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.
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.
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 Spray
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.
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.
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.
Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer
CHANEL
CHANEL‘s toe cap shoes are iconic. You could choose a pair of heels or flat ballet pumps.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 (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
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
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.
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
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?
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Continue reading:
- The 10 Best Designer Handbags You Can Definitely Afford
- Best Designer Shoes To Invest In Now – And Wear For Years
- The Most Comfortable Heels That Look Hip AND Are Comfortable To Wear
Feature image by Sylvia @sylviacolella
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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