I’ve always had an obsession with shoes. When I was six, my mother bought me a pair of miniature heels, and I refused to take them off. I would walk around the house, the grocery store, and day care with those heels on. My mother said I was born to be in heels. For about 18 years, I bought every beautiful shoe I laid my eyes on. In high school, my closet was filled with Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs.
But in college, I entered the fashion world to discover luxury footwear from Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Jimmy Choo. With the cost of tuition, my parents could no longer supply me with a steady supply of new designer footwear. As a broke college freshman, I couldn’t pay $1,000 for a pair of Manolo Blahniks; I couldn’t even afford a pair of $100 Michael Kors flats. I had a retail job that paid barely over minimum wage and soon resorted to seeking cheaper look-a-likes.
I’ve compiled a list of five designer shoes that I want but can’t afford – I think you’ll be interested too.
1. Black Over-the-Knee Boots
The Original
Designer: Tom Ford
Price: $2,950
Material: Nappa Leather with Gold Metal Heel
110 mm heel (approx. 4.25 inches)
Made in Italy
Retailer: Tom Ford
The Alternative
Brand: Nina
Price: $99
Material: Leather
2.5 inch heel
Imported
Retailer: Zappos
2. Suede Fringe Sandal in Statement Colors
The Original
Designer: Prada
Price: $850 (sale price: $637)
Material: Suede with leather lining and sole
4.5 inch heel
Made in Italy
Retailer: Neiman Marcus
The Alternative
Brand: Steve Madden
Price: $129.99
Material: Suede with manmade lining and sole
4.75 in. heel
COO not listed
Retailer: Steve Madden (pre-order only)
3. Black Ankle Strap Sandal with Lock Detail
The Original
Designer: Givenchy
Price: $975
Material: Calfskin Leather
4.5 inch heel
Made in Italy
Retailer: Bergdorf Goodman
The Alternative
Brand: Steve Madden
Price: $135.00 (sale price: $67.50)
Material: Faux Leather (PU)
4.5 inch heel
Imported
Retailer: Nasty Gal
4. Black Patent Leather Pointed-Toe Pump
The Original
Designer: Christian Louboutin
Price: $695
Material: Patent Leather
120 mm heel (approx. 4.75 inches)
Made in Italy
Retailer: Barneys New York
The Alternative
Brand: Tony Bianco
Price: $159.95
Material: Patent Leather with synthetic lining
COO not listed
12 cm heel (approx. 4.75 inches)
Retailer: Tony Bianco
5. Black Suede Ankle Boot
The Original
Designer: Jimmy Choo
Price: $1,150
Material: Suede with leather sole
3.5 inch heel
Made in Italy
Retailer: Neiman Marcus
The Alternative
Brand: Aldo
Price: $79.99 (sale price: $41.99)
Material: Microfiber
4 inch heel
COO not listed
Retailer: Aldo
