Kate Upton Recalls Starting Her Modeling Career in NYC Wearing Sam Edelman Boots While Honoring FNAA Lifetime Achievement Award to Sam and Libby Edelman

Kate Upton graced the red carpet at the 2023 FN Achievement Awards in New York on Wednesday. The model attended alongside her husband Justin Verlander. During the ceremony, Upton will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Sam and Libby Edelman.  

For the “Shoe Oscars,” Upton selected footwear from Sam Edelman. “My first pair of shoes upon arriving in New York was a pair of Sam Edelman boots. My reliable companions for work, castings and countless adventures,” Upton said while presenting.

The model went on to remark on her countless collaborations with the brand fondly. “Imagine how excited I was in 2013 when they asked me to be a part of the campaign that started as a photo shoot and evolved into a terrific collaboration spanning three campaigns. It was more than a work. It was a it was a shared passion for creativity and excellence.” Upton was featured in a variety of Edelman’s campaigns over the years.

Kate Upton, FNAAs, 2023, shoes, red carpet.
Kate Upton attends the 2023 Footwear News Achievement Awards at Cipriani South Street on Nov. 29, 2023 in New York.

Accompanying her pumps, Upton was outfitted in a floor-length black satin gown. The garment was floor-sweeping and featured a strappy bodice, a plunging back and ample pockets that gave the dress a utilitarian flair. Upton’s look was made complete with a variety of high-shine jewelry. “The Other Woman” star wore her blond tresses parted down the middle, styled in face-framing waves.

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The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model’s shoe styles veer between sporty and slick. The “Layover” actress often wears Nike, Reebok and APL sneakers and Ugg slippers while off-duty. Her day-to-day looks also feature heeled sandals, loafers and mules by Nicholas Kirkwood, Gianvito Rossi and Gucci—plus affordable heels from Sam Edelman. When it comes to the red carpet, Upton favors stiletto-heeled sandals and pumps by Stella Luna, Le Silla and Christian Louboutin, among other luxury brands.

Despite her successful acting career, Upton began her journey to stardom in the modeling world. Upton is most well known for her many appearances on the glossy cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2017. These days, the runway regular can be seen on the big screen in a variety of films from “Wild Man” to “Tower Heist.”

Kate Upton, FNAAs, 2023, shoes, red carpet.
(L-R) Kate Upton and Justin Verlander attend the 2023 Footwear News Achievement Awards at Cipriani South Street on Nov. 29, 2023 in New York.

For 37 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram. 

About the Author

Amina Ayoud is an Assistant Digital Editor for Footwear News, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to breaking fashion and shoe releases. Ayoud cultivated a love of all things fashion early in life thanks to a deep love of fashion history and the luxury industry. In her free time, Ayoud is a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic.

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