There are shoes, and then there are shoe icons. Many designer shoes have made their way into popular culture. Who could forget Carrie Bradshaw, for example, and her shoe closet in Sex and the City? If you’re thinking about investing in a pair of your own, you’ll find the best designer shoes in truly timeless styles below.
While there’s no doubt investing in a pair of designer shoes can be more expensive than high street options, they tend to hold their value. Plus, if you choose a pair in a style that won’t date you can wear them for many years to come.
How to choose a pair of designer shoes
Before taking a look at some of the best designer shoe options to choose, let’s think about what to consider when choosing a pair:
1. Make sure they’re comfortable
Just because they are beautiful, that doesn’t mean a pair of designer shoes can’t be comfortable. Make sure they fit you perfectly as you don’t just want them to be an expensive ornament on your shoe shelf.
Go for classic
While there are many different shoe trends which make their way onto the catwalks each season, if you are investing in a pair of designer shoes, then it’s likely – unless you have an unlimited budget – that you will want to choose a timeless pair so you can wear them season after season.
Don’t forget your style personality
The wonderful thing about choosing designer shoes is that every designer has a very different style, so you’re sure to find one which mirrors your own style personality.
Best designer shoes
Now that you’re thinking about the type of designer shoes you might want, read on to find the most iconic shoes from the world’s best designers, whether you’re happy to wear high heels, or you prefer a pair of flats, no matter what the season.
Christian Louboutin pumps
Christian Louboutin‘s iconic red sole is perhaps the most recognizable item of footwear of all time. Louboutin is often famous for very high stilettos like the Pigalle pump, which you may love if you’re happy to walk in four-inch heels.
But, if you prefer a lower heel, you might prefer the Kate kitten heel pump, which has a more wearable 2-and-a-quarter inch heel.
Christin Louboutin ‘Kate’ pointed toe pump
Valentino Rockstud flats
Valentino’s Rockstud pump as worn by Alice (above) are instantly recognizable. However, like many designer shoes, the original does come complete with a four-inch heel.
For a more feet friendly, yet equally iconic and stylish look, how about a pair of studded ballet flats?
Valentino Garavani ‘Rockstud ‘pointed toe ballerina flat
Chanel toe-cap slingback
The Chanel toe-cap style is another style icon, whether you choose a pair of ballet flats, espadrilles or heels. The neutral shades and classic styling make the toe-cap style a good choice for those of you with a classic style personality.
Chanel goatskin & grosgrain slingback
Gucci loafers
The Gucci horsebit loafer was first invested back in 1953, so you can be sure this is a style which isn’t going anywhere. You could choose a convertible loafer with a back that collapses to look like a mule, or choose an on-trend backless mule like the Princetown style (below).
Elke (above) wears a Gucci loafer which is perfect with her skinny jeans and oversized blazer.
Gucci ‘Princetown’ loafer mule
Gucci sneakers
If you love to be comfortable but you still want to choose a designer brand, a pair of sneakers could be a good choice for you.
Gucci’s sneakers have definitely been having a style moment over the past few seasons, whether you choose the Gucci bee design, pearls, or florals. I like the more subtle logo on the white sneakers below.
Gucci ‘New Ace’ genuine python logo tennis sneaker
There’s more inspiration in this article on how to wear sneakers.
Prada boots
If you want a pair of winter boots that definitely go out of style, then it’s hard to think of a better option than a pair of black, low-heeled riding boots. These Prada riding boots (below) feature buckle detailing and the Prada stamp at the top.
Also take a look at the best winter boots for women over 40.
Saint Laurent pumps
Balanced on an interlocking YSL-logo heel, these Saint Laurent pumps (below) have a slight 80s feel to them, but are still timeless and on-trend. You could easily wear these with a little black dress for formal events, or with jeans and a blazer for a less formal lunch or dinner.
