Updated On: November 03, 2023 by 
LuxuryLeisureAffluence Writing Team
Shoe brands may not matter to certain people when it comes to an ensemble from head to toe. Otherwise, they’re a wholly pragmatic investment made after considering what will fit a particular lifestyle comfortably. However, for some people, shoes make or break an ensemble. The substantial luxury shoe market is due to this exact reason.
The Top Luxury Shoe Brands Around the World
Deciding where to invest your hard-earned money can be challenging with so many choices. A purchase of high-end shoes can be intimidating. Still, as a wardrobe stylist and fashion expert Risa Kostis explain, it’s worth the price tag. When it comes to more expensive things, the adage “you get what you pay for” may be applicable, according to Kostis. “I constantly consider reasons and seasons’ when it comes to buying shoes and determining whether the expense is worthwhile the commitment.
Kostis continues that although investing in a pair of high-end shoes may seem like a luxury, it may be worthwhile in the long run. It depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and wardrobe. So, let’s have a look at the most renowned luxury shoe brands that may add a touch of splendour to your look.
1. Nike
Athletes in practically every sport wear Nike sneakers since it is one of the most well-known sportswear companies worldwide. Its footwear is fashionable, cosy, and made of superior materials. With a staggering net sales of €36 billion as of 2021, Nike stands tall and takes the top spot on our list. Nike has established a strong track record of being a reliable brand since its establishment more than 50 years ago.
Nike was established in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), a US-based distributor of Japanese running shoes, was its original name. The Greek goddess of victory, Nike, served as the model for the company’s current moniker. Thanks to its long history and unrelenting commitment to excellence and innovation, you can rely on Nike. Nike has clothing for everyone, whether you’re looking for athletic gear or something to wear on your days off.
2. Adidas
Adidas, another incredibly well-liked sportswear company, is renowned for its high-quality footwear that looks great and performs even better. Adidas provides what you need, whether you’re looking for running shoes or casual footwear. It is a business with a long history and unmatched enthusiasm for sports. Adidas took second on the list with a projected net sales of €21 billion in 2021.
Adidas has consistently been at the forefront of sportswear innovation since its founding in 1949. Adidas has long worked to improve athletes, from designing the first pair of sneakers to making cutting-edge performance clothing.
The firm is particularly well-known for its sneakers, which are great for casual and sportswear. Adidas carries on this history by providing a wide selection of goods for men, women, and kids.
3. Manolo Blahnik
“The holy guy of heels” is how people frequently refer to Manolo Blahnik. He hand-makes heels with the same enthusiasm because he genuinely believes in their transformative effect. His creations are unique, individual, and not mass-produced. He began his shoe-making career when he met Diana Vreeland, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, in 1968. In 1971, he unveiled his debut shoe line and hasn’t looked back since.
Manolo Blahnik is the real deal; his masterpieces have been flaunted by the most prominent personalities in Hollywood on red carpets, in films, and on television.
4. Jimmy Choo
In contrast to other brands, Jimmy Choo boasts the most affluent and devoted clientele, including Princess Diana and Carrie Bradshaw. Choo Yeang Keat, a Malaysian designer from a family of shoemakers who did not achieve this degree of success, founded Jimmy Choo. He started by creating personalised shoes, which caught on like wildfire. In no time, he was known as “the” designer. Jimmy Choo has a keen eye for detail, from shoes to pumps.
5. Walter Steiger
The Geneva-based designer Walter Steiger established his company in 1932 and produced shoes using distinctive materials, coming up with unconventional styles even for the time. Walter Steiger Jr., his eldest son, took over the family business with the help of his father as an example.
In 1974, Walter Steiger Jr. launched a store in Paris that quickly became quite well-known. Later, he opened shops in Milan, London, New York, and other cities. Walter Steiger continues to be at the top of the made-to-measure luxury footwear market for men and women because of traditional artistry, distinctive processes, and premium materials.
6. Alexander Mcqueen
The luxury companies that are just now emerging, like Alexander McQueen, were established roughly 25 years ago. But because McQueen offered such bizarre styles, it immediately gained popularity. Beginning as a designer at Givenchy, Alexander McQueen quickly rose to the position of chief designer.
He established a business using his name, creating items unlike anything else. People claim that you can only relate to such outrageous accessories if you have a taste similar to Lady Gaga, but that is untrue. Even one pair of his shoes can make you stand out and is an investment.
