Yes, they’re definitely more of an investment than your average footwear. But, a pair of designer shoes can really stand the test of time, as well as making any outfit look more expensive. I don’t know about you, but whenever I see someone wearing designer shoes, I always assume the rest of their outfit is designer too. So, if you’re ready to splash out on your first pair, what are the best designer shoes that will stand the test of time? Let’s take a look.

If you prefer more purse-friendly options, you will also find some designer dupes that look similar to the originals.

What to think about when choosing the best designer shoes for you

When will you wear them?

Do you want to wear your designer shoes with your jeans everyday, or do you want to wear them for special occasions? This will probably mean the difference between sneakers or heels, for example.

Best designer shoes - Rita wears Chanel pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Rita @ritapalazzi above opts for toe cap pumps from CHANEL and a bag from Gucci (in a different colorway here).

Neutrals or colors?

If this is your first pair of designer heels, you may want to choose a neutral shade to make sure you get lots of use out of them. You can always choose a brighter, funkier pair next time!

Can you walk in them?

A lot of designer shoes feature stiletto heels. And, while they make look beautiful on the shelf, they may not feel quite as beautiful to walk in. That may be okay if you tend to wear your designer heels for dinner and don’t need to walk far. But if you will be on your feet for a long time, you may want to look at a lower heel.

Best designer shoes - Gucci pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Boma @mrs.gaf above chooses a pair of slingback pumps from Gucci and pairs them with a Dior Book Tote.

How to take care of them

If you want to give your shoes longevity, make sure you look after them from the outset. For example, you may want to have them resoled or you may want a good suede protector.

Moneysworth & Best Suede & Nubuck Color Protector Water Repellent Spray | 40plusstyle.com

Moneysworth & Best Suede & Nubuck Color Protector Spray

Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit | 40plusstyle.com

Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit

Do you want everyone to know you are wearing designer?

Or is it enough that you know. If you want an iconic designer look, choose a pair with detailing that your chosen designer is renowned for, such as the Gucci horsebit, Louboutin red soles, the Prada triangle or y Chanel double C.

The best designer shoes that will never go out of style | 40plusstye.com

Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) wears loafers from Prada and a bag from Chanel.

Do you love them?

When you’re investing in a pair of shoes, you really want to make sure they bring joy when you wear them. So choose a pair that you really love.

Truly timeless designer shoes

Now let’s move onto looking at some beautiful designer shoes that you could choose

Christian Louboutin

Louboutin is famous for red soles and pointy stilettos. But you don’t have to go with stilettos to get that red soled look. Block heels are easier to walk in but still give you a designer look.

Best designer shoes - Christian Louboutin Miss Sabina Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Christian Louboutin Miss Sabina Sandal

Gucci

To get the Gucci look, choose a pair with Gucci’s horsebit detailing like the horsebit loafer (below).

Sam Edelman has a similar option if you want the look without the pricetag.

Best designer shoes - Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer | 40plusstyle.com

Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer

CHANEL

CHANEL‘s toe cap shoes are iconic. You could choose a pair of heels or flat ballet pumps.

Best designer shoes - CHANEL Slingback Pump | 40plusstyle.com

CHANEL Slingback Pump

Jimmy Choo

A favorite of Carrie’s in Sex in the City, some of Jimmy Choo’s pumps are lower than other designers. You’ll find stilettos with a 2.5-inch heel like the classic black pumps (below).

Best designer shoes - Jimmy Choo Romy 60 Suede Pump| 40plusstyle.com

Jimmy Choo Romy 60 Suede Pump

Burberry

Burberry is best known for its trench coats but you could also wear its iconic checks on a pair of shoes. The pumps (below) would look great to add interest to your neutral outfits.

Best designer shoes - Burberry Aubri Check Pointed Toe Pump | 40plusstyle.com

Burberry Aubri Check Pointed Toe Pump

Prada

Prada is a good choice if you have a minimal, preppy or classic look, or you like to add designs which take their inspiration from menswear.

Choose shoes with the iconic Prada triangle to get the classic Prada look.

Best designer shoes - Prada Chocolate Metallic Loafer| 40plusstyle.com

Prada Metallic Loafer (Nordstrom)

Dior

The J’Adior Dior slingback is Dior’s most famous style, having been created in 1962. Christian Dior once said that you can judge whether a woman is elegant by looking at her feet, and your feet will definitely be elegant in the slingbacks (below).

Best designer shoes - J'Adior Slingback Pump | 40plusstyle.com

J’Adior Slingback Pump

Tod’s

The driving mocassin by Tod is a shoe icon, and is perfect if you prefer a comfortable, low heel. Wear with your jeans and blazer for a preppy look.

Ausland also does a similar style in a choice of colors.

