A Guide to Designer Shoes for Newbies
Designer shoes are a hallmark of luxury fashion, blending high-quality craftsmanship with iconic design elements. While designer handbags get most of the attention when it comes to investing in fashion, classic heels, flats and boots can also retain their value over time. However, not every designer shoe retains its value as well. Our crash course on designer shoes for newbies will help you learn about some of the most sought-after shoes investors look for—and how you can shop smarter by shopping consignment.
Christian Louboutin
Famed their signature red-soled shoes, Christian Louboutin has crafted some of the most recognizable footwear in fashion history. The So Kate and Pigalle pumps are sleek, sky-high stilettos that have become worldwide symbols of sophistication and luxury. Louboutin heels are especially popular among collectors, especially those produced in limited edition skins and colors.
The decades-long endurance of the Louboutin red heel contributes heavily to the resale value of these famous shoes. If you’re looking to invest in shoes that retain their value, be sure to take steps to keep the signature sole bright and in good condition. Popular, high styles like the So Kate and Condora Riviera display the red sole most prominently, helping them to better retain value.
Jimmy Choo
It’s impossible to talk about legendary shoes without mentioning the master himself, Jimmy Choo. Known for combining glamour and wearability, Jimmy Choo’s classic pumps (including the Romy and Anouk) have become classic staples in luxury footwear. The muted, refined design of the Romy might be appealing to you if you want a more wearable everyday shoe that will also retain value. If you’re looking for a little more sex appeal, the Anouk upgrades the Romy with a sharper heel. Special editions with embellishments or unique finishes increase in value at a faster rate than less fancy options, but even basic models hold up well over time, due to the brand’s enduring style and status as a classic.
Manolo Blahnik
Carrie Bradshaw introduced viewers to Manolo Blannik through her ultra-chic wardrobe in Sex and The City, and the legendary designer remains a symbol of refined style today. Manolo Blahnik has become a brand synonymous with elegance and wearable luxury, making it one of the most reliable designer shoe brands for investment. Even gently-used pairs tend to hold value well thanks to the company’s reputation.
Designs that feature the culturally-significant crystal buckle are the best investment options for retaining value. The Hangisi, the brand’s classic satin pump that features a square crystal embellishment, is by far the favorite of investors and collectors. Looking to hold value but need something more wearable? The Hangisi embellished satin slipper and flat designs bring all the elegance of the original heel to a wear-everywhere design.
Hermès
While Birkins and Kelly bags tend to get the most attention from Hermès investors, the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality materials and classic designs have led the legendary French fashion house to design a series of timeless shoes that retain value as well. Hermès is known for its unparalleled craftsmanship, and its Oran Sandals and Chypre Sandals embody that ethos.
By far the shoe that retains value the best from Hermès is the Oran, which comes in heel and slide versions. These iconic shoes are available in a rainbow of colors, making them especially popular among collectors. The Chypre model is similar to an upgraded version of the classic Birkenstock, valued for its simplicity and comfort. These understated leather flats both feature the iconic “H” logo, which increases the resale value of each design.
Valentino
Valentino is another excellent brand for those considering investment in designer shoes, especially when it comes to the brand’s legendary Rockstud line. Launched in 2010, the Rockstud collection introduced a new kind of edgy glamour with its pyramid-studded detailing, blending toughness with femininity. Despite being introduced over a decade ago, the Rockstud design is still in demand, and has become a hallmark of Valentino’s footwear collection. Its ability to cross over into various fashion aesthetics, combined with Valentino’s consistent reimagining and additions, contributes to this line’s resale value.
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with social media catapulting the brand into icon status. In particular, the appointment of Matthieu Blazy as creative director in 2021 has restored creative interest in the brand thanks to the fresh aesthetic he brought. Known for its minimalism, luxurious materials, and bold, sculptural designs, Bottega Veneta shoes are quickly becoming collector favorites—and when combined with quality leather, these modern classics also hold value well.
If you’re looking to add Bottega to your closet but want to choose a style that is also more likely to be resold for a higher price, consider the Lido sandal and Stretch sandal, which have become iconic for their sleek, avant-garde design and bold use of color and texture. While these designs are the most popular among shoppers and investors, all designs that feature the brand’s signature woven leather will hold resale value well.
Gucci
Like Hermès, Gucci definitely gets more attention for its bags than its shoes. However, the brand’s consistent ability to define trends and reset expectations has led to a few iconic shoe styles that collectors crave. Options like the Gucci Marmont heels and Princetown loafers have gained cult status, instantly recognizable thanks to the signature double G logo present on the fashion powerhouse’s most popular bags.
Classic Gucci styles, especially those with distinctive branding, often fetch high resale prices. Shoes like the Ace sneakers and certain high-heeled designs maintain strong demand, as they appeal to a broad range of fashion lovers. Designs that feature the brand’s more refined horsebit hardware, including the Lady Horsebit and the Sylke Horsebit, also hold value well compared to more simple styles.
Fashion for the Future
Shopping isn’t just fun—the right designer shoes, handbags and clothing can also hold value and add to your net worth. Shopping for luxury preowned shoes can be an especially great place to find fashion value, as you can secure quality shoes from names like Prada and Louis Vuitton at up to 90% less than retail. Learn more, invest and consign with The Real Real today.