7. Brian Atwood
Brian Atwood founded his company on the principle that “Freedom comes in being bold” and firmly thinks you should never compromise with anything you accomplish. He was one of the select few designers engaged directly by Versace in Italy. He felt compelled to look into this more after his successful stint.
Atwood began a business under his name in 2001 in this manner, getting off to a great start. He had always thought that shoes could make or break an ensemble, but until Versace gave him the job, he had no idea he would start creating them. His company established itself as a formidable competitor in the luxury market and became one of the most sought-after shoe brands.
8. Stuart Weitzman
Beginning his career, Stuart Weitzman created footwear for his father’s Seymour shoe store in Massachusetts. After taking a hiatus to complete his studies at the Wharton School, he returned to the family firm. However, due to the passing of his father, the business was shortly sold to a corporation in Spain. However, he remained a designer for the company for 20 years before repurchasing it in 1994.
His footwear began to acquire traction and quickly gained fame on red carpets. The most popular models were the more than $1 million-worth platinum and diamond-studded shoes. He holds the record for producing the most costly pair of shoes for women, which cost $3 million. He creates some of the most expensive designer shoes with uncommon materials that are hard to come by. Coach acquired Stuart Weitzman a few years ago, but Weitzman remained the company’s head designer.
9. Louis Vuitton
A name that everyone can recognise right away! The affluent love this brand for clothing, accessories, purses, luggage, and shoes. Even though the brand is almost 150 years old, it has only grown consistently. Unlike other prominent brands, Louis Vuitton, also known as LV, is an excellent example of elegant designs that give you a luxurious outlook.
10. Gucci
Gucci, an Italian brand with its headquarters in Florence, is famous among the rich. It is well known for its fine quality and distinctively styled luxury leather goods, such as handbags, luggage, backpacks, and shoes.
Guccio Gucci carved out a market by experimenting with previously unknown materials and fiddling with details. Because of this, the horse-bit point on the fabled Gucci loafers was a big hit and is still one of the most talked-about footwear designs today. In addition to having its flagship and exclusive boutiques, Gucci has expanded into retailing, much like many other luxury companies. It has been at the forefront and remains innovative even after 90 years.
11. Mach & Mach
Mach & Mach is everywhere regarding the most popular heels or formal designer shoes on the luxury market. You’ve undoubtedly seen several pictures of their iconic glittering bow pumps on your page. Still, the brand also offers a wide range of eye-catching options.
12. Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is evidence that you don’t need particular design elements or symbols to spend money on a beautiful, abundant shoe. Brother Vellies shoes blend flawless, meticulous designs that strike the ideal mix between modern and classic, according to founder Aurora James.
13. Balenciaga
Balenciaga is known for creating contemporary statement items. Its sneakers have become cult favourites because of a combination of notable celebrity endorsements and the undeniable truth that they look fantastic. As a result, sneakerheads of all stripes can enjoy them. The massive Triple S, which was once perhaps the sexiest fashion shoe to stomp the sidewalks, is still going strong despite not being as hard to find as it once was. Fashions like the Track and the sock-like Speed have also developed cult followings.
14. Miu Miu
Few people know that Miuccia Prada took her family’s nickname as the inspiration for the moniker Miu Miu. Prada catered to customers with simple, refined, and exquisite designs. Still, Miu Miu was on the other end of the design spectrum.
People immediately fell in love with Miu Miu’s rebellious, vivid, and eclectic approach to fashion. The brand developed the then-outside-the-mainstream ideas of couture, luxury, and feminism. Its tactics, collections, photos, etc., were audacious and loyal to its tagline. Women are still fascinated by the shoes from this company.
15. Christian Louboutin
When you see a “Louboutin,” you will know it. The fascinating aspect of Louboutin’s tale is how Christian accidentally fell into the shoe-designing business. After being dismissed from school, he eventually started working multiple jobs. Early in the 1980s, he began working as a freelance shoe designer. He founded his label a few years later. Seeing his helper paint her nails red led him to the groundbreaking red soles concept. The sneakers quickly gained popularity.
Some of the women wore heels that were far too high. Despite all the issues with fakes and the legal battle with YVS over the red soles, Louboutin remains one of the priciest shoe companies in the world.