Best designer shoes - Tod's Suede Slip-On Loafer | 40plusstyle.com

Tod’s Suede Slip-On Loafer

valentino

Valentino‘s most recognizable style is its studded pump, either in a heel or a flat. Perfect if you have a rock style personality or you like to add an edge to your outfits.

You’ll also find similar styles from Amazon and Steve Madden

Valentino Garvani Rockstud Ankle Strap Pump | 40plusstyle.com

Valentino Garvani Rockstud Ankle Strap Pump

Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik is another big favorite from the Sex and the City series. If you watched it, you’ll remember the scene where Carrie left her blue Manolos in the apartment she shared with Big. After getting the shoes, the pair bumped into each other and reconciled.

You could also try the flat version if you aren’t a big fan of heels.

Also look at similar styles from Badgley Mischka Collection and Amazon

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Crystal Buckle Pump | 40plusstyle.com

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Crystal Buckle Pump

tom ford

TOM FORD is renowned for edgy minimalism. The little padlock detail lets you know this is a Tom Ford style. A perfect pair if you don’t have to walk too far but can sit down for the night and show them off.

TOM FORD Padlock Naked Pointy Toe Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

TOM FORD Padlock Naked Pointy Toe Sandal

TOM FORD Padlock-Detail Leather Pumps | 40plusstyle.com

TOM FORD Padlock-Detail Leather Pumps

Fendi

Fendi‘s logo will add a designer element and a print to your outfits. Ideal to add interest to your neutral outfits. You could wear the pair of slingbacks (below) with a pair of white pants, or your favorite jeans.

Fendi Colibrì FF Logo Pointed Toe Slingback Pump | 40plusstyle.com

Fendi Colibrì FF Logo Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

saint laurent

If you’d like to shout loud and proud about the designer you are wearing, you could try a pair of YSL sandals like the logo shoes or a slingback sandal if you prefer a lower heel.

Saint Laurent Cassandra YSL Logo Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Saint Laurent Cassandra YSL Logo Sandal

Saint Laurent Blade Square Toe Slingback Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Saint Laurent Blade Square Toe Slingback Sandal

mach & mach

I’ve seen versions of the Mach & Mach ribbon shoe all over the high street recently. For the original, you could choose the red pumps (below).

Steve Madden has also created a similar pair in a good choice of colors. Reviewers say they are elegant, and perfect for a special occasion. If you have a wedding invitation this year, they could be perfect.

Mach & Mach Crystal Double Bow Pointed Toe Pump| 40plusstyle.com

Mach & Mach Crystal Double Bow Pointed Toe Pump

Chloé

For a summer shoe, you could try the slide sandals (below) by Chloé, which would be ideal for slipping on with your favorite summer dress or shorts.

Chloé Woody Logo Slide SandalChloé Woody Logo Slide Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Chloé Woody Logo Slide Sandal

tory burch

Tory Burch gives you a designer look with a more affordable pricetag than some of the big name designers. A pair of ballet flats will never go out of style.

Tory Burch Eleanor Ballet Flat | 40plusstyle.com

Tory Burch Eleanor Ballet Flat (Nordstrom)

Balenciaga

If you’re a logo lover, then Balenciaga is a good designer to try. You can opt for sneakers for a designer look if you prefer to wear casual outfits. The high tops (below) would be ideal for an urban look.

You could also try this similar style from Amazon which reviewers say are lightweight and comfortable.

Balenciaga Speed 2.0 LT Sock Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Balenciaga Speed 2.0 LT Sock Sneaker

Golden Goose

Another sneaker choice for you, Golden Goose‘s shoes are recognizable immediately from their star on the side.

Golden Goose Super-Star Glitter Detail Low Top Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Golden Goose Super-Star Glitter Detail Low Top Sneaker

COACH

COACH gives you another way to get a logo’d look without a major pricetag. The canvas sneakers (below) would go well with your jeans, or would be good for your travel outfits.

COACH Coated Canvas Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

COACH Coated Canvas Sneaker

Comme des Garçons PLAY

Comme des Garçons PLAY is another choice to look for if you love a designer sneaker. The little heart with eyes poking out from the sole of the shoe gives the sneakers (below) a playful touch.

Converse also makes a good choice of low and high tops if you want a similar look.

Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor® Low Top Sneaker | 40plusstyle.com

Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor® Low Top Sneaker

Do you have a pair of designer shoes in your closet? Or are you thinking of adding one? What do you think the best designer shoes are?

Like this article on the best designer shoes that won’t go out of style? Share it on Pinterest!

The best designer shoes that will never go out of style | 40plusstye.com

shop the items above here:

Continue reading:

  1. The 10 Best Designer Handbags You Can Definitely Afford
  2. Best Designer Shoes To Invest In Now – And Wear For Years
  3. The Most Comfortable Heels That Look Hip AND Are Comfortable To Wear
The best designer shoes that will never go out of style | 40plusstye.com

Feature image by Sylvia @sylviacolella

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