As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “I have this little substance abuse problem…expensive footwear.” We all know Carrie’s love for designer shoes, in particular – Manolo Blahnik’s. But are they actually comfortable? Are they worth the designer's price?
There are so many factors to consider in relation to designer shoes. They occupy a similar place in a fashion-lovers heart as handbags and can elevate an otherwise dull outfit. They are also more times than none, expertly crafted and aesthetically beautiful. In addition, they depreciate at a much slower rate than clothing (but faster than handbags) and sometimes even increase in value as time goes on.
One thing to consider before you decide to drop the coin on a hefty price tag though is the cost per wear and research – on whether or not the shoes are actually comfortable, blister-free and if you’ll be reaching for the band-aids any time soon!
No matter how beautiful the shoe is – if you can’t walk in them, then you don’t need to buy them. Period. If you’re in a designer store, a good idea is to try on the shoes and walk around for at least five minutes. If they feel good, then they’re worth buying. If not, don’t even consider them. If it’s high heels, the heel of the shoe should feel stable and connected to the main part of the shoe. You should feel connected to the heel. Most designer shoes are made to be comfortable and are made in Italy and it goes without saying in fashion – you get what you pay for. Designer shoes are often more expensive because they have better features (waterproof, memory foam and/or special support technology), contain some of the highest quality materials and are designed to last longer. Natural materials are often much more comfortable than synthetic materials, but they can also be more expensive. It’s a known fact, that designers spend a lot of time trying to get their shoes just right, and most of them focus on comfort and style when creating their designs.
When it comes to comfortable shoes, the comfort depends on your feet, shoe type, heel type and material. Something very comfortable for one person could be super uncomfortable for another. Gucci, Giovanni Rossi and Manolo Blahnik have a reputation for extraordinary designs that are actually very comfortable. Similarly, Prada and Miu Miu heels (especially kitten heels) are also very comfortable.
Another comfortable pair of shoes worth considering and I would say almost a staple in many women’s wardrobes here in the UAE, is the Hermès Oran sandal. They’re a timeless sandal, perfect for the climate in the UAE, have a leather sole and even come in heeled options for those who prefer wearing shoes that give them a bit of a boost in the height department.
I’ve never met a Chanel shoe I didn’t like plus Chanel is always a safe bet when you’re considering resale value. The Chanel slingbacks, in particular, are classy, have a 2.6-inch heel and the slingback strap adds comfort by keeping your foot in place when you wear them out on the town. They’re made from goatskin and grosgrain and are a timeless addition to anyone’s wardrobe plus the block heel adds instant comfort if looking for a bit of height.
The iconic Gucci Princetown loafers, made from calfskin, can be slid on like slippers. They have a heel that measures a mere half an inch and are built to last. The more you wear these loafers, the more comfortable they get. These shoes are a no-brainer when it comes to comfort.
There is a lot of buzz around Amina Muaddi’s heels – in fact, many would argue she is currently the queen of comfortable designer heels because of the nature of the designs of her heels. The Italian-made sandals have a leather lining making them super comfortable plus the signature-flared heel provides more stability to the shoe and comfort.
The Jimmy Choo shoes Cass 95, Amita 45, Oleisa 95 and Love 85 come highly recommended when it comes to comfort. The luxury brand’s shoes are made creatively with excellent components and are suitable for wearing all day.
To conclude, I definitely believe designer heels and shoes in general are comfortable. Trends come and go but investing in a pair of timeless, classy designer shoes which you know you’ll get wear out of, will have pride of place in your wardrobe and are almost guaranteed to not have you limping around with blisters.
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world,”
Marilyn Monroe