If you’ve ever seen shows like MTV Cribs, or any reality TV show based around celebrities or wealthy housewives, you’re probably already aware that the world’s rich and famous spend more money on shoes that most of us make in a year, and that they house the shoes in closets that are bigger than many people’s apartments.
But how much, exactly, are these top shoe collections worth? While we’ll probably never be allowed in on the secrets of any individual heiress’ hoard of shoes, it’s worth looking at how much some of the most expensive brands of shoes go for in order to get an idea. As you’re reading about the most expensive shoe brands in the world just keep in mind that some people have hundreds, even thousands, of pairs of these.
10. Gucci
Gucci is an Italian luxury brand based in Florence but known worldwide, and one of the many luxury shops lining Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. But fear not: you can also buy them at Nordstrom’s. Known for comfort in addition to quality, a pair of Gucci shoes is una buona scelta, a good choice. Starting in the $600-$800 range and going up from there, the cost is just in range if you’re interested in splurging–but only barely.
9. Miu Miu
Do you need some pink suede gold metallic ankle boots? Because the answer to that question is obviously “YES!”, your next stop on the luxury top ten is three doors down from Gucci on Rodeo Drive and based up the road in Milan. At a similar price point to Gucci, Miu Miu has a quite eclectic style befitting the granddaughter of Mario Prada. The shoes have won an impressive passel of young devotees from Maggie Gyllenhaal to Kirsten Dunst. While there are offers as low as $500, you can expect to find them in the high hundreds and up.
8. Stuart Weitzman
Our next stop is a trip up a block from Gucci: Stuart Weitzman, still on Rodeo Drive. Although the company was founded in Massachusetts, it now manufactures in Spain. Using a variety of intriguing materials not commonly found in shoes–including cork, vinyl, and 24-carat gold–Weitzman aims for rare and unique shoes. While cheaper versions are available, the typical shoe is priced in the high hundreds from $600 and up. If you ask Weitzman, his once-a-year shoe for a chosen Oscar nominee is worth a million dollars–although I’m not sure he’s a trustworthy source.
7. Brian Atwood
Shockingly, our next entrant cannot be found on Rodeo Drive: Brian Atwood has a flagship store on Madison Avenue, one block from Central Park near Midtown Manhattan. Of course, Nordstrom’s also has them–or at least some pairs. Like many top luxury brands, these shows are carefully manufactured in Italy before being exported to the United States and elsewhere. While Nordstrom’s may have the entry-level Brian Atwoods, his high-end thigh-high boots can sell for many multiples of the roughly $600 prices that many of his basic shoes will cost.
6. Alexander McQueen
Eschewing chic Rodeo Drive for still-trendy Melrose, Alexander McQueen shoes are impossibly preposterous but still wondrous shoes that combine 16th century design, 19th century flourishes, and 21st century style. McQueen took an apprenticeship with a tailor before working for a theater costume company, and finally struck out on his own. While he passed away in 2010, his company lives on and McQueen’s imprint remains. While you can find shoes in the $600 range, you’ll have no trouble dropping $1500 or more on an exquisite pair of heels.
5. Walter Steiger
Competing in a world of high luxury shoes, Walter Steiger is especially known for being innovative, colorful, and unique with designs, while still being high quality and sought-after. The brand’s unique designs do not go unnoticed by collectors and fashionistas from around the world, who drop thousands of dollars on these shoes. Curvy heels are Walter Steiger’s specialty design, a shape difficult to nail in a shoe. These shoes start in the $500 range and are priced well into the thousands.
4. Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin shoes are known for their iconic red soles and ground-breakingly high heels. In fact, the red soles are so in demand that the company has an entire division dedicated to finding knockoffs. The most expensive of Christian Louboutin’s 2013 collection was Sexy Strass which you can still purchase at Barneys New York for $3,095.
3. Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo brand shoes are a favorite of Hollywood’s elite, and frequently are the shoes of choice for walking down the Red Carpet in style. Most Jimmy Choos range in price from the upper hundreds, to a couple of thousand. The most expensive of Jimmy Choos “iconic” 2011 collection sold for $3,785. Having been around since the 1980s, this is one she brand that has gained a huge cult following.
2. Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik, though popular today, were against the fashion norms when they were first made in the 1970s. At the time, platform shoes and boots were all the rage, and few were wearing heels, let alone high-fashion stilettos. Part of the reason these shoes are so expensive has to do with the exotic materials with which they are made. Some of the most expensive Monolos are the Blixa alligator, which is of course made with alligator skin. These shoes can be purchased at Barneys New York for $4,600.
1. Louis Vuitton
Famous for shoes, purses, and luggage Louis Vuitton is a household name in the households of the elite. Louis Vuitton products, while known in part for their trendiness, are particularly loved by followers for generations of high-quality craftsmanship. In fact, Louis Vuitton brand has been around since 1854. Between 2006 and 2012 this brand won the title of Most Valuable Luxury Brand. The most expensive Louis Vuitton shoes to ever sell were, in fact, men’s shoes. Manhattan Richelieu Men’s Shoes, released in 2010, are the most expensive shoes on earth at $10,000.