Saint Laurent ‘Opyum’ pointed toe slingback pump
Jimmy Choo pumps
Just about every celebrity you can think of has donned a pair of Jimmy Choos on the red carpet, from Sandra Bullock to Renee Zellweger, Helle Berry to Reese Witherspoon. If you’re thinking about investing in a pair of your own, how about a block-heel style like those below?
Jimmy Choo ‘Billie’ suede pump
Salvatore Ferragamo bow ballet flats
Bows are particularly on trend for winter and fall 2020. You’ll see plenty of them on the catwalks when looking at shoe and accessory trends for the new season.
Plus, they’re one of those details that will still be on style year-after-year. These modern ballet flats (below) from Salvatore Ferragamo will look great worn with your slimline pants or jeans.
Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Viva’ blow ballet flat
Manolo Blahnik pumps
Carrie famously wore Manolo Blahnik’s, most notably for her wedding to Big in Sex and the City. These blue Hangisi shoes are the same ones worn by Sarah Jessica Parker. They also come in a ballet pump option if you prefer flats over heels.
Manolo Blahnik ‘Hangisi’ pointed toe pump
Alexander McQueen sandals
Alexander McQueen is known for edgy styling and a pair of McQueen shoes will give any outfit a little oomph while still standing the test of time. This designer could be a good choice for you if you have an architectural or a urban style personality.
Alexander McQueen slide sandal
Tory Burch ballet flats
Another timeless, and more affordable option than some designer choices is the Tory Burch travel flat. You’ll find this style is issued in different colors and neutrals every season.
Tory Burch ‘Minnie’ travel ballet flat
Fendi mules
While Fendi is renowned for its bags and travel luggage, you’ll also find timeless shoe styles to choose from, like these pointed toe mules (below).
Fendi FF embossed logo pointed toe mule
See by Chloé platforms
Chloé often showcases a carefree, slightly bohemian style. These espadrille-style wedges (below) are a case in point. They would look great worn with dresses, white jeans, cropped jeans or wide-legged pants when the weather warms up a little.
See by Chloé ‘Gyn’ platform espadrille sandal
Isabel Marant booties
Having already taken a look at a pair of knee-high boots, you may wish to add a pair of booties to your closet. Isabel Marant’s booties (below) have a slightly cowboy-style feel, and would look good worn with tights and dresses for transitional dressing, with skinny jeans tucked into them, or bootcut styles worn over them.
Isabel Marant ‘Dacken’ stitch bootie
Tod’s driving shoes
They may be called driving shoes, but you don’t have to save them just for the car. Tod’s loafers were famously worn by Princess Diana and are still on-trend today. You could wear them with your jeans, shorts or dresses – perfect to finish a preppy look.
Tod’s ‘Gommini’ driving moccasin
Thom Browne loafer pump
Another good brand to look out for if you have a preppy or a classic style personality is Thom Browne. Heeled loafers are particularly on trend this season and won’t go out of style any time soon.
Thom Browne block heel loafer pump
Roger Vivier
For a pair of flats that would look equally good worn with your work suit, party dress or with jeans, how about a pair of pointed, buckle-detail flats from Roger Vivier? The animal print is a perennial style staple too, so you know you’ll be able to wear these for many years.
Roger Vivier ‘Gommettine’ buckle leopard pointed toe flat
Malone Souliers flats
Easily recognizable because of their double strap detail, Malone Souliers are another very stylish pointed flat option. Choose a neutral shade and they will go with everything in your closet.
Malone Souliers pointy toe flat
Giuseppe Zanotti sandals
If you have a glamorous style personality, then Giuseppe Zanotti will definitely suit your styling. A pair of sparkly sandals will look great worn for summer or with your evening wear.
Giuseppe Zanotti crystal embellished slide sandal
Do you already have any of these designer shoes in your closet? If you could own one pair, which one would it be?
Continue reading:
- The 10 Best Designer Handbags You Can Definitely Afford
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- The Best Ballet Flats To Go With Everything In Your Closet
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Feature image by Alice
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