The Best Luxury Shoe Brands in the World: 2022 Review of Top Designer Shoes
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The world’s leading luxury shoe brands have a few things in common — stunning design, avant-garde style, unparalleled comfort, and exclusivity. Looking for the perfect footwear to compliment your gorgeous Michael Kors or Saint Laurent handbag? Check out this curated selection of the top luxury shoe brands worldwide, topping the list with Burberry.
Top Luxury Shoe Brands Worldwide
Burberry - Best luxury shoe brand overall
Jimmy Choo - Best men’s shoe brand
Prada - Best Italian luxury shoe brand
Stuart Weitzman - Best women’s luxury shoe brand
Chanel - Best haute couture women’s shoe brand
Dior - Best legacy women’s shoe brand
Off-White - Best designer sneakers
Alexander McQueen - Best long-lasting luxury shoe brand
Designer shoes come with a pretty steep price tag. Are they worth it? Let’s look at the best luxury shoe brands to find out.
1. Burberry - Best Luxury Shoe Brand Overall - Ranking 4.9/5
Pros:
Legacy luxury fashion house.
Effortlessly refined, true-blue British style.
Well-recognized brand symbolism.
High-quality manufacturing.
Cons:
High maintenance.
Why Pick Burberry?
Burberry is synonymous with style and popularly regarded among the best luxury brands in the world. One of the biggest reasons for the Burberry appeal is that it identifies you as someone with refined taste and timeless grace.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Burberry?
To keep Burberrys looking their best, they require a fair amount of care and maintenance. If you don’t have the time, you may want to reconsider buying these luxury shoes. Alternatively, picking something on the lower end of the brand’s price range makes sense.
Burberry Ranking: 4.9/5
Overall Quality - 4.9/5
Burberry invests in the finest, premium and unique materials, such as soft suedes, full-grain leather, and waterproof rubbers. Every design in the Burberry collection is carefully designed of the highest quality, and the brand continues to be dedicated to its craft.
Cost - 4.8/5
Burberry shoes come with a luxury price tag. But the guaranteed quality of the Burberry brand makes it a worthy investment.
Variety in Design - 4.9/5
Embrace summer in the Hodgeson, a lightweight espadrille made from breathable canvas that promotes airflow and keeps your feet cool. For a practical, water-resistant choice that’s still stylish, opt for the Rowlette, a mid-calf boot design that will keep you comfortable on rainy days.
Pick the Haldworth boots made with patent leather and mixed fabric for stylish office wear.
Summary
Burberry should be your top pick if you’re shopping for luxury shoes and are ready to splurge. It is best known for its unique British identity and long-standing commitment to creativity, innovation, and lasting quality.
2. Jimmy Choo - Best Men’s Shoe Brand - Ranking 4.8/5
Pros:
Award-winning global luxury brand.
Exemplary Italian craftsmanship.
Made-to-order options for certain styles.
True to size.
Retail stores worldwide.
Cons:
Limited distribution.
Fakes on the market.
Why Pick Jimmy Choo?
Jimmy Choo’s claim to fame was his high-quality and uber-stylish handmade women’s shoes. He learned the craft of shoemaking from his father and established the brand, Jimmy Choo. The brand manufactures a range of styles for women, from iconic pumps to mules, designer boots, and more.
Even Princess Diana and Carrie Bradshaw wore them. So if you want to feel like a star, this one’s for you.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Jimmy Choo?
If you are not a discerning luxury shopper, beware of fakes on the market and postpone your purchase unless you’re buying from an official store.
Jimmy Choo Ranking: 4.8/5
Overall Quality - 4.9/5
Jimmy Choo rose to fame because of its intricate level of perfection, handcrafting each shoe, making only limited pieces available for purchase. Today the brand is synonymous with minimalistic-style shoes, and each piece is hand finished by local artisans, staying true to the brand legacy.
Cost - 4.7/5
The least expensive Choo is the jelly sandal, which retails at $175. However, the basic range of shoes, such as black pumps, textured flats, or slingbacks, are typically in the price range of $400 to $500. Special edition designs have been sold for up to $16,000.
Variety in Design - 4.8/5
The Romy Glittered Metallic-heel pumps will make you feel like a princess, while a pair of high-heeled pointed-toe black booties will make any outfit shine. Pair the snakeskin gladiator sandals with a matching Bottega Veneta sling back to add oodles of sex appeal.
