Inside the World of Stuart Weitzman: Iconic Shoes, Celebrity Moments, and Timeless Craftsmanship

Some footwear designers are so influential that we can’t imagine the industry without them. Their designs not only fly off the shelves, but they also set trends for seasons to come.

Stuart Weitzman is a footwear designer who fits this category. No award season goes by without at least one celebrity stepping out in a pair of Stuart Weitzman.

Olivia Culpo flaunts her legs in Stuart Weitzman neon orange Anny pumps and high-waisted cargo shorts at her Express x Olivia Culpo Collection Launch Press Breakfast held at vegetarian restaurant abcV on January 15, 2019, in New York City (Credit: Michael Simon / Startraksphoto)

If you want to invest in designer shoes that are stylish, timeless, and built to last, look no further than Stuart Weitzman. Everyone deserves at least one pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes in their closet.

Gabrielle Union looks stunning on the red carpet in a Prabal Gurung dress, Tasaki jewelry, and Stuart Weitzman shoes at the 2018 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018, in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto / John Nacion)

We’re deep-diving into the world of Stuart Weitzman to find out what he’s famous for, his most notable shoe styles, and whether his shoes are worth their high-ticket price tag.

The Story Behind Stuart Weitzman

Stuart Weitzman is an American footwear designer and the genius behind the eponymous footwear brand. He’s worked closely with some of the most recognizable women in the world, from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, to design custom shoes.

Charlize Theron’s hand-painted Stuart Weitzman pump, customized for charity and displayed alongside her signed portrait — a fusion of artistry, philanthropy, and timeless shoe design (Credit: WENN)

The Stuart Weitzman story is a family affair. His father, Seymour Weitzman, opened ‘Seymour Shoes’ in the late 1950s, with Stuart beginning to design shoes for his father during the 1960s.

After their father’s death, Stuart and his brother ran the Seymour Shoes brand, designing in America while manufacturing their shoes in Spain.

Doutzen Kroes in a black Ingorokva trench coat and red Stuart Weitzman ‘Histyle’ boots at the Stuart Weitzman FW18 Presentation and Cocktail Party at The Pool on February 8, 2018, in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto / John Nacion)

The family-run Seymour Shoes evolved into the Stuart Weitzman label we know today. In 2015, private-equity owner Sycamore Partners sold the brand to Coach in a $574 million deal.

A decade later, in August 2025, parent company Tapestry finalized the sale of Stuart Weitzman to Caleres, ushering the red-carpet favorite into a new chapter under the footwear group’s portfolio.

What Makes Stuart Weitzman So Famous?

Stuart Weitzman is a brand that focuses heavily on confidence through fashion, seeking to empower women with shoes that offer comfort without compromising style.

The brand is known for its “high-fashion, high-function” looks, which are brought to life by skilled Spanish artisans.

Actress Regina King and shoe designer Stuart Weitzman at the unveiling of the custom shoes (2 pieces of Marilyn Monroe’s jewels embedded in the satin) that she would be wearing to the 2005 Academy Awards, as she attends celebrity shoe designer Stuart Weitzman’s annual Oscar dinner at Christie’s Auction House on February 24, 2005, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: WENN)

As an American luxury footwear brand, Stuart Weitzman has a loyal celebrity following. Kate Middleton, Sarah Hyland, Zendaya, and Blake Lively have all been spotted in at least one pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes.

The Most Iconic Stuart Weitzman Shoes of All Time

Stuart Weitzman is one of the most influential luxury footwear brands. It features several iconic styles that have influenced the broader fashion industry and set trends that have endured for seasons.

Stuart Weitzman storefront at Suria KLCC, a 6-story shopping mall located at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Credit: Sorbis / Shutterstock)

We’re rounding up a few of Stuart Weitzman’s most famous footwear designs that everyone needs to know:

1. The 5050 — The Original Over-the-Knee Icon

The 5050 boots are a Stuart Weitzman staple. This over-the-knee style is a bestseller from the brand and has inspired a whole collection of boot styles.

Since its debut in 1993, Stuart Weitzman’s classic and contemporary 5050 over-the-knee boot has become iconic due to its trademark half-and-half construction (Credit: Stuart Weitzman)

Each style incorporates suede with a signature notched, stretched back shaft for a sleek fit. Alessandra Ambrosio styled Stuart Weitzman’s elegant leather 5050 over-the-knee boots with an all-black ensemble at LAX.

2. The Highland — The Heeled Boot That Took Hollywood by Storm

Another boot style that Stuart Weitzman is famous for is the Highland. The design is the high-heel equivalent of the iconic Lowland over-the-knee boots.

Actress Jessica Alba in a black lace high-neck Zuhair Murad mini dress and Stuart Weitzman Highland boots at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

These shoes were described as “unequivocally the hottest boot of the season” and feature a smooth satin finish with a tie-fastening drawstring top.

3. The Lowland — The Effortless Everyday Tall Boot

If you prefer a flat boot with a block heel, check out Stuart Weitzman’s Lowland style.

The high-fashion, high-function Lowland stretch style features the sophistication of a high heel in an easy-to-wear flat block heel (Credit: Stuart Weitzman)

These shoes offer the style of the Highland version without compromising on comfort. They’ll add a vintage ’60s-inspired look to your closet. Kourtney Kardashian wore Stuart Weitzman’s “Lowland” boots with a white mini dress featuring a Peter Pan collar and long sleeves.

