And Now, the World's Most Luxurious Shoe Brands

Gucci, Fendi, Prada purses, purchasing them finer things—I’ll stop myself right there, but Fergie knew what she was talking about when she said she was shopping for labels, not love. Sure, it’s nice when your S.O. buys you red roses, but I’d rather buy myself red-bottomed heels.

NYC isn’t kind to luxurious shoes, but that doesn’t stop me from gallivanting through the city in my Gucci loafers. There’s something entirely delectable about purchasing a new pair of designer shoes—I myself am guilty of keeping the box lying around my cramped apartment for a few days just to relish in the newness.

As with designer bags, when investing in a new pair of luxury shoes, there are a few brands that come to mind. These are the brands that dreams are made of (literally), and I long for the day I can stroll into the Louboutin store in Tokyo, sip its delightful champagne and effortlessly make a purchase without cringing internally at the price tag (hasn’t happened yet).

In the meantime, however, I’ve contented myself with drawing up the 10 most expensive shoe brands of all time…

Miu Miu

As its name suggests, Miu Miu is a fun and rebellious counterpart to Prada's sophisticated minimalism. Allowing Miuccia Prada to flex her playful creative skills, Miu Miu will always add a unexpectedly charming touch to any outfit.

Christian Louboutin

Is there a fashion girl out there who doesn’t instantly recognize Louboutin's iconic red-bottom heels? Working in the fashion world here in NYC, I’m effectively living Carrie Bradshaw’s life, but I still haven’t figured out how to amass the same collection of the luxurious shoes (same goes for her equally unrealistic UES apartment).

Manolo Blahnik

The first designer shoe I ever owned was a pair of black kitten-heel Manolo Blahniks with a delicate bow on the toe strap. I was far ahead of my time, as I’d currently wear that exact shoe styled with boyfriend jeans and a button-down. A founder of many iconic silhouettes, Blahnik will forever remain a fashion-girl favorite.

Jimmy Choo

If you yet to read Jimmy Choo's biography, I highly recommend doing so. It's an inspiring story of the hard work, skill, and passion that went into the rise of the brand to what is today—one filled with attention to detail, high standards, and a love for shoes.

Alexander McQueen

Despite the tragic passing of its influential founder back in 2010, Alexander McQueen has maintained its strong identity of unbridled rebellion, feminine strength, and ties to modern British couture under the direction of Sarah Burton. Each shoe embodies the dark romanticism the brand is known for.

Louis Vuitton

Yes, the LV monogram is instantly recognizable from New York to the far reaches of the world, but so is the prestige and sophistication associated with the brand. Often considered the most valuable luxury brand in the world, there's a reason Louis Vuitton is still highly coveted. 

Gucci

It's well known in the fashion world that under the helm of Alessandro Michele, Gucci has become a symbol of eclectic, bold, romantic design. From the classic loafers that I own and love to the brand's more daring sneakers, Gucci allows a woman to walk on the wild side in style.

Stuart Weitzman

Known for its sleek, understated shoes that are simple in form and function, Stuart Weitzman has been designing over-the-knee boots longer than I've been alive, and I long to slip my feet into his impeccably well-fitted, fashionable shoes.

Prada

Prada is known instead for its subtle sophistication. A reflection of society and history, Prada is imbued by a sense of humanity and everyday reality. This can be seen in the elegant, avant-garde shapes that form many of the shoes (and have kept the brand relevant over the years).

Balenciaga

With renowned enfant-terrible Demna Gvasalia at the helm, Balenciaga has been refreshed with a sense of avant-garde rebellion, quickly becoming one of Kering's golden children. The streetwear style appeals to young millennial consumers like me, as I'm still (yes, still) lusting after a pair of Triple S sneakers.

Here's another designer top-10 list: Behold the most iconic designer bags of all time.