1. Fendi Stamped Croc Knee High Boots

VERDICT: They live up to the hype and then some. They’re super comfortable, fit well, and are worth every penny. You can dress them up with a full skirt and turtleneck bodysuit or down with cutoff denim shorts, white tee, and a leather jacket (as seen above). They also run big! I had to go a full size down from my usual designer shoe size (37) and purchase a 36 in these. Disclaimer: the box is HUGE so I recommend having them shipped to your house. My commute home was a bit, ahem, awkward the day I bought them.

2. Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps

VERDICT: These live up to the hype too. They’re not as sexy nor do they have the label recognition like Louboutins but they get the job done. If you need a comfortable, basic (no shade), everyday work pump, these are it. They come in various heel heights (mine are 105mm because I love my stilettos), colors, and fabrics that every woman can find the right shoe for her lifestyle and preferences. I have them in white leather (seen above) and black suede. I wear a 6.5 in these just in case you were wondering about that as well.

3. Balenciaga Knife Boots

VERDICT: Get you some! I’m so glad sock booties are sticking around. The neoprene really holds its shape and fits like an actual sock, the heel height is perfect, and the pointed toe is sexy AF. Very well made! I haven’t walked around much in mine yet so I’ll have to get back to you as far as comfort level though. Stay tuned! I got my regular size in these by the way.

4. Stuart Weitzman Highland/Hiline OTK Boots

VERDICT: They’re comfy for sure. But there are some negatives too that could be dealbreakers for some of you. They don’t really stay up that well and you can only wear super skinny jeans, leggings, or bare legs with them. There is very little wiggle room for extra anything in there (extra pants material or extra thigh/calf meat). Nada. I got my regular schmegular degular shoe size in these.

5. Hermes Oran Sandals

VERDICT: cult-worthy! I bought mine as my birthday present to myself back in July. I wore them every chance I could until it got too cold for sandals. They’re that good! Comfortable, well made, and no real breaking in was required. Also, mine stayed relatively clean for being white. Got my standard size again.

6. Gucci Princetown Mules

VERDICT: I have three pairs. Nuff said. Had to size down and get a 36 in all of them too.

7. Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps

VERDICT: not for everyone. I have very narrow feet so Louboutins fit me perfectly width-wise (which is really difficult with non-designer or non-European brands). If you have wide feet, these shoes are a nightmare. They’re also 120mm high. That’s about 4.5 inches! If you’re not a stiletto gal or you’re a rookie when it comes to heels period, LEAVE THEM ALONE SIS! Yes, the red bottom is pretty BUT there are other red bottoms that you can get. Louboutin makes flats, sneakers, and lower heels too. The So Kates are going to hurt and you’re going to be pissed that you spent $725 on pumps that you’ll never wear. And you can’t return them once you scratch up that red lacquer either. Got a 37 in all of mine.

8. Dior J’adior Slingbacks

VERDICT: cute and comfy! Although I’m disappointed I didn’t get the correct color I ordered this summer, I’m glad I got the nude in these. I’m trying not to wear black shoes all the time with black outfits (baby steps) so these are helping. I find myself reaching for them a lot for a pop of “color” or when I want to wear a heel but not a stiletto. Had to get a 36.5.

9. Acne Studios Jensen Booties

VERDICT: if I had to pick one shoe from this list that I would buy over and over again for the rest of my life, it would be these. Seriously. THEY LIVE UP TO THE HYPE! I’ve had mine for two years now and they’re my go-tos for everyday wear. The first day I wore them, I walked all over Manhattan in them and they didn’t hurt one bit. I mostly wear them to work now (they’re comfy AF and go with everything) but that alone is why they’re worth every penny. I’m on my feet 8 hours a day and my feet aren’t killing me after work from these. Disclaimer: these boots don’t come in half sizes so depending on your foot, you may have to go up or down. I got my usual though.

10. Chanel Slingbacks

VERDICT: I’ll admit I drank the influencer Kool-aid and bought these because it seemed like anyone who was anyone in fashion had them. Two years later, I don’t regret buying them though. They’re a great low heel without feeling like a grandma shoe. I find myself wearing mine to work a lot to jazz up my outfits and just like with the Dior ones when I want to wear a heel but not a high one. 37 again.

I hope you enjoyed my designer shoe review. If there’s any shoes I missed that you felt like should have made the list, let me know. I’d be happy to discuss those ones as well.

xoxo, CCB

Photography: Sissy CCB