Heidi Klum Takes a Break From Her Thigh-High Boots and Dons Leather Pumps for ‘AGT’ Arrival

Heidi Klum took a classic approach to footwear on Thursday, while arriving at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for “America’s Got Talent” in Los Angeles. The supermodel, who is a judge for the 19th season of the televised competition, slipped on a pair of black leather pumps.

Klum has been filming for the past few days, wearing various footwear. She’s donned multiple pairs of thigh-high boots by Le Silla, including one pair made of crocodile skin. The culottes worn with Thursday’s look are cut high on the ankle, drawing attention to the shoe.

About the Shoe

Klum’s shoe is a classic stiletto pump. It is a slip-on style made of leather. The heel rims the outside of the foot, covering the toes and heel while largely leaving the rest exposed. This particular footwear also sported a pointed toe.

History of Pumps

Also known as court shoes, the pump hails from the late 18th century. It is a slip-on style that features a low-cut front that reveals the top of the foot. The stiletto pump as we know it today, often with its pointed toe, was created by Roger Vivier in 1954. The black pointed-toe pump is one of the most universal shoes in women’s footwear.

Some believe the name “pump” was the American English version of “Pomp,” which referred to a type of shoe. Others believe “pump” refers to water pumps, as the style of old-school water pumps is similar in vague silhouette to the pump shoe.