People Assume These $60 Zara Shoes Are High Designer (and I Let Them)

In case you haven't noticed, we're dialing the clocks back to the 1950s and '60s fashion-wise and revisiting some of the defining items of the era. One such revival we're noticing is the return of almond pumps, a style that features rounded toes, low kitten heels, and glove-like uppers. The shoes have bubbled up on the runways and some of the key styles in the luxury space include The Row Almond Pumps and Loro Piana Rebecca Flats, both of which retail for north of $900. I, myself, had been eyeing the latter pair and may still invest in them, but in the meantime, I need to tell you about the perfect Zara version I found for just a fraction of what the designer pairs retail for.
At $60, Zara's Mini Heeled Leather Flats feature the same low block heels and curved toe shape that I was after. After years of shopping at Zara, I've learned to spot the items that have that It quality to them (and consequently, what to skip). Shoes can be tricky at Zara, but I stumbled upon this pair while scanning the new arrivals and had a gut instinct that they would hold up IRL, which I'm pleased to say was true.
See the Court Shoe Trend
Altuzarra's fall 2024 collection had an overtone of retro glamour, infused with items like pillbox hats and cigarette trousers. Many of the looks were finished with a pair of court shoes, either in black or cream.
The Row's Almond Pumps have become a spring It shoe. They debuted in the brand's winter 2024 collection where they were married to beautiful laser-cut dresses and refined wool outerwear.
See my $60 Zara find
When I received them in the mail, I was pleased to find that the leather was extremely soft and malleable. It's a detail that makes them look premium for being Zara, but it also means that there is no break-in period. I've already spent many dawn-to-dusk days running around NYC in them and have been completely pain-free, so it's safe to say they're my new everyday shoes.
As for styling, I've tried them with everything from jeans to miniskirts to cigarette trousers and have enjoyed each outfit. The shoes seem to instinctually make anything I wear them with look more sophisticated but without trying too hard.
More Buy-Worthy Zara Shoes
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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