Spring Shoe Round-Up: Splurge vs. Save Edition
By: Christina Limmer
We’re welcoming spring with open arms, which of course means new trends, bright colors, and—obviously—fun new shoes! A new season always means some new purchases, but we totally get that not everyone wants to spend upwards of $400 on a shoe that may not even be in style next year. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite styles, giving you designer options with a price tag to match, and also more fund-friendly alternatives. They’re sure to make your feet (and wallet) happy, whatever your budget!
Mixed Media Sneakers
We all need a good pair of sneakers, and these chic mixed media sneakers are the perfect spring go-to. Pair them with your favorite spring dress for a casual weekend brunch look, or throw them on with your favorite distressed jeans and a band tee.
Splurge: Golden Goose, $600, neimanmarcus.com
Save: Steve Madden Starling Sneaker, $80, dsw.com
Studded Slides
Appropriate for poolside or running errands, slides have become acceptable everyday footwear. Give your slides an elevated appearance and a little bit of edge by opting for a studded pair.
Splurge: Valentino Garavani Rockstud Slide Sandal, $425, nordstrom.com
Save: Madden Girl FLASHH Slide, $35, stevemadden.com
Ballet Flats
Sleek and simple, a good pair of ballet flats not only matches nearly everything, but also can take the most casual outfit up a notch. Whether with jeans and a blazer or a floral print dress, they immediately give whatever you’re wearing a prim and feminine touch.
Splurge: Loeffler Randall Leonie Leather Ballet Flats, $250, saksfifthavenue.com
Save: RAID Emma Ballerina Flats, $18, asos.com
Kitten Heels
The middle ground between the sky-high stilettos we love so much and flats, kitten heels offer a little bit of height without being deemed totally inappropriate for a Sunday stroll. This spring, the brighter you can get your kitten heels, the better!
Splurge: Prada 45mm Flower Halter Kitten-Heel Slingback, $950, neimanmarcus.com
Save: Zara Heeled Leather Square Toe Sandal, $70, zara.com
Strappy Flatform Sandals
Another ’90’s trend back on the radar is the Birkenstock-style sandal. Thankfully, they’ve been given a bit of a makeover complete with a platform—or rather, flatform— and chic buckles. Designers have opted to incorporate various colors and textures to ensure that while you’re comfortable, you’ll be far from boring. They’ve even been paired with fun printed socks and stockings on recent runways to provide some alternative style inspo.
Splurge: 3.1 Phillip Lim Freida Platform Strappy Sandal, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com
Save: Dr. Martens Blaire Leather Slide Sandals, $90, drmartens.com
Chain Details
Ballet flats and stilettos have been given the chainmail treatment with dainty details around the ankles. Loafers, mules and slides have also been elevated recently thanks to chain detailing. These options with chunky chains are sure to be the perfect accessory this spring while upping your outfit with this eye-catching detail.
Splurge: JW Anderson Chain Loafer Mules, $640, jwanderson.com
Save: Vince Camuto Sanoral Chain-Detail Slide, $79, vincecamuto.com