In my early twenties, like so many others, I worked in retail. But not just any retail—I spent my days surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful designer shoes in a luxury footwear boutique.
It meant getting up close and personal with craftsmanship most people only ever see behind a shop window, and becoming strangely comfortable telling customers that the pair they were admiring cost a cool $3,000. Casual.
The Best Shoes Under $200, According To marie claire:
Naturally, those customers could afford them. I, on the other hand, absolutely could not. That didn’t stop me from developing an expensive taste, though. I lived for sample sales, convincing myself each purchase was an investment while simultaneously doing irreparable damage to my bank balance.
Looking back, though, I’d tell my twenty-something self one thing: shoes don’t have to be expensive to look expensive. Sure, my Swarovski crystal-embellished Christian Louboutin heels (which retailed for around $6,000 and, thankfully, did not cost me that much) are undeniably special. But they’ve also taught me that a lot people can’t tell the difference between a beautifully made $200 shoe and a beautifully made $2,000 one.
The real secret? Choosing styles with timeless silhouettes, quality finishes and materials that wear well over time. A polished ballet flat, elegant strappy sandal or sleek knee-high boot can elevate an outfit just as effortlessly as a luxury designer pair.
So, in the name of proving my point, I’ve rounded up 24 of the best shoes under $200 that punch well above their price tag. With a little TLC, these are the kinds of pairs that look far more expensive than their price suggests.
Read: I Thought I’d Graduated To Designer Shoes—But This Affordable Brand Keeps Proving Me Wrong
Under $100
H&M
Mary Jane Style Ballet Flats
BILLINI
Ramsey
CHARLES & KEITH
Arden Metallic Wavy Heeled Mules
GLASSONS
Croc Pointed Toe Mule Heel
DAZIE
Olga Wedge Thong Heels
H&M
Heeled Sock Boots
NOVO
Cheddar Patent Ballet Flats
AERE
Slip On Suede Ballet Flats
Under $150
PUMA
Speedcat Ballet Nova
TONY BIANCO
Kyra
MNG
Kitten-Heel Embroidered With Sequins
H&M
Heeled Leather Mules
MNG
Studded Ballet Flats
ASSEMBLY LABEL
Marion Leather Ballet Flats
H&M
Loafers
ALIAS MAE
Flora
Under $200
TONY BIANCO
Comma
ODE
Til Mesh Ballet Flat
JO MERCER
Serena Casual Flats
MOLLINI
Tenace Mo
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Eleftheria Braided Rubber Sandals
CHARLES & KEITH
Pointed Stiletto Knee-High Boots
NOKWOL
Atlas Sneakers
ARKET
Suede-Nylon Trainers
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