The Ultimate Shoe Guide: 13 Most Popular Brands Every Fashion-Forward Woman Should Know

A great pair of shoes is the finishing touch to any outfit. Discovering a brand that aligns with your aesthetic and lifestyle can feel like finding your fashion soulmate.

We all have a brand we gravitate towards when we need new shoes, whether a designer brand or a budget-friendly alternative. You might be looking to kickstart your shoe collection or for a new brand to incorporate into your closet.

Exploring new shoe brands is one of the easiest ways to keep your wardrobe fresh. In this guide, we highlight the most popular women’s footwear labels—from luxury icons to affordable favorites—along with their signature styles, sizing notes, and celebrity fans. Use it as a reference the next time you’re deciding which brand deserves a spot in your collection.

1. Sophia Webster: Whimsical Butterfly Heels & Bridal Favorites

British shoe designer Sophia Webster is famous for her fairytale-inspired, whimsical stilettoes. If butterflies are your thing, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Sophia Webster.

Ellie Goulding shows off her feet in Sophia Webster’s “Evangeline” angel-wing sandals (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images /Startraksphoto)

A graduate of London College of Fashion’s Cordwainers and the Royal College of Art, she debuted her first collection for Spring/Summer 2013.

Sophia was awarded the Conde Nast Footwear Emerging Designer of the Year 2012, the British Fashion Award for Emerging Accessories Designer 2013, and the British Fashion Council’s New Gen Award for her first three consecutive seasons.

She also won the BFC Vogue Fashion Fund in 2016, becoming the second shoe designer in history to receive this prestigious prize.

Immediately after graduating from the Royal College of Art, Sophia was appointed as Assistant Designer to Nicholas Kirkwood. With a background in Fine Art, her designs are all hand-drawn and conceptualized within the company headquarters in East London.

She proves her commercial viability through a diverse selection of styles; heels are offered in various heights, and flats, espadrilles, and sneakers are available as alternatives for a more casual style.

Elizabeth Banks shows off her feet in red Sophia Webster sandals (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)

Her collections have also expanded to include children’s, bridal, and handbag ranges, all of which have been successful, proving that her signature aesthetic can be translated across multiple categories.

Launched in 2013, Sophia Webster quickly gained popularity for her whimsical and quirky shoe designs

Her heels are a favorite amongst supermodels, who love their classic silhouettes with a playful twist. The butterfly motif carries through most of the brand’s shoes, incorporating feminine prints and patterns.

International supermodels like Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel are avid fans of the brand, along with celebrities such as Blake Lively and Kendall Jenner.

Adriana Lima, Alesha Dixon, Blake Lively, Kendall Jenner, and Pixie Lott are among the many celebrity fans of Sophia Webster (Credit: Michael Carpenter / Lia Toby / WENN)

While the ‘Chiara’ winged heels are the most famous style, Sophia Webster offers more wearable silhouettes, including ballet flats and espadrilles.

One of their best-selling collections is their bridal range. The ‘Wifey for Lifey’ shoes appear on our Instagram feed every wedding season – along with the matching bag!

While Sophia Webster is famous for the Chiara winged design, the brand also has everything from espadrilles to flats

If you’re looking to save a little on designer shoes, Sophia Webster is a brand that frequently holds sales and appears on discount websites like Saks OFF 5TH.

If you’ve got a mini-me, you’ll want to check out the brand’s ‘Mini’ range. It includes a collection of matching footwear for children, allowing you to achieve the ultimate ‘mini-me’ moment.

From her butterfly-wing stilettos to playful bridal favorites, Sophia Webster has carved out a whimsical yet versatile niche in modern footwear. For even more inspiration and celebrity style moments, explore our dedicated Sophia Webster features below.

2. Sergio Rossi: Italian Craftsmanship & the Godiva Pump

The eponymous Italian footwear company is known for its handmade designs created for sophisticated and effortlessly chic women

Thanks to influencers, Sergio Rossi, a classic Italian shoe brand, is making a major comeback. Established in 1968, Sergio Rossi is a classic luxury shoe brand with an international reputation. It takes 14 hours to create one pair of shoes, making them the finest luxury shoes.