Summary
Jimmy Choo has a long association with luxury wear, designed for discerning tastes and an upscale lifestyle. While it is most famous for its sky-high heels, the brand is now entering into more casual designs. Jimmy Choo is believed to have the most loyal customer base compared to other brands.
3. Prada - Best Italian Luxury Shoe Brand - Ranking 4.8/5
Pros:
Over 100-year-old legacy luxury brand.
Highly recognized name in the fashion industry.
Historically associated with British royalty.
Bright, playful designs and bold prints,
Cons:
Very discreet labeling.
Why Pick Prada?
Prada is among the top 15 international fashion brands. Prada sneakers are one of the most searched-for items online, and with good reason. These luxury sneakers are the epitome of street style. With a soft upper and a super cozy midsole, they are not just stylish but also ultra comfortable.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Prada?
Prada’s labeling is highly discreet. Therefore, if you’re the kind of person who would like the world to know that you’re wearing a luxury label, Prada might not be the right choice.
Prada Ranking: 4.9/5
Overall Quality - 4.9/5
Prada draws on the Italian tradition of discreet elegance and fine craftsmanship. The Italian label uses tough, durable synthetics and soft leather of high quality.
Cost - 4.85
Shoes start at $800, so if you’re looking for the perfect Prada shoes to match your outfit, be ready to shell out some hard cash.
Variety in Design - 4.9/5
Prada’s shoes have been described as classic and eccentric. The collection features a mix of sporty and formal inspirations with contemporary, minimalist designs. Womenswear includes designer loafers, ballet flats, slingback pumps, and espadrilles, among other iconic pieces. The men’s collection features brushed leather lace-up shoes, classic loafers, sneakers, and more.
Summary
Prada shoes continue to appeal to the young, affluent consumer. If you’re a lover of high-end fashion, you will appreciate Prada’s superior quality, outstanding designs, and distinctive look, a unique blend of playfulness and haute couture.
4. Stuart Weitzman - Best Women’s Luxury Shoe Brand - Ranking 4.7/5
Pros:
Spanish craftsmanship.
Precisely engineered fit.
Easy to maintain.
Cons:
Some sizing inconsistencies.
Some shoe styles are a bit hard to take off.
Why Pick Stuart Weitzman?
Stuart Weitzman pairs high fashion with high function and is one of the leading luxury shoe brands for women. It’s a household name in contemporary footwear and a great choice if you’re looking for women’s designer shoes that perfectly combine style and comfort.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Stuart Weitzman?
The hefty price tag is not for the faint of heart, so if you’re price sensitive, look at other options.
Stuart Weitzman Ranking: 4.8/5
Overall Quality - 4.7/5
Stuart Weitzman wants women to ‘Shine with every step.’ The iconic designs, dream-like fit, and comfortable, lightweight materials used by the brand make it seem like Stuart Weitzman is committed to that promise.
Cost - 4.5/5
The only main downside to owning a Weitzman is the exorbitant price tag. However, what you get for the cost is long-lasting quality. This is classic footwear, made to last for years, unlike other shoes, which generally last a season or two.
Variety in Design - 4.6/5
While Stuart Weitzman offers a wide range of footwear designs, the brand is best known for its women’s “over the knee” boots. These boots look amazing, are surprisingly comfortable, and pair well with everything from dresses to jeans.
Summary
The extensive women’s designer shoe range from Stuart Weitzman is crafted for every occasion. The footwear is timeless while staying on trend and appealing to the fashion sensibilities of women worldwide.
5. Chanel - Best Haute Couture Women’s Shoe Brand - Ranking 4.7/5
Pros:
Legacy, world-renowned brand.
Chic and comfortable.
Built to last.
True to size.
Cons:
Expensive.
Rated ‘not good enough’ on sustainability.
Why Pick Chanel?
Chanel is a timeless classic, and their shoe range is iconic. Their flats are comfortable and chic, while the Chanel slingbacks, touted as the “new Cinderella slippers” of the time, are customers’ most popular pick.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Chanel?
If you’re a hard walker, the soles of Chanel flats can wear off quickly, as with most flats. The brand has not done enough to make its manufacturing process more eco-friendly, so consider other luxury shoe brands if you’re looking to invest in sustainable fashion.
