We're Fashion Editors Who Try Tons of Shoes—These 9 Affordable Brands Are Some of Our Favorites

My favorite part about my job is that I get to spend a lot of time shopping. It's a rare day when my laptop screen isn't dominated by 30-plus tabs featuring products from every corner of the e-commerce world. Now, being six years into my digital-fashion-editor career, I feel like a walking, talking encyclopedia of digital shopping info. I can often guess a product's exact price, give or take $20, and have an arsenal of knowledge whenever someone needs brand recommendations for something specific. Case in point: affordable shoe brands.

I am always on the hunt for a good deal for both my readers and myself. Riding on a tight budget is practically my life motto. For all those on the same page, I figured it'd be helpful to list out my favorite spots to find chic and reliable shoes under $200. Now, I am very aware that there are plenty of places to grab $20 shoes as well, but today I'm focusing on this particular price range. These nine brands ahead deliver on long-lasting quality without sacrificing style.

Madewell

"I'm always impressed by Madewell's shoes. They don't look cheap in the slightest and they're super comfortable. I also like that they're not overly trendy. If they have a pair of red Mary Janes (which they do), for example, they still look classic." — Alyson Payer, senior editor

Steve Madden

"As a fashion editor, I love to keep up with footwear trends but can't always fathom forking over the funds to buy into every single one—thankfully, Steve Madden is out here doing God's work for the girlies. Whenever I've worn a pair of shoes from the brand (albeit a pair of buckle-adorned slingbacks or mesh ballet flats), someone always manages to stop me to ask me where my shoes are from; they're always conversation starters. On top of that, with any affordable footwear brand, it can be hard to discern whether the fit and quality will be great, but Steve Madden shoes are pretty consistent regarding their sizing and materials." — Jasmine Fox Suliaman, efitor

A.Emery

"A.emery makes the cutest, high quality leather sandals. I just stocked up on a few new pairs for summer that I already know I'll wear all the time to work, on weekends, and for vacations too. Most pairs hover right around $200 and will last many many wears." — Michaela Bushkin, branded content fashion director

Zara

"There's something so fun and trendy about Zara shoes. When I'm out searching IRL at one of the brand's stores in the city or browsing though dozens of pages online, the retailer's chic, can't-miss styles always take my breath away—but there's no sticker shock here. Most of my favorite pairs I've bought and worn over the years ring in under-$100. It doesn't get better than that." — Ana Escalante, assistant shopping editor

Vibi Venezia

"I love Vibi Venezia's beautiful flats because they're a great return on investment. For $150 a pair, you're getting a chic, comfortable shoe that's handmade in Italy with the most sumptuous fabrics and colors. They look and feel like luxury but are somehow priced like the opposite." — Anna LaPlaca, senior fashion editor

Sam Edelman

"Not only are these Sam Edelman shoes instant classics, but they're constant wardrobe saviors coming in hot under $200. If I'm ever in an outfit pinch, I know these classic styles from the brand will always take my outfit from 0 to 100, real quick." — Ana Escalante, assistant shopping editor

G.H. Bass

"G.H.Bass makes amazing (and comfortable!) loafers that look designer, but ring in under $200. I've worn my favorite black-and-white style for years and have walked miles in them in cities like Paris, New York City, and Chicago." — Bobby Schuessler, market director

Jeffrey Campbell

"Jeffrey Campbell has never let me down. They have dozens of styles that I've seen gone viral over the last few months, including the brand's adorable mesh flats that convinced me to try out the trend myself. Plus, they're all on the affordable side, meaning I don't feel guilty about splurging on a pair every now and then." — Chichi Offor, associate shopping editor

Charles & Keith

"I'll say it once and I'll say it again, Charles & Keith is one of my favorite brands to get shoes from. Nearly all of my most complimented (and comfortable!) pairs are from the Singapore-based brand, a notable fact a ton of other editors can agree on, too. While there's plenty of options are different price-points from the brand, all of my favorite pairs ring in under the $150 benchmark. It doesn't get better than that."

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