Sergio Rossi’s famous Godiva style is available in a variety of silhouettes and materials

The most popular style of Sergio Rossi shoes is the Godiva pump, which has a synonymous signature silhouette.

These shoes are a favorite of celebrities like Halle Berry and Naomi Campbell, who wear them as their go-to style for red carpet appearances.

Hollywood stars Olivia Culpo, Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Scarlett Johansson in Sergio Rossi heels (Credit: Avalon / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

Sergio Rossi’s footwear has also been embraced by celebrities for its distinctive designs. Michelle Yeoh, for instance, wore black Sergio Rossi peep-toe platform pumps with crystal-encrusted gold ribbon at the Gold Gala, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.

Alyssa Milano chose Sergio Rossi butterfly cutout sandals for Entertainment Weekly’s Screen Actors Guild Party, showcasing the brand’s intricate design work. Naomi Watts was seen in Sergio Rossi ‘Sr1’ heeled square-toe loafers with folded-back heels at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, highlighting the brand’s innovative approach to classic styles.

3. Gianvito Rossi: Modern Elegance from the Portofino to Montecarlo

If you’re looking for a more contemporary brand, consider Sergio’s son, Gianvito Rossi.

French creative director and designer Julia Restoin Roitfeld, footwear designer Gianvito Rossi, and a guest attend the 31st FN Achievement Awards at IAC Headquarters on November 28, 2017, in New York City (Credit: Patricia Schlein / WENN)

This footwear designer made a name for himself at Versace during the 1990s before launching his brand in 2006. These shoes have an instant glamour appeal and will take any outfit to the next level.

From Sergio Rossi’s timeless craftsmanship to Gianvito Rossi’s contemporary elegance, both brands continue to shape how celebrities and royals dress their feet. Explore some of their most memorable moments and style highlights on Your Next Shoes below.

4. Dr. Martens: Iconic 1460s, Jadons & Forever-Punk Style

Not everyone dreams of a closet full of stilettoes. If you’re a fan of combat boots, then Dr. Martens is your perfect match. These shoes give you a vintage aesthetic with a contemporary twist.

Founded in the 1940s as a durable workwear style, Dr. Martens rose to fame in the ’60s along with the emergence of the punk subculture

The brand pitches itself as one that designs for people “who have their own individual style but share a united spirit.”

Their shoes have a simplistic silhouette that allows you to put your twist on the style. Dr. Martens is renowned for its durable designs that offer style without compromising comfort.

Irina Shayk, Daisy Lowe, Jessica Alba, and Gwen Stefani showcase the versatility of Dr. Martens—mostly classic black 1460s with Gwen’s burgundy pair—styled with ripped denim, skinnies, a printed maxi, and layered outerwear (Credit: Mega / WENN)

Dr. Martens shoes have evolved from a work-wear staple to the ultimate symbol of self-expression during the 1970s. If you want to invest in budget-friendly boots that stand the test of time, look no further than Dr. Martens.

The brand became synonymous with the punk-rock movement of the 1970s, before more simplistic and feminine styles emerged in the ’80s. During the 1990s, Dr. Martens became associated with the festival culture, expanding into the music world.

For affordable yet durable footwear that will last for years, go with Dr. Martens’ classic silhouettes

Dr. Martens carries the tagline that they’re ‘made like no other shoe on earth’. Whether you prefer loafers or combat boots, Dr. Martens is a style that has united fashion aesthetics across the style divide.

From punk-inflected style guides to hands-on fit tips, these Dr. Martens features capture the boot’s iconic versatility—from celeb street moments to handy styling hacks. Dive into our roundup below for everything you need to know (and wear) about Docs.

5. Jimmy Choo: Red-Carpet Glamour & Bridal Classics

When it comes to Cinderella-worthy shoes, Jimmy Choo is one brand that will always be on our list of the best shoe brands for women.

