10 Shoe Brands Our Editors Always Recommend

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Honestly, one of the things I’m most inspired by when walking into our office each day is how much our editors know about the newest and shiniest and coolest fashion brands happening at the moment, which is why I’m so confident before adding something new to my closet. And there is no exception when it comes to shoes. Who What Wear’s editors know a thing or two about shoes—but especially where to buy them.

I feel like I have a grasp on where to find the buzziest new designers and the foolproof classics, but I always turn to my colleagues for ideas on where to invest of the season’s best new heels and boots. Today I turned to them to share their favorite shoe brands. Ahead, you can find the designers they swear by for their footwear purchases and their picks for the season ahead.

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"Ever since I got to see their shoes up close and personal during Paris Fashion Week, I've been smitten with the brand. It's trend-forward while going with absolutely everything in your wardrobe. I've had my eye on these strappy mules for quite a while now, and seeing them pop up on a couple street style stars recently at Copenhagen Fashion Week has only kindled my obsession."

Neous

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"Right now I'm recommending these By Far block heels to all my friends. The brand makes cool designs that feel fresh yet easy enough you can wear every day."

By Far

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"Lately I've been telling everyone to get themselves a pair of Veja sneakers. They never go out of style and they break in so quickly. I've walked miles and miles in mine, and they're worth every penny."

Veja

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"This might sound random, but I've been a fan of the in-house shoe collection at Barneys New York for years. It has a knack for perfecting basics, and there's always a good chance of scoring on a great sale find, too."

Barneys New York

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"Intentionally Blank makes some of the best minimal yet slightly unexpected styles. The silhouettes are forward, the heels are never too spindly, and there's always an interesting color choice thrown into the mix with the usual neutrals. Plus, it's not too bad on the wallet either."

Intentionally Blank

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"She does a lot more than shoes, but I really respect Stella McCartney for forging the way with faux leather materials that look and feel insanely real. She's even made a pair of biodegradable sneakers too!"

Stella McCartney

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"For semi-reasonably priced designer shoes, I always recommend Tibi. The brand offers shoes for the practical girl, the fashion girl, and beyond. Right now I'm obsessing over these crazy ladies."

Tibi

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"Stuart Wetizman's shoes consistently offer a sleek, timeless take on seasonal trends, so the brand is always my go-to for an investment-worthy shoe."

Stuart Weitzman

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"To say I'm a fan of shoes by The Row would be an understatement. Everything from its coco mules to boots to these minimal sandals is a closet essential."

The Row

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.