There's no point denying the unadulterated bliss created by slipping on a pair of exquisite designer shoes. Footwear fanatics painstakingly saving their cash so they can soon add to their repertoire? We totally get it.
But thoughtfully designed, quality shoes needn't cost the earth, and if you know where to look, you're halfway there.
READ: 10 stylish pairs of closed-toe sandals to boost your summer 2023 shoe game
Contrary to what you may have heard, affordable designer shoes are not merely an urban fashion myth. In fact, there are plenty of covetable styles out there that are far more purse-friendly than their eye-wateringly expensive counterparts.
How we chose the best affordable designer shoes
- Style: Naturally, a super flattering shoe silhouette is essential. When scouring the internet's top designer fashion sites for the best pairs, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend for SS23 or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability. Where possible, we made full use of model images, checking that the shoes looked stylish from all angles. We also took into account the fact that it is (finally!) summer, curating a selection of pairs that are perfect for the warm weather. Compiling your holiday capsule wardrobe will be a total breeze…
- Price: Designer shoes can be seriously pricey, with many cult-adored pairs retailing well beyond the £1,000 mark. A nasty shock for your wallet. However, they needn't cost a bomb, not when the designer fashion market has expanded to include labels that cater to different price points. So, if you fancy a treat beyond the upper end of the high street, all the styles featured below cost less than £300.
- Quality: Part of the reason why designer shoes can cost so much, beyond lavish marketing campaigns, is because the quality of craftsmanship is second to none. All the featured styles combine raw materials with meticulous construction processes. Many are created by artisans, testament to the utmost attention to detail.
Hello! Fashion shares the best pairs of affordable designer shoes to shop now:
Slides
No holiday packing list is complete without a pair of easy-breezy slip-ons. If you're after a waterproof pair to accompany your poolside 'fit, Rag & Bone's ergonomic platforms are quietly cool, whereas if you prefer slides of the leather variety, check out those by Dragon Diffusion.
Mules
Super flattering and easy to wear, mules are the fuss-free footwear seeker's dream. Senso consistently delivers with minimalist styles (mostly all under £200), and Vicenza reigns supreme when it comes to party pizzazz.
Flip flops
For a classic, barely-there flip flop, Tkees ought to be your first port of call. You won't need to break the bank – its hero styles cost under £100 and can be worn with practically everything. A.Emery is also great for low-key chic, whereas if you want something more high impact, Coperni's cult-adored flip flop wedges are widely available at a reduced price point.
Flat sandals
For those seeking elegant flat sandals, consider yourself spoilt rotten. There are heaps of reasonably priced brands that excel in this area – think St. Agni, ATP Atelier, and Reformation. But we have a sartorial soft spot for one of the pioneers in this area, Ancient Greek Sandals, and are currently lusting after its 'Ofis' design.
MORE: 90s-style shoes that are having a moment in 2023
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Clogs
Clogs are a retro classic, and if channelling a 1970s It-girl is on your 2023 summer agenda, Aeyde has you covered (quite literally). If instead you prefer an open-toe Y2K clog, footwear specialist Scholl (yes, really) has teamed up with Re/Done to produce a seriously stylish selection featuring wooden soles and vintage hardware.
Kitten heels
Kitten heels are ideal for comfort but sometimes can fall short in their ability to flatter the ankle. Both By Far and Staud boast some excellent designs – and we adore the latter label's 'Brigitte' style for a clean, vintage-esque line.
Espadrilles
Most espadrilles are made from the vegetable fibre jute – enabling an affordable price point. Penelope Chilvers and Castañer specialise in the popular summer shoe style, and what we can't quite get our heads around is how nature-defyingly comfortable they are.
Clear shoes
Not a day goes by without us lusting after a pair of everyone's favourite cult-adored PVC heels. Want to get the look for less? Check out Aussie label Tony Bianco for a stylish see-through shoe moment.
Minimalist sandals
Lovers of low-key chic will fall head over heels for styles by Studio Amelia, Porte & Paire and Brother Vellies. At the top of our summer shoe wish list sits Porte & Paire's 80mm heels featuring understated toe loops and buckle-fastening straps.
Trainers
Every girl needs a chic pair of designer trainers, sans squawky logo detailing. Styles by Saye, Axel Arigato and Veja feel effortlessly cool, perfect for a no-thought-required outfit accompaniment.
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