Jimmy Choo became famous for the quality and timeless style of his high-end, handmade footwear

The brand gained significant popularity after Princess Diana wore it in the late 1990s. Jimmy Choo is now a go-to brand for Hollywood royalty and the British royal family, including the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum, and Emily Blunt wearing Jimmy Choos (Credit: Mega / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Avalon / WENN)

Jimmy Choo is the go-to luxury shoe brand for those seeking a timeless silhouette that embodies understated elegance. Some of the most famous women in the world have stepped out in Jimmy Choo’s shoes.

If you’re looking to invest in designer shoes that will stand the test of time, Jimmy Choo is the brand for you. The brand is popular for women looking to splurge on princess-inspired bridal shoes.

Some of Jimmy Choo’s popular styles include the Vamp, Lance, Minny, and Anouk

Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic line, ‘I lost my Choo,’ cemented Jimmy Choo’s place in pop culture history. It’s the perfect Instagram caption for showcasing your new Jimmy Choo shoes.

From bridal showstoppers to celebrity campaigns and men’s footwear breakthroughs, Jimmy Choo continues to define luxury with breadth and flair. Dive into these handpicked moments that capture its red carpet evolution and design influence.

6. Aquazzura: Royal-Approved Heels with Comfort-First Design

Royal style watchers will recognize Aquazzura, the go-to brand of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. This modern footwear brand has a natural elegance and allure, making it an instant hit.

A Florence-based luxury footwear brand popular among the British royals and A-list celebrities

The brand was created by Edgardo Osorio, focusing on innovative design, vibrant color palettes, and added embellishments.

Meghan Markle, Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, and Eva Longoria wearing their chic Aquazzura heels (Credit: Avalon / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Aquazzura has captivated a diverse audience, earning admiration from fashion influencers, European royalty, and Hollywood stars alike.

The brand has partnered with everyone from Claudia Schiffer to Olivia Palermo and Poppy Delevingne. They’ve also collaborated with Salvatore Ferragamo.

The Aquazzura Purist, Matilde, Deneuve, and Milano are just some of the styles seen on Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

From comfort-forward design breakthroughs to red-carpet whimsy, Aquazzura blends luxury with wearability. Explore some of our favorite moments—from royal styles and crystal-embellished icons to standout cameo looks—curated below.

7. Salvatore Ferragamo: Vara Classics & Old-Hollywood Heritage

If you want to invest in classic Italian footwear, look no further than Salvatore Ferragamo.

Founded in Florence, Italy, luxury fashion brand Salvatore Ferragamo is known for its high-end shoes, clothing, and accessories for both men and women

This popular footwear brand is responsible for creating everything from Judy Garland’s rainbow shoes to the original wedge heels. If you want classic shoes that will never go out of style, then you need Ferragamo shoes in your collection.

Salvatore Ferragamo’s most iconic style is the Vara, which comes in different silhouettes and materials

The most classic style of Ferragamo shoes is the ‘Vara’ pumps, complete with the brand’s signature Vara bow. They capture the idea of European elegance and add a touch of effortless chic to any outfit.

Ferragamo is an excellent alternative to designer brands like Christian Louboutin, offering a more understated look. These feminine styles are synonymous with Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn.

This luxury Italian brand offers a more attainable price point than Gucci or Prada, yet remains just as iconic.

Irina Shayk stuns in strappy black Ferragamo sandals, Stella Maxwell channels Old Hollywood glamour in lace-up Ferragamo heels, and Nicole Kidman exudes elegance in classic black Ferragamo pumps—three red-carpet moments that showcase the brand’s timeless sophistication (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

From chapel-worthy sandals to airport-chic and red-carpet glamour, Salvatore Ferragamo’s footprint spans both legacy and modern moments. Below, explore our favorite fashion-forward stories showcasing the brand’s timeless craftsmanship—from Judy Garland’s iconic Rainbow sandals to contemporary celebrity style.

8. Timberland: Eco-Forward Boots for City & Trail

For outdoor shoes, it has to be Timberland. This American footwear brand is renowned for its boots, offering an alternative to the British brand Dr. Martens.

The OG shoes are the ‘Timberland’ waterproof boots with an innovative design. They’re the shoes you’ll wear for a hiking adventure or a day in the city during the winter.

