15 Luxury Shoe Designers That Stand the Test of Time

Christian Louboutin

In 2023, Christian Louboutin celebrated the 30th anniversary of the brand’s famous signature: bright red soles, which started when Louboutin himself was unhappy with the black sole of a prototype shoe inspired by Andy Warhol’s ‘Flowers.” He borrowed a bottle of red nail polish from an assistant who had been painting her fingernails, and the rest is shoe history. While you can find anything from sneakers to loafers to pumps from the designer brand, the Louboutin name is synonymous with stiletto pumps. Celebs love them for a red carpet moment, from Cardi B (who referenced the famed red bottoms in her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow”) to Jennifer Lopez to Kerry Washington. Louboutins are sold at Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Sakes, and more.

Manolo Blahnik

So many of Carrie Bradshaw’s most memorable shoe moments were Manolo Blahnik, from the time she was robbed of her favorite sample sale strappy sandals at gunpoint to her unforgettable blue wedding shoes. And with the resurging popularity of kitten heels, celebs like Meghan Markle, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lawrence have worn Manolos. The lower end of prices is $700 and boots can be up around $2000. Manolo Blahniks can be purchased at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, and more.

Chanel

“Are you wearing the…?” Yep, the Chanel boots—and ballet flats, dad sandals, slingback heels, and more—need no further introduction. The house of Chanel was founded in 1910, but in 1957 they introduced the two-tone pumps that would become a signature style. The brand is also known for details like quilting that instantly recognizable interlocking Cs logo. The price of iconic footwear will cost you: flats typically start near $1,000 and boots could run upwards of $3,000. Finding new Chanel online is tough; you’ll want to hit a brick-and-mortar store for most purchases. A good selection of used Chanel is available on the RealReal.

Prada

The Prada brand dates back to 1913, but they didn’t introduce their first line of shoes until 1979. Under Miuccia Prada, the Italian house is known for impeccable craftsmanship and luxury leather goods, and their shoes are a part of that—from loafers to slingbacks to sneakers. Maya Hawke, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Megan Fox have all been seen in Prada footwear. Prices range from $750 to $3,200 and can be found at Prada or via Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and more.

Stuart Weitzman

Designer Stuart Weitzman’s eponymous shoe company has been producing minimalist heels, sandals, and over-the-knee boots since 1986. The Nudist sandal is a longtime red carpet staple, worn by celebs like Meghan Markle, Kim Kardashian, and Mindy Kaling, among others. and the brand’s stretchy, suede, over-the-knee boots are an off-duty favorite, spotted on Taylor Swift, Lily Aldrige, Selena Gomez, and more. Retail prices typically range from $295 to $950. You can purchase in Stuart Weitzman stores, on their website, and at retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter.

Gucci

The Gucci fashion house was founded in 1921, but their renowned Horsebit loafer made its debut in 1953. In addition to loafers, the brand’s sneakers have a fan following, and you can find heels and sandals in their repertoire as well. Celebs like Katie Holmes, Bella Hadid, and even Queen Elizabeth have worn the brand’s footwear. Prices can range from $450 to over $7,000, and various Gucci styles can be found at Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus.

Bottega Veneta

This Italian company, founded in 1966, is known for quality leather goods—including shoes, which the brand began making in the 1970s. Their signature leather weaving pattern, the Intrecciato, features on many of its shoes from slippers to pumps to sandals, along with other notable details like a knotted heel. The price range for Bottega footwear is $600 to $9,800, and in addition to their site and stores, shoes can be purchased at Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Maison Margiela

Cool girl brand Maison Margiela has two particular styles that have stood the test of time with the fashion girlies. The Japanese sock-inspired, split-toe Tabi shoes went viral thanks to a dating nightmare shared on TikTok, but the “ugly shoe” has been a staple in various iterations on this designer brand’s runways since the late 1980s. In addition to that controversial style, the Replica sneakers were introduced on the runway in 1999, a low-top design inspired by standard-issue German Army Trainers. Design elements have changed over the years, but the distinctive label detail remains. Celebs like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Olivia Rodrigo have all been spotted in Margiela shoes. Typical retail prices range from $475 to $6,800 and can be found at Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and more.

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo’s brand was established in 1996 by Jimmy Choo and Tamara Mellon, a former British Vogue accessories editor. The next year, Princess Diana wore a pair of the brand’s slingbacks on the red carpet. Add in some Carrie Bradshaw moments, followed by Michelle Obama’s inauguration ball shoes, and you’ve got all the makings of a legendary brand. Ranging in price from $450 to $10,000 for a pair of suede, crystal-covered boots, we love this brand for its over-the-top glamour.  Saks, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman.

Loeffler Randall

New York-based brand Loeffler Randall was started by female founder Jessie Randall and her husband Brian out of their apartment in Brooklyn in 2004. Their signature, ultra-feminine details like pleats and oversized bows have made them a special occasion favorite, particularly for weddings. Margot Robbie, Kate Middleton, and Sophie Turner (at her wedding to Joe Jonas) have all donned the brand’s shoes. Prices range from $195 to $695. In addition to their own site and stores, you can find Loeffler Randall shoes at Shopbop, Tuckernuck, Revolve, and more stores.

Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint’s eponymous shoe line was launched in 2013, when the designer was just 24 years old, but quickly became a favorite among women looking for luxurious but wearable footwear—Meghan Markle chose the brand for her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games back in 2017. Amal Clooney and Blake Lively have also been seen in Sarah Flint shoes. Styles currently range from $395 to $1495 and can be purchased on the Sarah Flint site or at one of their two stores in Dallas and Atlanta.

Sophia Webster

British accessories designer Sophia Webster launched her line in 2012 and quickly became known for her bold, creative designs, often featuring playful and whimsical details like butterflies and flamingos. Sarah Jessica Parker, Katy Perry, and Solange are just a few of the celebrities who’ve worn the designer’s shoes. Shoes are priced at $295 to $1,750 and can be found at Ssense, Farfetch, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and other retailers.

Valentino

You can’t have a conversation about it-shoes over the years without mentioning the Valentino RockStud. It came on the scene in 2010 and has been at least partially credited for revitalizing the legendary brand that’s been around for over six decades, and has just kept going with incredibly popular shoes. Last year, celebs like Florence Pugh, Vanessa Hudgens, and Anne Hathaway wore towering pairs of the Valentino Garavani platform sandals. Valentino shoes run from $950 to $2,100 and can be shopped at stores like Mytheresa, Bloomingdales, and more.

Ferragamo

In Florence in 1927, another timeless footwear brand was born. Marilyn Monroe was a fan of the brand and helped popularize their sleek stiletto pumps by wearing them in movies and in her regular life. In more recent times, celebs like Jessica Alba and Alexa Chung have worn the luxe flats and other Ferragamo shoes, which fall into a price range of $595 to $2,200. Retailers like Net-a-Porter and Saks Fifth Avenue carry the brand.

Roger Vivier

Roger Viver, known as the Fabergé of footwear for his artful designs, opened his first boutique in 1937 in Paris. The designer is known for his artful creations and the many esteemed women who’ve worn them—no less than a pair of gold pumps with a jeweled heel for Queen Elizabeth II at her 1953 coronation. Decades later, the brand has been worn on red carpets by celebs like Winnie Harlow, Maisie Williams, and Maude Apatow. Roger Vivier shoes are priced from $725 to $4,375 and can be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Net-a-Porter.

Original feature from InStyle.