fashion and beauty. While her legacy as a blonde bombshell is well-known, fewer may realize just how integral her relationship with shoes has been to her lasting impact—especially her connection with the legendary Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo.

The Birth of an Iconic Heel

Salvatore Ferragamo, often credited with popularizing the stiletto heel, played a pivotal role in shaping Monroe’s unmistakable silhouette. Though Monroe never met Ferragamo himself, she was a regular at his Park Avenue store in New York City after relocating from Hollywood in 1954, frequently purchasing his elegant 4-inch high-heel pumps—most notably the Filetia and Viaticia styles. These pumps helped craft her signature pinup look, immortalized on screen in classics like Some Like It Hot (1959).

Monroe once famously said, “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot,” underscoring her affection for the shoes that became part of her glamour.

From Hollywood Screens to Museum Halls

Marilyn’s cinematic shoe moments remain iconic—like the clear lucite platform heels with pink straps she wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), and even her casual Keds in Clash by Night (1952). But it’s the Ferragamo heels that defined her style off-screen and on.

In a remarkable full-circle moment, 60 pairs of Monroe’s shoes—including 20 pairs of Ferragamo stilettos—were auctioned at Christie’s New York in 1999 as part of “The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe.” Salvatore Ferragamo’s son Massimo and wife Wanda attended with the goal of acquiring as many pairs as possible to preserve them in the Ferragamo museum in Florence.

The crown jewel? A pair of red satin, rhinestone-encrusted pumps resembling ruby slippers from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Though estimated to sell for $4,000 to $6,000, these striking heels fetched $48,300, securing their place in the Ferragamo archive and inspiring a limited-edition reissue of 500 pairs that same year—alongside 100 matching handbags. Today, rare pairs of this reissue occasionally surface, with one recently listed for $1,895 on 1st Dibs.

Celebrating Monroe’s Legacy Through Fashion

Monroe’s devotion to Ferragamo was further honored in 2012 with a retrospective exhibit at the Ferragamo museum. The showcase featured 30 pairs of her shoes and over 50 ensembles from both her film roles and personal wardrobe, cementing her place in fashion history.

Her influence continues to inspire. In spring 2023, Ferragamo’s creative director Maximilian Davis unveiled his debut collection, drawing directly from the Italian house’s Hollywood roots and Monroe’s glamorous spirit.

“I wanted to pay tribute to Salvatore’s start by bringing in the culture of Hollywood,” Davis explained to WWD. “But new Hollywood. Its ease and sensuality, its sunset and sunrise.”

The Lasting Impact

Marilyn Monroe’s shoes are more than just fashion statements—they are artifacts of a cultural moment that defined femininity, glamour, and empowerment. From the red rhinestone heels to the elegant Ferragamo pumps that helped shape her iconic silhouette, these shoes continue to captivate collectors, designers, and fans alike.

Nearly a century after her birth, Marilyn Monroe remains a timeless muse—and her Ferragamo heels remain a symbol of that enduring allure.