Initially made for outdoors and blue-collar workers, Timberland boots have become one of the most popular casual footwear today

It’s not just boots and winter shoes that you’ll find from Timberland. Their collection also includes boat shoes and more casual silhouettes. What we love about Timberland is its eco-friendly designs and fabrics.

Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Megan Fox are just three of the many celebrity fans of Timberland boots

In 2007, the brand launched its ‘Earthkeepers’ boots using organic and recycled materials.

A blog post on Timberland’s official site in 2024 states that “the equivalent of 345 million plastic bottles has found new life in our products since 2009.”

Aside from the iconic yellow boot, Timberland’s Earthkeepers is also a popular style, thanks to its environmentally friendly features

When Christopher Raeburn joined the team as Global Creative Director in 2019, he brought a philosophy of ‘remade, reduced, recycled’ for product creation.

Timberland is one you want to check out if you’re hunting for an eco-friendly brand with a sustainability mission. Timberland’s iconic boots have long been a favorite among celebrities, seamlessly blending rugged style with high fashion.

From styling inspo to fit guides and care tips, our Timberland collection covers everything you need—from celebrity streetwear moments to authenticating and maintaining your boots. Dive into these highlights below.

9. Nike: Culture-Defining Sneakers from Air Max to Jordans

Sneakers are one of the most popular shoe styles right now. With activewear becoming the go-to fashion trend, it’s no surprise that Nike features on this list.

Today’s athleisure trend has fueled the sales growth of sneaker and athletic shoe brands like sports apparel giant Nike

With Nike, you can stick to the athleisure sneakers or go all out with a pair of Nike Jordans.

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Olivia Culpo, and Hailey Bieber have embraced the athleisure trend with Nike shoes as their go-to footwear (Credit: Mega / WENN)

Air Jordans are the original must-have sneakers that started the collectible sneakers craze in the 1990s. You can style them with a pantsuit, yoga bottoms, or even a summer dress.

Everyone needs shoes they can throw into their backpack for commuting to work or when the weather changes unexpectedly. Nike is one brand that everyone has in their closet.

The next time you need a new pair of sneakers, consider an activewear brand like Nike, which offers sneakers that combine comfort and style.

Some of the most popular Nike shoes of all time include the Air Max 97, Dunk Low SB, Air Max 90, and Air Force 1

From innovation milestones like Air Max technology to street-savvy style moments and fit/verification guides, Nike covers a broad spectrum. Below you’ll find curated stories about its iconic silhouettes, size guides, athlete collaborations, and key sneaker culture moments.

10. Stuart Weitzman: OTK Boots, Nudist Sandals & Everyday Luxe

Stuart Weitzman is one of our favorite shoe brands, combining attainable luxury shoes and must-have designer styles. Whatever your aesthetic is, you’re guaranteed to find a pair of shoes for you.

An entry-level luxury footwear brand that offers classic and contemporary designs

Stuart Weitzman offers a range of shoes, from leather to suede and Nappa, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary designs and eye-catching silhouettes. You’ll even find the occasional style with Swarovski crystals for a supermodel-worthy look.

Some of Stuart Weitzman’s most popular styles are the Highland boots, Power pumps, and Nudist sandals

This shoe brand isn’t afraid to embrace femininity with bold and energetic designs that cater to a diverse audience. Whether you’re looking for over-the-knee boots or delicate ballet flats, Stuart Weitzman is an all-encompassing footwear brand.

Whether you want to spend $200 or $2,000, Stuart Weitzman caters to the broadest variety of budgets and lifestyles among the brands on this list.

Kate Middleton steps out in classic black Stuart Weitzman boots, Rosamund Pike adds sharp tailoring with minimalist Stuart Weitzman sandals, and Ciara brings red-carpet drama in crystal-embellished Stuart Weitzman heels (Credit: Avalon / Sheri Determan / WENN)

From iconic over-the-knee boots and red-carpet sandals to royal favorites and street-style staples, Stuart Weitzman continues to embody effortless glamour.

The brand’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance craftsmanship with cultural relevance—beloved by celebrities, tastemakers, and everyday style icons alike. These curated highlights spotlight its signature designs and unforgettable fashion moments:

11. Christian Louboutin: Red-Sole Icons—Pigalle, So Kate & More

We couldn’t write a guide on the most popular women’s shoe brands without mentioning Christian Louboutin. The brand is synonymous with its red sole shoes, which have a celebrity following. They’re the shoes that every woman dreams of adding to her collection.

