I Hate Buying Cheap Shoes, But I'd Buy These Anyway
Don’t get me wrong: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying anything cheap. In fact, I celebrate an amazing, affordable fashion find, but as a general rule of thumb, when it comes to accessories, I make a big effort to invest in high-quality pieces I know I’ll wear forever whenever I can. Consider it a side-effect of throwing away one too many fast-fashion, trendy heels over the course of the last several years.
Nonetheless, there are, as always, a few cases in which I make exceptions. For example, if the shoes are cute and they hit on a trend I’m not ready to invest a ton of money in yet. Or if the shoes are they’re so good and expensive-looking that I’d be a fool to say no. Or lastly, if they’re truly everyday shoes and I foresee wearing them a lot and walking around in them, in which case I’d prefer to buy something on the affordable side, rather than splurging on something I may damage from overuse.
As you can see, my criteria aren’t the easiest to meet, which is why I feel pretty confident in saying that if there are cheap shoes I’d buy, they’re probably worth buying. On that note, shop the under-$100 pairs I’m loving and considering adding to my cart (if I haven’t already) below.
As seen on me in the opening photo.Available in sizes 6 to 11.
These wooden heels not only give you a little height, but they add a light touch to these black sandals.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
Name a cuter pair of vacation sandals.Available in sizes 5 to 12.
One of my favorite chunky sneaker options on the market right now.Available in sizes 5 to 10.
Doesn’t get more flattering than a nude pair of “naked” shoes.Available in sizes 5 to 11.
Minimalist, strappy sandals are having a moment right now. Available in sizes 4.5 to 11.5
As someone who mostly buys neutrals, I tend to choose metallic shoes because they truly go with everything. Available in sizes 5 to 12.
The kind of sandals you wear every day in the summer.Available in sizes 36 to 41.
If your job requires you to wear sensible pumps, consider this forward-feeling pair.Available in sizes 6 to 9.5.
Pair these with blue jeans and a white T-shirt for a zero-effort outfit.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
I love low-heeled black slides because they’re casual but still give you extra height and go with everything.Available in sizes 5 to 11.
I don’t even really like polka dots, but I can’t help but be obsessed with these.Available in sizes 6 to 11.
From the crystals to the toe-ring, there’s so much to love about these on-trend and affordable heels.Available in sizes 5 to 11.
One of many strappy heels I love right now.Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.
They may not be seasonally appropriate per say, but I’d wear these beauties anyway (or at least hold on to them).Available in sizes 6 to 11.
These have a ’90s element to them that feels really cool.Available in sizes 34 to 41.
These are making me consider trading in my beloved Air Max sneakers. Available in sizes 5 to 11.
Like silver, I’m also very into mauve as a neutral.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
Now, for the opposite end of spectrum, see the designer shoe brand women who can have it all still stick to.
Opening Images: @laurenegg; @trustmebuythis
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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