16. Vans
Another well-known shoe company on a global scale is Vans, which is renowned for its superior footwear. Vans was first established in 1966 as a shoe company serving the demands of the skating community. Punk and hip-hop were two more subcultures where Vans soon gained popularity.
The brand is now adored by individuals worldwide for its hip, edgy styles. Vans is renowned for its dedication to excellence and toughness. Vans sneakers are made to resist severe wear and tear because they were created initially for skating. Vans is a company to consider if you’re looking for fashionable clothes or new sneakers.
17. Puma
Puma is a giant footwear brand with €6.81 billion in net sales as of 2021. Puma sneakers, recognised for their creative designs, are worn by some of the top athletes in the world. The company supports a variety of international sporting occasions, such as the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
Puma is one of the top sportswear manufacturers in the world and was established in 1948 in Germany. The business first produced football boots, but it has since grown to provide a variety of sports and casual footwear. Puma sneakers are fashionable and available in various colours and styles, making them ideal for any ensemble.
18. Under Armour
In 2021, Under Armour’s net revenues were almost $5.7 billion. Kevin Plank launched the business in 1996, with sales in more than 80 different countries. The purpose of Under Armour is to support all athletes through unrelenting innovation, research, and passion. The most prominent feature of Under Armour is its cutting-edge shoe technology, which offers athletes the best support and comfort possible. Products from the brand are comprised of moisture-wicking fabric, which keeps athletes dry and comfortable.
Under Armour has rapidly grown to rank among the most reputable and well-liked sneaker companies worldwide because of its innovative products and fashionable designs.
19. Skechers
Sketchers Robert Greenberg and Michael Schwartz founded the company in 1992. The company reached a net revenue of $6.28 billion in 2021, which tells how much success the brand is building. The brand is well-known for its footwear selection, including dress, casual, and athletic shoes. Sketchers have also entered the apparel and accessory industries along with these new ventures. More than 170 nations sell the company’s goods.
Sketchers is renowned for its avant-garde designs and advertising strategies. In the company’s “Just Do It” advertising campaign, famous people and athletes are shown exercising or competing while sporting Sketchers footwear. It is no surprise that Sketchers is one of the most well-known shoe companies in the world, given its unique blend of fashion, comfort, and innovation.
20. New Balance
As of 2021, New Balance’s net revenue was $4.4 billion. William J. Riley established it in the year 1906. As a “customer-oriented” business that takes great delight in it, New Balance provides a variety of customisation options for their footwear.
A series of performance shoes made specifically for athletes is also available from New Balance. These sneakers are designed with premium components and have unique design features that enhance wearer performance. With a long history of innovation, New Balance was the first shoe manufacturer to incorporate Ortholite foam in its insoles, offering superior cushioning and support.
21. Converse
In 1908, Converse was established. Marquis Mills Converse established the business as a manufacturer of rubber shoes with a focus on goloshes. Since it was sold in 2003, it has been a division of Nike, Inc. As of 2021, Converse had more than $2 billion in net sales.
The business created the now-iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star shoe, promoted by professional basketball player Chuck Taylor, in 1917. Originally intended as a high-performance basketball shoe, the sneaker quickly gained popularity among non-athletes. Converse offers Chuck Taylor sneakers that are unchanged from the original design, despite having a global following.
22. Reebok
In 1958, Reebok was established in the United Kingdom. Initially, the business was known as J.W. Foster and Sons, making running shoes. The Adidas Group purchased it in 1979, changed its name to Reebok, and in 2005 it became a sub-brand of Adidas. In 2020, Reebok generated net sales of around €1.4 billion.
Reebok is renowned for its avant-garde marketing strategies and product designs. The business introduced the best Freestyle and Ventilated shoes for women’s aerobic workouts. Reebok has also pioneered environment-friendly production methods. The business introduced its Cotton + Corn Collection in 2010, manufactured from waste cotton and corn.
23. Jordan
In 1984, Nike founded Jordan, a name inspired by Michael Jordan, the most recognisable professional basketball player in American history. The business has always been renowned for its original styles and cutting-edge creations. Jordan’s footwear is frequently seen as more fashionable than other shoe companies.
Please do not assume that something is best for you because it is at the top of the list. Remember that your personality, not your shoes, defines you, so do what most appeals to you. Only you can communicate the luxury and high-class level you aim to represent.