4. The Aleena — Minimalist ’90s Energy with Modern Elegance

One of Stuart Weitzman’s most minimalist designs is the ‘Aleena’ square-toe heel, which features a double-strap slide silhouette.

Clare Crawley flaunts her legs in metallic Stuart Weitzman Aleena sandals and a one-shoulder Alexandre Vauthier microcrystal dress for her appearance on Good Morning America on March 2, 2020, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

These shoes are inspired by the best of ’90s fashion and are a best-seller for the brand.

5. The Keelan — Chic Stretch-Back Comfort Meets Style

Another popular Stuart Weitzman boot style is the ‘Keelan’, which incorporates the brand’s recognizable stretch-back shaft.

6. The Nudist — Red-Carpet Favorite for Every Celebrity

Nudist is Stuart Weitzman’s signature minimalist strappy heels, featuring a super-sleek stiletto and slim straps to elongate your legs.

Amanda Seyfried in Stuart Weitzman the Nudistsong sandals paired with a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown at the premiere of 20th Century Fox’s “The Art Of Racing In The Rain” at El Capitan Theatre on August 1, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock)

This style is a popular plus-one for red-carpet events!

7. The Pearl — Feminine Luxury with Signature Embellishments

One of Stuart Weitzman’s most feminine designs is the ‘Pearl’ shoes, which incorporate pearl embellishments across the shoes. This footwear collection includes open-toe heels, boots, and sandals.

8. The Reserve — A Classic Twist on the 5050 Silhouette

Another pair of boots from Stuart Weitzman is the over-the-knee ‘Reserve’ style, which has a timeless silhouette and is a spin on the brand’s iconic 5050 boots.

The Legendary Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth Shoes

Stuart Weitzman’s most famous shoe styles aren’t the ones you’ll find on the brand’s website. Weitzman is renowned for creating one-of-a-kind shoes for Oscar nominees to wear to the ceremony, often valued at over $1 million.

Laura Harring famously debuted a pair of sandals with almost 500 diamonds at the 2002 Oscars. One of Stuart Weitzman’s most expensive shoes is named after Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth.

Preview of the Stuart Weitzman Collection for the 2005 Oscars (Credit: George Brandon / WENN)

These shoes, inspired by the 1940s actress, incorporate rubies, sapphires, and diamonds in a middle setting. The open-toed Rita Hayworth heels are believed to be worth $3 million, making them one of the most expensive shoes in the world.

What’s the catch? These shoes aren’t available for sale. They’re owned by Rita Hayworth’s daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, and were initially designed for the singer Kathleen York for the 2006 Oscars.

Footwear designer Stuart Weitzman shows off shoes designed for the Oscars at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on March 1, 2006 (Credit: Dimitri Halkidis / WENN)

These shoes are a fitting tribute to a Hollywood star renowned for her love of high heels.

A Blend of Spanish Craftsmanship and American Design

Stuart Weitzman is undeniably one of the most recognizable footwear brands in the industry and is widely regarded as a luxury brand.

It’s famous for its unrivaled style, Spanish craftsmanship, and luxury details. What makes the brand unique is its focus on refined, enduring designs meant to stand the test of time.

Giorgio Sarné, who led the brand from 2019 to 2024, departed in November 2024 to become CEO of Montblanc. Following the August 2025 acquisition of Stuart Weitzman by Caleres, Jonathan Lelonek was named Brand President, ushering in a new era for the label under its new parent company.

From Elda, Spain, to the World: The Brand’s Global Manufacturing Story

While Stuart Weitzman is a luxury footwear brand that claims the majority of its shoes are made in Elda, Spain, some of the brand’s shoes are believed to be made in various locations around the world, including Italy, Brazil, and China.

Generally, Stuart Weitzman’s complex and high-end shoes are made in Spain, while its more affordable styles are manufactured in other countries, such as China.

Luxury That Balances Comfort, Longevity, and Timeless Style

If you want American designs with European craftsmanship, Stuart Weitzman is worth the investment. These shoes offer something for everyone and are often a more understated alternative to luxury brands that rely heavily on logos.

While Stuart Weitzman is famous for its million-dollar award show shoes, it also offers entry-level shoes that can help you build a designer footwear collection.

Stuart Weitzman is an American luxury shoe brand making footwear in Elda, a small city in the Alicante province of Spain (Credit: Sorbis / Shutterstock)

Stuart Weitzman is comparable to Jimmy Choo, Gianvito Rossi, Aquazzura, and Salvatore Ferragamo. If you’re a fan of any of these brands, you want to give Stuart Weitzman a try!

Where to Shop the Latest Stuart Weitzman Shoe Styles

The following are some of our favorite heels, sandals, and boots from the renowned designer. You can shop Stuart Weitzman’s latest styles on Amazon, Nordstrom, and Zappos.

1. Botanic-Patterned Carla Platform Sandals

2. Fringe ‘Nudist’ Satin Sandals

3. ‘Sockhop’ Knit Glove Mid-Calf Boot

4. ‘The One’ Swarovski Sandals

5. Ankle-Strap ‘Walkway’ Sandals

More From the World of Designer Shoes and Celebrity Style

As this concludes our deep dive into Stuart Weitzman’s legacy of craftsmanship and red-carpet allure, you might also enjoy exploring how other designers, celebrities, and brands continue to shape the ever-evolving world of fashion footwear.