Vogue editors will always have a soft spot for a Manolo mule or a Jimmy Choo sandal, but a line up of affordable shoe brands can often be spotted under our meeting tables. Think Adidas Sambas, New Balance trainers and Arket ballet flats, to name a few. While you can’t quite beat the craftsmanship of a hand-made designer pair, there are a number of shoe brands that we always trust to deliver stylish and comfortable designs that won’t fall apart after a few wears.
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As with all affordable purchases, when it comes to finding the right products, there are some key considerations to ensure your new shoes will actually last. Fabric is, of course, the first thing to think about. Leather is the gold standard, as it will soften and mould perfectly to the shape of your foot over time. Don’t be afraid of committing to the dreaded “breaking in” period; we can assure you it’s worth it in the long run for leather shoes that fit like a glove and promise longevity (just come armed with a pack of Compeed for the first few outings). If you’re buying new trainers, look inside the shoe: does the lining feel thick enough for regular slipping on and off? Are the seams neatly finished?
It’s also worth inspecting the base of the shoe in question. What’s it made from? Will it wear thin easily, and if it does, could it be easily resoled? Don’t be shy of your local cobbler, for a relatively low price, your favourite leather ballet flats or loafers can be given a second wind with a brand-new sole.
Then, when thinking about the styles to invest in, we suggest taking stock of what’s already on your shoe rack. Is another pair of white trainers really necessary, or do your old kicks just need a clean-up? How many pairs of black loafers are too many pairs of black loafers? Which shoes do you get the most wear out of, and can you match their practicality with any new purchases? As a general rule, opting for classic silhouettes over anything overly trend-led will ensure your shoes remain in core rotation for years to come.
Whether you want to spend £50 or £200, are looking for a new pair of trainers, loafers, pumps or ballet flats below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to the best affordable shoe brands beloved by Vogue editors.
M&S
In recent years, M&S has emerged as an unexpectedly serious high-street destination for elevated basics and accessories, following collaborations with cult luxury brands, such as 16Arlington and Bella Freud. Leading the brand’s revival, however, is its footwear department, which has produced several viral hits – from softly structured loafers to an impressive offering of ballet flats in supple leather and suede with bow-ties and buckles.
Cos
Cos will forever remain a Vogue favourite for wardrobe essentials, and the brand’s shoe offering is just as covetable. With everything from polished leather slip-ons to sleek to slimline trainers, Cos is the ultimate affordable destination for the everyday footwear minimalist. Clean lines, muted palettes and excellent materials make these shoes easy to style as well as long-lasting.
New Balance
New Balance trainers have long been considered a practical, functional trainer, and over the past few years they have become an essential part of the “off-duty model” uniform and a Gen Z staple. The customer base is perfectly summed up in the 990 campaign, which had the tagline: “Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio”. The likes of Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and Katie Holmes are all regularly seen in New Balance trainers, and have all sported multiple styles and colourways. Editor favourites include the 990v5s, the 624s, the 720s, the 574s… we could go on and on.
Birkenstock
With collaborations with Proenza Schouler, Manolo Blahnik and Tekla under its belt, Birkenstock has shaken off its ugly reputation and is now regarded as one of the coolest (and most comfortable) affordable shoe brands. The black Arizona two-strap sandal remains a mainstay in street style pictures, but the Boston clog has also proven popular in recent years.
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Arket
Arket creates foundational wardrobe pieces, and it is as exacting about its footwear design as its knitwear and tailored trousers. It stocks a number of brands, including Puma, Adidas and Birkenstock; however, its own brand shoes also deserve an honourable mention — the flat pumps, soft loafers and sandals all have a classic aesthetic with a fashion-forward edge, whether that’s with a rich plum colour, pony hair or sculptural heel.
Clarks
Clarks might conjure memories of dreaded trips to try on squeaky new school shoes, but fashion insiders have long been aware of the brand’s cool credentials. The Wallabee, a street-style favourite since its launch in the late ’60s, remains a cornerstone of the brand’s appeal, while updated loafers, boots and ballet flats offer serious comfort – at a low cost.
Adidas
While Adidas has been behind a number of hyped sports shoes over the decades (Gazelles, Spezials and Superstars spring to mind), the Samba is one of its key legacy shoes. Created in the ’50s ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, it was initially designed as a football boot to enable players to perform better on icy surfaces, and it remained an emblem of the football terrace culture for decades. However, it has now repositioned itself as a streetwear favourite and is as beloved by the fashion industry as it is by the football world. This year, the fashion crowd is also backing the Japan, Taekwondo and Tokyo styles, that share multiple design traits.
Reformation
Rihanna’s internet-breaking Interview cover shoot in 2024 featured the star wearing Reformation’s Nadine loafers with knee-high socks, briefs and nothing else. The brand’s range of loafers have been a hit among celebrities for some time, owing to their preppy, yet elegant appeal, while the boots and Mary-Janes are also crowd-pleasers.
Ancient Greek Sandals
As its name suggests, Ancient Greek Sandals specialises in classic sandals that will stand the test of time, but their winter-appropriate shoes are also impeccably made. Stars, including Emma Watson and Simone Ashley, have gravitated towards the strappy leather styles, which wrap around the foot akin to, well, Ancient Greek sandals. Last year, the clog sandal became fashion's status shoe, and naturally, Ancient Greek Sandals has crafted the perfect pair.
Vagabond
Vogue’s shopping editor Joy Montgomery advised I add Vagabond to this list, as the Swedish footwear brand that has been going from strength to strength in recent seasons. It is best known for its chunky-soled ankle boots and loafers, which have a punk sensibility, however the Chelsea boots, woven sandals and almond-toe pumps (called the Livia) are all wise investments.
Alohas
Alohas is an insider’s go-to, that was initially founded in Hawaii in 2015 to put a new spin on summer espadrilles. It is no longer a beach-centric brand – current trending styles include suede ’70s-inspired sneakers, ballet pumps with striking cut-out details, sandals with metal adornments and boots with sculptural heels. What is special about Alohas is how each shoe is made, as they are designed in Barcelona and are crafted by local artisans in Spain and Portugal.
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Dr Martens
Dr Martens is best known for its boots, which have stomped on the feet of generations. But the British heritage brand’s shoe offering is equally worthy of investment. Tassel loafers, chunky Mary Janes and pared-back lace-ups deliver the same durability and attitude as the iconic boot, while offering a more versatile, everyday alternative.
Salomon
Salomon’s “dad” sneakers came to define the Gorpcore movement, and their presence is still going strong. Made from abrasion-resistant mesh layered with TPU film, the XT-4s feature a hard-wearing Contagrip® outsole and drawstring laces for ease, while the XT-6s boast similarly practical spec, with a Quicklace® lacing system.
G.H. Bass
When it comes to affordable loafers, you truly can’t beat G.H. Bass, which was founded in Maine in 1876 and has since then stuck to its timeless design principles. The brand created the first penny loafer in 1936, named the Bass Weejuns, inspired by a Norwegian moccasin that was designed for “loafing in the field.” Michael Jackson wore a pair of black Weejuns in the opening of the Thriller music video, and to this day penny loafers remain at the heart of the business, with every colourway and design you could hope for – there are currently 64 styles of women’s loafers available on the site.
