These Are Our 10 Smartest Designer-Shoe Purchases Ever

As Who What Wear editors, we're very discerning shoppers, especially when it comes to designer shoes. After all, they can be quite expensive, and there are so many to choose from. Given the options and our admitted pickiness, when we say that something is the "smartest" purchase we've made in a certain category, we mean it.

We're particularly passionate about designer shoes, and while we love a good affordable find, there are certain designer pairs that we fully believe are worthy of the investment, as you'll wear them over and over and will likely receive loads of compliments on them. So I asked my lovely colleagues to spill their most useful, most versatile, and most-worn pair of designer shoes to date. I must confess that I now want them all.

Below, you can shop our editors' go-to designer shoes as well as a few pairs that we wish we owned.

Lauren Eggertsen, Editorial Director

"I will admit I bought these flats the second they came out so I could get in on the trend, but they ended up being one of my favorite classic-feeling pieces in my closet. I wear them almost as much as I wear my Manolo Maysale suede mules (which is a lot) because they make any casual outfit feel 10 times more elevated. I love the rich brown and the fact that the satin texture makes even my most worn-in jeans feel fancy."

Shop Lauren's Picks

Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, Editor-at-Large

"I never thought I'd get this much use out of black wedge slingbacks, but these shoes really surprised me. Aside from being pretty, they're the perfect height for wearing anywhere and so comfortable that I end up reaching for them over and over again."

Shop a Similar Pair

Bobby Schuessler, Market Director

"I got these Saint Laurent loafers on sale from Italist last year, and they quickly became one of my go-to pairs because of their versatility. They legit go with everything, and I've worn them both with dressier and more casual ensembles. I also like the subtle YSL logo that isn't too flashy."

Shop Bobby's Pick

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, Editor

"As much as I tried to escape the grip of Miu Miu's satin ballet flats, I eventually caved into buying them. For my credit, I did take some time to get to that point. I was dubious about them being a worthwhile purchase because they're made from satin, which isn't an ideal material for walking around the streets of New York City. But after finding the white version of these flats with tags on The RealReal, I decided to just go for it. Spoiler: It was the best decision I've made all summer. Once I unwrapped them, I got the hype around them, as they're incredibly beautiful. On top of that, they're so well-made and fit comfortably. (I got them in a size 39.) I've honestly never owned a more functional pair of designer shoes in my life, and it's actually scary how easy these shoes are to wear and style. While I'll have to be on top of keeping them clean, I know they're the type of shoes I can wear for years to come. I definitely don't regret letting my instincts take over."

Shop Jasmine's Pick

Eliza Huber, Editor

"Unfortunately, my favorite black Prada pumps aren't available anymore, but this similar slingback style is just as classic and versatile. I'd been searching for a simple yet elevated pair of black point-toe pumps for a while, knowing that they'd be perfect for work as well as any dressed-up occasion. Since I'm pretty ride or die when it comes to Prada, the brand was an obvious source. I love that the logo on the front is about as low-key as a logo can get, and the heel height makes them shockingly easy to walk miles around NYC in." 

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Allyson Payer, Senior Editor

"To provide a bit of context, this photo was taken in 2017. That's how long I've had these Gucci Jordaan loafers. In shoe years, they've led a long, full life. But they still look as beautiful as they do in this photo. I've yet to meet a more comfortable and polished pair of loafers in my lifetime, and l already plan on replacing them if they ever do bite the dust. When it's elevated sneakers I want, you'll find me in my Loewe Ballet Runners. They look good with literally everything, but they're often sold out—let this be your warning."

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Kristen Nichols, Associate Director of Special Projects

"Without a doubt, Chanel's slingback heels rank as the best designer shoes I've ever purchased. They go with everything, from slip skirts to dresses to jeans, and are the most comfortable heels I own. I've worn them so much that my original pair is very worn-in, so I just bought a second pair to replace them."

Shop Kristen's Pick

Anna LaPlaca, Editor

"When I purchased these Miu Miu ballet flats from the spring 2016 collection years ago, I never could have predicted that they'd see a resurgence. But their comeback this year has inspired me to wear them in plenty of new ways, and they've quickly graduated to one of my most-worn pairs of shoes."

Shop Anna's Pick

Shop More Designer Shoes We Love

Next up, The 5 Trends That'll Be the Backbone of My Fall 2023 Wardrobe