The best affordable designer shoe brands to shop now
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
By Far
With the label selling a very covetable range of Nineties-inspired strappy sandals and mules, it's hardly a surprise that By Far boasts a list of famous fans that includes Priyanka Chopra, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. The label's success lies behind its unique and instantly recognisable styles that come in every colour you could want – and with prices at around £300, you might even be able to snap up more than one pair.
Wandler
Known first for its incredibly chic belt bags and trapeze-shaped handbags, the Dutch accessories label later launched footwear, much to the delight of its many fans. The first few collections have been filled with colourful patent styles in the form of square-toed mules, zebra-print and snakeskin kitten-heeled booties and chic woven leather heels.
Cult Gaia
As is so often the case with contemporary labels these days, Cult Gaia stormed into the mainstream with one cult piece that every influencer wanted to get her hands on, the bamboo Arc bag. However, the label proved that it's far more than a one hit wonder, continuing to deliver statement architectural-inspired accessories time and time again. When it comes to the brand's footwear, expect sculptural heels, plenty of colour and unique woven styles.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Castañer
A favourite of fashion editors and royals alike (both Kate and Meghan have a pair), Castañer is an excellent destination for summer shoes. The brand – which dates back as far as 1927 – is known for its lace-up wedge espadrilles, which come in a vast array of colours and heights. As comfortable as they are stylish, a pair of these will see you through any summer occasion, from holidays to weddings, work to the weekend.
Ganni
Not strictly a shoe label of course, but Scandi brand Ganni's accessories have become just as well-known as its vibrant dresses, making it a great destination for mid-priced designer footwear. Head here for a range of chic cowboy boots, seriously chunky trainers, comfortable yet cool sandals and printed loafers that will instantly enhance your look.
Aeydē
Another great name to know for impossibly chic footwear at surprisingly affordable prices is German label Aeydē which launched in 2015 – and has been making seriously covetable shoes ever since. Bookmark it for great everyday footwear (from trusty boots to pointy flats) as well as more statement pieces, including colourful, fun, strappy sandals.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Miista
For cool and unexpected footwear, like square-toed boots and loafers or super chunky sandals, look to Miista, the East London label which loves to play around with shapes and colours and has become a firm favourite with some of the best-known fashion influencers on Instagram.
Brother Vellies
New York-based accessory label Brother Vellies, which was founded by Aurora James, has risen in popularity over the past few years for its elegant yet wearable collections. Standout designs include cow-print boots, feathered strappy heels and printed slides – all of which are sure to make a statement. The best bit? The label is all about preserving traditional African design practices and techniques – and artisans from across the African continent (including in Kenya, South Africa and Namibia) work on the designs, which are all sustainably and ethically created.
Neous
Another contemporary label known for its unique and unexpected styles is Neous, an Italian shoe brand that keeps up to date, without being completely trend-led (meaning these shoes won't just last you a few seasons). From rectangular heels to perspex pumps and sculptural mules, head here for something a little bit different.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
ATP Atelier
In 2010, Stockholm-based friends Jonas Clason and Maj-La Pizzelli decided to launch ATP Atelier (All Tomorrow's Parties). The pair wanted to create a city sandal, only ever finding casual beach alternatives. This mix of fine Italian craftsmanship with their Scandi minimalism and a commitment to sustainability has proven hugely successful for the label. Head here to put a luxe spin on your sandal collection.
Andrea Wazen
Arizona Love
If you follow any fashion influencers on Instagram, then you probably will have seen Arizona Love's unique sandals on more than a few occasions. The brand – which was launched by French designer Leslie Halfon – has won over plenty of the world's most stylish women with its flat, canvas sandals, many of which are made with vintage bananas, while others are adorned with chunky pearls.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Studio Amelia
Another great name to consider for elegant footwear is Studio Amelia, a label known for its barely-there strappy sandals and flats, and for its sustainable approach to fashion, where it releases just two core collections each year.
Yuul Yie
Korean designer Sunyuul Yie launched Yuul Yie almost a decade ago – and the label has since become renowned for its fun and stylish designs, many of which feature its signature sculptural heel made up of a pyramid and a ball. It is a great brand to know for unique styles that are still extremely wearable – slingbacks that you could wear to the office, but with the added touch of a pearl heel.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Just as the name suggests, these shoes are all inspired by Greek gods, myths and sculpture. From elegant lace-up flats to chic sliders and luxurious leather styles, Ancient Greek Sandals is a favourite for comfortable footwear that will see you through any holiday in style.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Reike Nen
Another designer hailing from Seoul who is nailing it in the contemporary footwear department is Reike Nen, who takes typically traditional shoes and turns them on their head with trendy touches. From Mary-Janes to ankle boots and loafers, this is a great name to know for jazzed-up classics.
Porte & Paire
If you want sleek classics that won't date, look to Porte & Paire whose designs are all about versatility with shoes which are designed to be easy to style. From sturdy loafers and slip-on trainers to simple lace-up sandals and slinky heels, there is something for every occasion in these collections.
Staud
You won't have missed Staud's cult handbags, which won over the street-style set a few years ago – and the label is now proving that it has the same pulling power when it comes to shoes. From a mini wedged mule to colourful strappy sandals and a very elegant take on the kit-flop, head here for head-turning styles that are far more affordable than they look.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Simon Miller
Originally launched as a men's denim label, Simon Miller has now made a name for itself in the contemporary accessory market, creating elegant and modern footwear (and cult handbags). Look to the brand for leather slingbacks you would wear for years, as well as more fashion-forward chunky platform sandals and square-toed boots that could elevate your everyday look.
Veja
If it is affordable trainers you are after, then make sure to check out Veja, a sustainable footwear label which is known to be loved by the likes of the Duchess of Sussex and Emily Ratajkowski. From the vegan leather bright white styles to the brand's canvas and colourful offerings, Veja is an excellent place to shop affordable high-end shoes.
Watch Next
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfqrhwssCsn6KnnmTEqa3TZquoZaearrN7xmtvbXFibX1ye8CfnaiqlJavrbGMrJ%2BonV2ZsrS1xqecq2WSp66vsNJo