Chanel Ranking: 4.7/5
Overall Quality - 4.8/5
With Chanel, you get what you pay for — the quality, as one of the best haute couture luxury shoe brands for women, is indisputable. Their slingbacks have an elasticated strap for maximum comfort, while the block heel of the pumps gives you the support you need. With some care and maintenance, you can considerably extend the life of your Chanel shoes.
Cost - 4.7/5
Chanel is an investment at $1000+ for the slingback two-tone pumps (the most popular choice). However, it lets you dress up imaginatively and pairs well with almost anything.
Variety in Design - 4.7/5
From sandals to ballerinas, loafers, espadrilles, sneakers, and boots, there’s a wide range of designs to choose from. The brand also experiments with an array of seasonal colors and various finishes. Chanel shoes go with everything from skinny jeans to leggings, skirts, or dresses. Legacy brand in women’s footwear
Summary
Chanel is a must-add to your luxury shoe closet. The brand prioritizes sophistication and comfort and brings you the most beautifully crafted shoes. If you have expensive taste, this brand is worth the investment.
6. Dior - Best Legacy Women’s Shoe Brand - Ranking 4.8/5
Pros:
High-quality designs.
Cons:
Non-standard sizing.
Several ‘fakes’ on the market.
Why Pick Dior?
Dior is one of the best French-origin luxury fashion houses and a highly respected producer of quality shoes for women. Dior is renowned for its lavish, sophisticated, and well-engineered designs. Roger Vivier, the iconic designer who Christian Dior collaborated with, was the mastermind of the brand’s designs in its foundation years.
Roger Vivier is credited as the inventor of the ‘stiletto.’
Who Shouldn’t Pick Dior?
If you are a price-conscious shopper and don’t like paying more than the ‘fair’ price, skip major brands like Dior, which can seem overpriced.
Dior Ranking: 4.8/5
Overall Quality - 4.9/5
Dior is well known for remarkable craftsmanship and keen attention to detail. Each shoe is made from premium materials like leather, velvet, or canvas, sourced from the best suppliers in the world.
Cost - 4.8/5
Exclusivity comes at a price. Dior employs some of the best designers in the world and uses costly high-quality materials in its production process; this contributes to the whopping price tag.
Variety in Design - 4.8/5
Dior’s designer shoes are a perfect blend of elegance and modernity, with a keen focus on craftsmanship and artistry. The brand has been at the forefront of design innovation in women’s footwear since its inception and continues evolving to appeal to today’s women.
Summary
Dior is a luxury footwear brand that has maintained the top spot on women’s fashion favorite lists, with its lineup achieving cult status. Monsieur Christian Dior famously expressed, “You can judge whether a woman is elegant by looking at her feet,” and the brand seems to have stayed true to that mission.
7. Off-White - Best Designer Sneakers - Ranking 4.4
Pros:
Made by Louis Vuitton designer, Virgil Abloh.
Limited-edition designs.
Great resale value.
Cons:
Limited production.
Expensive price tag.
Poor customer support.
Why Pick Off-White Sneakers?
Virgil Abloh, maker of Italian luxury fashion label Off-White is known for creating spin-offs of high-fashion collections. Off-White has caught the attention of several celebrities and online influencers, and the brand is famous for collaborating with brands such as Nike and IKEA.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Off-White Sneakers?
If you’d describe your fashion sense as discreet, the unabashed logo display and zip tag on Off-White sneakers might be a letdown.
Off-White Ranking: 4.4/5
Overall Quality - 4/5
These shoes are designed to flaunt but not built to last. Customers have reported issues such as the rubber fading away and blistering and staining of the canvas after some wear.
Cost - 4.5/5
Expect to pay a hefty sum for these premium sneakers with prices at par with other leading high-end premium fashion brands.
Variety in Design - 4.4/5
Off-White creates legendary designs by successfully blending luxury streetwear and versatility. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular designer sneakers today.
Summary
The Off-White craze is real, and the brand has made more than a dent in the global sneaker market. It has made a name with some iconic pieces and collaborations, but a lot of its success is attributed to great marketing and its air of exclusivity.
8. Alexander McQueen - Best Long-Lasting Luxury Shoe Brand - Ranking 4.6/5
Pros:
Luxury brand value.