Christian Louboutin is one of the world’s most popular high-end shoe brands, easily identifiable by the red soles

Whether you’re a sneaker collector or prefer a classic silhouette, Christian Louboutin is a designer brand with something to offer everyone. No designer shoe collection is complete without at least one pair of red bottoms.

Zendaya, Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Blake Lively, and Kim Kardashian are just a few of the many celebrities who love Christian Louboutin heels (Credit: Mega / WENN)

The brand has a cult following, counting celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Blake Lively among its biggest fans.

Must-have Louboutin styles include the Pigalle, So Kate, and Follies Strass. While these shoes are infamous for being made with style in mind rather than comfort, the various heel heights mean there’s a style to suit everyone.

Christian Louboutin has recently expanded its collection to include more diverse styles, including sneakers and flat shoes for those not fans of skyscraper stilettos.

The Follies Spikes, Pigalle Follies, Follies Strass, So Kate, Jonatina, and Pigalle are some of Christian Louboutin’s most popular shoe styles

From red-sole red carpet moments to cult-favorite classic models and ultra-creative collabs, Christian Louboutin continues to be a statement-maker. Dive into our curated picks below to explore celebrity styling, design icons, authentication tips, and limited-edition art pieces.

12. Manolo Blahnik: Hangisi Heels & Timeless Sophistication

If you’re a fan of Sex and the City, you’ll be familiar with the brand made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw.

Manolo Blahnik is known for his signature high-end women’s footwear

The famous ‘Hangisi’ shoe has become the brand’s signature style after appearing in the film version of Sex and the City. These elegant shoes embody the concept of modern elegance, incorporating crystals and distinctive silhouettes without hesitation.

Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi pumps, Chaos sandals, Estro, and BB pumps feature a timeless design

Manolo Blahnik is even rumored to be the go-to shoe brand of Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. Blahnik names his mother as his greatest style muse, which has led him to create feminine designs that are light and elegant.

Manolo Blahnik is a favorite shoe brand among celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Michelle Obama.

Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Nicky Hilton, and Emilia Clarke pair their dress with Manolo Blahnik shoes (Credit: Mega / Avalon / TNYF / IZZY / PNP / WENN)

With timeless elegance and red-carpet pedigree, Manolo Blahnik brings drama and grace to every moment—from awards nights to street-style moments. Below, explore curated highlights showing why Blahnik remains an icon, from BB pumps on royalty to Chaos sandals on Rihanna.

13. VEJA: Minimal, Sustainable Sneakers Everyone’s Wearing

If you want budget-friendly designer sneakers, take a look at VEJA. What we love about Veja is that they’re a sustainable sneaker brand we see everywhere on social media.

Veja is a French footwear brand known for its sustainable sneakers

The brand was founded in France in 2005 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion to create sneakers made from ecological materials and using ethical suppliers.

Veja repurposes recycled plastic bottles to craft the waterproof mesh featured in many of their sneakers, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The brand collaborates with rubber tappers in the Amazon to source materials ethically, while plastic bottles are collected from the streets of Brazilian cities, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, transforming waste into innovative, eco-friendly designs.

Celebrities love Veja’s Esplar, V-10, and Rick Owens V-knit collaboration

Every year, the brand continues to grow from strength to strength, offering an attainable luxury price tag. Their classic sneaker style takes its inspiration from vintage volleyball shoes. You’ll easily spot the Veja sneakers with their minimalistic ‘V’ logo on their outer side.

Veja’s commitment to sustainability and minimalist design has garnered a significant following among celebrities. Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted multiple times in her favorite white Veja Esplar sneakers, pairing them effortlessly with casual outfits.

As we wrap up our roundup of today’s most influential shoe brands, it’s worth remembering that the world of footwear is vast and ever-evolving. Beyond the iconic labels we’ve already explored, there are plenty of other designers and heritage names shaping fashion history.

14. More Shoe Brands Worth Exploring