are designer shoes really better quality?

[serene]

I was just thinking.. :) I buy every new season new shoes and at the end of that season they might have holes and look really worn. These shoes cost medium amount so they aren't from primark etc. but not really expensive eather.

I've been thinking moving to the designer shoe-selection soon but.. could they worn the same way also? why buy 400€< shoes if they are garbage-stuff pretty soon?

And if someone wonders how can I get holes on my shoes that soon.. I just like to walk a lot.

[LOREBUNDE]

I don't have a huge designer shoe collection like some members here. I only have 1 pair of CL's, had 1 pair of Manolo's in the past and for me, they actually wore out quicker. Maybe I'm just too rough on my shoes or maybe it's because I don't have a big collection so I tend to wear them over and over. Anyway, the manolo's actually tore a little on the side because the leather was so soft.
The CL's i only wear here and there but have to be very careful with. I think the quality of the leathers and the way they are made make them pricy? Like I said, i'm definately no designer shoe expert but it just seemed that way to me. Good question though :)

[auroraskye]

I do think more expensive shoes for the most part tend to be better quality - but I do think there are plenty of brands that are far over priced. Also, price depends on many things like how much the people who make them get paid, what country they come from, the amount/quality of the packaging they come in, and of course.. prestige pricing :) So, are shoes that cost $700 TRULY 10x better quality than shoes that cost $70? Unlikely. They are probably 2x - 3x better quality on average.. but then they come from Paris, France and not China.. :P

[lcs]

I say "buy what you like". If it's comfortbale and cute, who cares about the price.

I have a big collection of shoes and I can honestly say that the designer shoes are not always the most comfortable. I have a pair of heels that I got for $6.99 and they are one of my favorites (well made and comfy).

I do agree that designer shoes tend to be constructed better than bargain brand shoes. But, like I said, they aren't always the comfiest. I'd personally rather have a comfy shoe that will last a season or two (and pay less for it) than have an expensive and uncomfortable shoe that will last 15 years.

[prettycitygirl]

I agree - buy whatcha like :)

For me, comfort is #1, then style. If the shoe isn't comfortable, not matter how cute the style, I will NEVER wear it.

But rule of thumb for me - never buy "faux".

[ColdSteel]

Buy what works for you and makes you happy!
Never underestimate how getting a shoe resoled can extend its life, either.

[Lyra]

Yes, good leather costs. But having said that I don't think there is a terrible big difference in quality between a Louboutin pump with a price tag of 700$ and a Pedro Garcia, Pacogil, L'Autre Chose etc. pump which costs $400.

[JuneHawk]

In general, yes. That's not to say there aren't inexpensive shoes that have good built quality.

[Bagspy]

Yes, because the good quality leather, I'm willing to fork out the extra $$$ if I know they're really worth it in terms of quality, design, availability and comfort.
Whether it's gonna last longer than the non designer, I don't think so, it's how well you take care the shoes and the usability will determine that.

[midorichan]

Originally Posted by ColdSteel

Buy what works for you and makes you happy! Never underestimate how getting a shoe resoled can extend its life, either.

i agree you should have them resoled immediately after you buy them. it will increase the longevity of the sole. you also can have them redo the heel taps when they get worn down too. I used to wear $60-100 heels to work and they would be destroyed after a few months, but my manolos have been holding up for over a year now.

you can find quality shoes for under 300 that are just as good as CLs, manolos, and other high end designer shoes. personally, i am a big fan of frye boots and their pumps which sometimes already have special soles tacked on. kate spades are a fav as well.

[b64199]

In some ways, they are better quality. They're better made, they're more comfortable, and often very very pretty. But I've also had cheaper shoes that are just as pretty and easier on the wallet. If you do decide to start buying more expensive shoes regularly, I highly recommend the resoling as suggested by others. It can do wonders.

[slky]

In general, very cheap shoes (i.e. if you're paying $40 for a pair) you get on the high street or other chain stores, will most likely be mass produced and made of cheaper materials. This doesn't necessarily mean they won't last as long as a pair of designer heels. I have pairs of Zara flats that have lasted through a ton of wear and still look and feel great.

Designer shoes tend to be better made and use better fabrics. They might not necessarily be completely hand-made, because many of the big designers need to mass produce to a degree to be able to supply to a growing global market, but the workmanship will be better. This however doens't necessarily equate to lasting longer, because there are certain things (i.e. applying studs) that have nothing to do with quality. I've had studs fall of Louboutins before, so if you have a delicate shoe, it doesn't mean it will last longer, just because it's from a more expensive brand.

I will say that with the big designer brands, the majority of the costs you're paying goes towards the marketing machine behind it. So if you find an indie/up and coming designer who creates shoes you like, the quality here might likely be just as good (if not better) but come at a lower price, because they're still working out of a workshop somewhere and don't pay tons for PR (yet).

[Yessy]

I say buy what you like and enjoy them to the fullest. I have the following shoes:
Gucci “Bond Pumps”
Manolo Blahnik Patent Leather Peep Toe “Mary Janes”
Christian Louboutin Suede Ankle Booties
Jimmy Choo Ankle “Daisy” Leather Boots

The Louboutin's are the most uncomfortable ones but to be honest I do not care....I worked and saved alot to get them and every time I wear them I feel super sexy and makes me feel great.

[MBKitty]

I think it really depends on how you wear your shoes.

I usually drive everywhere here in the states, but when I travel to Europe, it is all walking and trains everywhere and that definitely impacts how my shoes wear.

I have several medium brand shoes that I call the "work horse" shoes...they are by Charles David, Kenneth Cole and even Nine West. One trick my cobbler taught me early on was to let the shoes "breathe" between wearings. I try to never wear any of my shoes two days in a row, even tennis shoes, but especially leather.

Even when I travel, I take two different pairs of sneakers and at least one extra pair of flats. This helps prevent blisters and other painful ailments because each shoe will rub in different places, but also lets them recover from each wearing which really helps them last much longer.

I don't have the luxury of a big designer collection and while I try to get there, I definitely focus my designer buys around evening and dressier occassion wear. I own 2 pairs of Jimmy Choos, 3 pairs of CLs and 6 pairs of Manolos, plus a few Prada and Gucci shoes, but I usually wear mine to head out to cocktail parties or "nicer" casual events which also prevents me from wearing them to pieces....

Maybe when I catch up to Kamilla or Carlinha, I will wear them to the office on a regular basis, but I am a ways away...that said, I do recognize that the quality of the leathers and the leather soles and the craftmanship of the premium designers is simply on a different level from Charles David, and Nine West and the others...you can tell that just by looking at them...and especially when you wear them over the long run...

[KittyKat65]

Buy what works for you.

I can't wear Louboutins because they kill my feet. I have Lanvin flats that are $500+ and the sole on those is falling apart after a dozen wears, but my cheaper Tory Burch flats are still in perfect condition after 2 years of heavy use. I think the higher priced shoes for the most part are much better quality, but I would say that 50% of what you pay for is a logo and a pretty box and the remainder is higher quality leather and craftsmanship. That still doesn't mean they work for everyone.