7 Designer Shoes I’m Freaking Over, Plus 28 Affordable Pairs I’m Eyeing Instead

Without a doubt, there’s always one thing I’ll never regret spending money on—ahem, shoes. I can buy into a trend and find it’s not worth the hype, or I can splurge on a pair of jeans only to hate the way they fit my curves, but shoes never disappoint. So, it’s only logical that investing in a pair of designer shoes is never a bad call. Of course, there are endless options of trendy heels and cool sneakers, so where does one even start? Ahead, I’m spilling what 7 designer shoes are on my radar, based on which ones have reached cult status on Instagram and which shoe trends I’m betting will be big in the coming months. And if you’re not ready to invest, I’ve also shared 28  alternative affordable shoes that are just as chic. Either way, I’ve got you covered in the shoe department so you can spend less time stressing about what to buy and more time strutting in your new favorite shoes (thank me later).

Ah, Attico’s Devon Mule, where do I even begin? While this style isn’t the newest it-shoe on the block (it’s been a steadfast part of every influencer’s feed for over a year now), I’m still not over it. It’s the perfect addition to any wardrobe because it comes in various colorways, can be styled with just about anything, and that angled heel is sure to keep you on your toes.

The baby blue version of these mules has me weak in the knees.

You’ll wear these all spring.

Not only is this mule affordable, but it comes in five different colorways.

Ditch your protractor because the angle on this heel can’t be measured. 

A PVC square toe sandal? About it. 

Is it even possible to round up dreamy designer shoes without including Amina Muaddi? Her heels have become beloved by the fashion set for their usage of colors, crystals, and other quirky elements. I can’t think of a better strappy sandal to invest in for spring as they lend themselves to being a sandal you can pull out for seasons to come.

Imagine this color with a little black dress—hot right?

These are perfect for that upcoming wedding. 

A sparkly black sandal is a staple in my books. 

Made for a night out. 

I’m a sucker for a rainbow rhinestones. 

Not going to lie, when I spotted ballet flats on Miu Miu’s FW22 runway, my inner middle schooler was screaming. As much as I love a stiletto, the idea of bringing back ballet flats is equally as appealing as any other footwear trend. Without a doubt these shoes are about to be everywhere, so now’s the time to invest in them.

A moment of silence for the buckles on these ballet shoes.

Go ahead, embrace your inner ballerina. 

I’m obsessed with the square toe on this flat. 

Not all ballerina shoes have to be pink.

But, a pink flat will never fail. 

If Cinderella was shopping for new shoes, I’m guessing Mach & Mach’s iconic double bow pumps would be right up her alley. Jokes aside, these pumps lend themselves well to being invested in for a special occasion (like a wedding). But I dream of popping them on to roll up to my bodega. Does that make me extra? Yes. Do I care? Nope.

Sparkly shoes are always a good idea.

Consider this your something blue (but for everyday life). 

I audibly gasped the first time I saw these shoes. 

I didn’t even know I needed pleated bow shoes in my life until I saw these.  

Oh, hello lover. 

Are we over the Prada Spazzolato Logo Leather Loafers? For me, it’s a no. I can’t get enough of these shoes no matter how often I spot them in my feed. When it comes to making an *actually* practical shoe, purchases fit the bill perfectly as they’re timeless, versatile, and downright comfortable.

Dreaming of all the ways I can style these.

I love a multi-tone loafer.

The chains on these are so good.

These would look so good with a linen suit. 

Everyone needs a little shine. 

Versace rose to the level of notoriety it has today in the late ‘90s, so it only makes sense that the luxury house has been turning heads again for the beloved shoe trend of the era: platforms. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Versace’s Medusa Platform Pumps—they are literal perfection. Plus, if I’m going out, it better be on a pair of platforms.

No matter what color you get, these bad boys in, you can’t go wrong.

These look so comfortable. 

Main character energy. 

Just when you thought platforms couldn’t be more trendy, Zara made these beauties in kelly green. 

These are too affordable to pass up. 

Last but not least, the one pair of shoes I find myself obsessing over the most: is Loewe’s Broken Egg Sandals. I should note that talking about these shoes is like walking on eggshells because I’m waiting for them to be restocked, and my partner continually tells me I don’t need them. But alas, here I am dreaming of them. And while all of Loewe’s SS22 footwear is fabulous, I’ll be hatching a plan to get my hands on these babies.

These are a second runner-up for me. 

A clear heel gives the same feeling as walking on eggshells. 

Is it just me, or do the heels on these sandals look like crystal balls? 

I could have sworn that was real piece of bamboo. 

They’re not eggs, but they’re just as fun.

Next: 5 Strappy Sandals I’m Predicting Will Be Everywhere This Spring