Designer shoes hit different – we'll gladly admit it. If, like us, Sex and the City shaped your formative fashion years, the appeal of an exquisitely crafted shoe goes way beyond merely protecting your feet from the elements.
Fashion is a key form of expression, and when the stars align, it is empowering and joyful. When other, slightly more sinister, elements of the industry may sway us towards thinking unfavourably – unfairly, we hasten to add – towards our bodies, shoes present the perfect respite.
© ImaxtreeFitting into your footwear is guaranteed, and for this reason alone, you ought to invest in your shoes. Styles with a certain classic appeal may stay with you for years beyond the initial purchase. Totally unaffected by body shape fluctuation, unlike the rest of your wardrobe, shoes can be relied upon to deliver impact – never an afterthought among the sartorially obsessed.
However, breaking the bank is not an option, whatever the devil on your shoulder may whisper come payday. The high street cannot be expected to offer you artisan craftsmanship, but it has still come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and can certainly help you get a slice of the latest trends.
Cool-girl shoes to shop this season:
Sade Leather Slingback Court
Schuh
Bring the party with you wherever you go thanks to Schuh. The brand's adorable spotted heels in monochrome pony hair are an ultra-striking pair with an irresistible price tag.
Gathered Leather Moccasin
Mango
A pop of chocolate never hurt anyone, especially not in buttery leather form. These timeless slip-on options are seriously cute and would even cuter worn with some dark-wash denim.
Pony Hair-Effect Ballerinas
Arket
Crafted from real leather with a stunning zebra print finish, Arket's affordable flats are primed to take you from desk to Saturday night drinks with ease.
Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes
Puma
Beloved by Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski, Puma's sell-out Speedcats are the It-shoe of the summer. Pair yours with baggy jorts and a white blouse for a romantic look with a sporty-chic twist.
polka dot heels charles and keith Sadira Satin Polka-Dot Slingback Pumps
Charles & Keith
An affordable choice for those wanting to steer away from classic heel silhouettes, Charles & Keiths' charming polka dot pumps are the ideal summer occasionwear staple. The block heel provides ample comfort while the ballet flat design offers a sweet feminine touch.
Appliquéd Mesh Ballet Flats
H&M
Cuter than cute, these easy, breezy ballet flats can be styled up for an occasion or down for a chic wander through town. Wear with a LBD for a statement or floaty wide-leg trousers and a bikini top for an off-duty beach look.
Cow Leather Clogs
Pull & Bear
Didn't you hear? Cow print is all the rage right now - and there's no better way to incorporate the rural print into your 2026 wardrobe than with a pair of slip-on mules.
Snake Print Block Heel Mules
M&S
Nothing says party quite like a touch of snake print. These affordable mule heels offer a striking peek-a-boo moment beneath your favourite wide-leg jeans, perfectly primed to carry you from desk to drinks.
Lyla Grey Suede Backless Loafers
Mint Velvet
Channel back-to-school vibes with the humble loafer - a total wardrobe classic. Pair yours with pink socks for a Gianni Versace-approved look, or team with tights and a plaid mini skirt for a Clueless-coded look. The possibilities are endless.
Tanya Point Toe Knee High Boot
Topshop
Didn't you hear? This season is all about burgundy - and Topshop are well ahead of the curve with its Tanya Knee High Boots in a patent finish.
How we chose:
- Price: Many cult-adored designer pairs retail well beyond the £1,000 mark, but splashing out isn't always an option. We've selected the best of this season's hottest styles, and they all cost under £200.
- Style: Naturally, a super flattering shoe silhouette is essential. When combing through the internet's top high street fashion sites for the best pairs, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend for AW24 or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. Best Quality Designer Handbag may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
