Lizzo stepped onto the field at Dodger Stadium on Thursday evening in a pair of Azalea Wang First String Sporty Pumps, combining athletic inspiration with high-impact design. She wore the silver-and-white style to throw the ceremonial first pitch during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Juneteenth game against the San Diego Padres.
The shoes featured paneled metallic overlays at the toe, heel and midfoot, set against mesh inserts and a lace-up vamp modeled after classic sneakers. A pointed toe and stiletto heel defined the silhouette, which debuted in 2024 and remains available in other colorways through Akira.
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Lizzo paired her heels with a cream Juneteenth baseball jersey, tied at the waist, and white capri pants with subtle side slits. Her accessories included rimless mirrored sunglasses, a “Yitty” nameplate necklace referencing her shapewear brand, a pink Sailor Moon-themed phone case and what appears to be a Labubu plush with a pearl necklace clipped to one belt loop. Her platinum-blond curls were styled in soft waves down her back.
A detailed look at Lizzo’s Azalea Wang First String Sporty Pump.
The style falls in line with the rising category of sporty pumps — a hybrid silhouette that merges streetwear components with the lift of formal heels. Leading the charge is Sneex, the new luxury label from entrepreneur Sara Blakely. The brand launched direct-to-consumer in August and quickly gained traction after being featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. Celebrity supporters include Gayle King, Jane Fonda, Reese Witherspoon and Hoda Kotb.
Made in Spain using napa leather and Italian mesh, the collection currently includes three styles priced between $395 and $595. According to Blakely, public debate around the shoes has only amplified their visibility. “When people have strong reactions, it means I’ve done something disruptive and innovative,” she previously told WWD.
Other designers have followed suit. Venus Williams wore a ruched green hybrid pump from Lacoste’s fall 2025 runway show in Paris, adding athletic-coded footwear to the growing list of red carpet silhouettes with sport-inspired features.