High-end design and manufacturing process.
Premium materials.
Sturdy and durable.
Cons:
Hefty price tag.
Some issues with fit and comfort.
Why Pick Alexander McQueen?
Founded in 1992 by British designer Alexander McQueen, this is one of the most celebrated labels in luxury fashion footwear. If you’re a conscious shopper, you should also know that the brand has been working to reduce its environmental footprint throughout its supply chain.
Who Shouldn’t Pick Alexander McQueen?
McQueen loses a couple of points on fit. The brand’s shoes infamously fit big, so customers recommend you opt for a size down. Still, a McQueen might not be the best choice if it’s a last-minute purchase for a special occasion and you need the fit to be perfect.
While McQueen’s are generally comfortable and light, some complaints are also centered around the stiff, long, and sharp tongue that cuts around the ankle.
Alexander McQueen Ranking: 4.6/5
Overall Quality - 4.5/5
The sneakers from Alexander McQueen are well made, neatly stitched with luxurious and exquisite materials such as smooth calfskin and rubber. The sneakers are sturdy and stiff, but with good reason—it’s built that way, so they retain their shape.
Cost - 4.7/5
McQueen’s will set you back anywhere from $290 to $1050, depending on the type of shoes you’re interested in. The immensely popular sneakers are priced at around $750 on average on the official website.
Some sneakers have taken a price jump recently, but this is to be expected. Many designers in the same league have also increased prices to compensate for losses during the pandemic.
Variety in Design - 4.8/5
From pumps to boots, sneakers, sandals, and lace-ups, the brand has a variety of styles on offer for men and women. Buyers love the minimalistic logo placement and the sneaker range, which is versatile enough to wear with various outfits.
Summary
When you buy McQueen shoes, you can be assured of a luxury designer shoe with high-end craftsmanship, attention to detail, and premium materials. These are shoes built to last.
How To Choose a Luxury Shoe Brand
When purchasing luxury shoes, look for pairs that:
Feel comfortable
Have a stiff back (more likely to retain shape)
Offer adequate arch support
Mold to your feet
How To Care for Luxury Shoes
Here are a few quick tips to care for your luxury shoes:
Store them in a clean, dry place
Get leather soles treated with rubber protectors
Ensure they are prepped with a protectant spray regularly
What Are Luxury Shoes?
Luxury shoe brands make premium footwear that combines style, comfort and class. Exorbitantly expensive materials, expertise and hours of painstaking work go into crafting a pair of luxury shoes.
Luxury Shoe Brands: FAQs
What are the most commonly asked questions about luxury shoe brands? Let’s find out.
What Are the Most Expensive Luxury Shoe Brands in the World?
Miu Miu
Manolo Blahnik
Louis Vuitton
Walter Steiger
Brian Atwood
Christian Louboutin
What Are Designer Shoes?
Designer shoes are made using the finest materials available. They may be available in various styles such as platform shoes, high heels, dress shoes and other styles.
Who Designs Luxury Shoes?
Most luxury shoe brands will have a Creative Director on board who will help define a vision for seasonal collections. Luxury shoe brands work with some of the best designers in the world.
Ranking Methodology Explained
Each of the luxury shoe brands mentioned above has been ranked based on their overall quality, comfort level, and variety of design. Let’s understand each of these parameters in more detail to help you pick the best luxury shoe brands.
Quality
The quality of materials, precision of craftsmanship and durability are all important factors in determining the overall quality of luxury shoe brands.
Comfort
Do the shoes fit true to size? Do they chafe at the ankles? How comfortable are they when worn for long periods? The best luxury shoe brands should be comfortable to wear.
Design
All the labels mentioned on this list of the best luxury shoe brands work with some of the best designers in the world. We evaluate the variety of design options, iconic designs, popularity status and more.
Value for Money
The best luxury shoe brands in the world come with a designer price tag. But is it worth your buck? We compare the price range of the brands on the list and rate these shoes based on whether they are one-season wear or built to last.
Best Luxury Shoe Brands: Final Words
Luxury shoe brands have their unique heritage, design aesthetic and creative vision. Apart from being among the most expensive shoe brands, each label has achieved a cult following in its own right.
Our top picks for luxury shoe brands include Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada and more. If you’re looking for premium luxury brands to add to your shoe collection, these luxury brands are a good place to start.
