Most fashion people are shoe people. Naturally, the Who What Wear team has collected our fair share of designer shoes over the years to add to our growing wardrobes. While it's quite easy to justify investing in a great coat or timeless bag, convincing yourself to spend hundreds of pounds on a pair of shoes that will see the city's worst (e.g. the floor of the underground at 2 a.m.) is a hard pill to swallow. Thankfully, there are lots of affordable options that just might satisfy your needs in lieu of spending thousands of pounds on a pair of boots.
Below, browse all of the designer shoes our editors are thinking about taking the plunge on—and the affordable options that are nearly as good at a fraction of the cost.
1. T-Bar Sandals
I'm a total sucker for simple, chic footwear—something that The Row specialises in more than any other brand. Unfortunately, I haven't exactly budgeted this month for £740 shoes no matter how gorgeous they are. To maintain the same look without completely blowing through my monthly allowance, I'm eyeing these T-Bar sandals from Mango.
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So cute.
These are perfect for any minimalist.
If you're into chunkier heels, this a great option.
2. Sculpted Heels
It's safe to say that Prada's warped Mary Jane pumps have permanently altered my brain chemistry. There's something so satisfying about the contrast between the Western stacked heel and the ultra-feminine Mary Jane style, but at £1050 a pop, it's not so satisfying for my wallet. This pair from Charles & Keith is doing a good job at filling the Prada-shaped hole in my heart at a mere fraction of the price. I bought them instead and have hardly looked back since. They're just as comfortable as they are cool.
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Hello, gorgeous.
A much subtler take on the slanted-heel trend.
The mule version is seamless for any beach-inspired outfit.
3. Sophisticated Slingbacks
I've been coming back to these Saint Laurent slingbacks every other day, but the price keeps holding me back from actually adding them to my cart. After a little research, I came across this Zara pair that just might do the trick without draining my shopping budget.
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Our tried and true classic.
These Sam Edelman heels have been calling my name since I saw them earlier this year.
The kitten heel should make these more comfortable than the average.
4. Metallic Heels
These ruched, silver Khaite slingbacks are my springtime dream shoe, but leave it to Zara to create a wonderful alternative. They're simpler than the Khaite pair, but they'll provide a similar trend-forward element to whatever outfits they're paired with.
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I've never met a pair of metallic heels I didn't like.
Another winner from Zara.
These will add a lot of fun to even the simplest look.
5. Circular Cutouts
Alaïa definitely falls into the less duplicatable of designer brands (there's so much intricate detail in every design), so when I fell in love with its sculptural mules, I didn't expect to find something similar within my price range. Jeffrey Campbell's version managed to nail the main elements of the Alaïa pair with a fun, modern twist of its own: an ankle strap and circle cutout.
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The gold heel hardware on this pair is absolutely stunning.
6. Ballerina Flats
Anyone who's anyone knows my love for ballerina flats. Frankly, they're the only thing I wear. And while I've shelled out an arm and a leg for not one, but two pairs of Miu Miu lace-up ballerinas, I can't justify buying a third pair even if they're slightly different with a satin finish and elastic strap. Maybe one day in the future I'll pick them up, but for now, I'll take the under-£80 Mango option. They have the same shape without being extremely out of my price range—a total win in my book.
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A structured option that's ideal with jeans.
If you're not into the elastic strap, this gathered version will definitely stay in place.
At £30, these are an absolute steal.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
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