How Stuart Weitzman Became Famous: His Most Iconic Shoes

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.

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)

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

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.

Who Is 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 Beyonce to Taylor Swift, to design them custom shoes.

A Stuart Weitzman shoe decorated by Charlize Theron for charity (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.

Stuart and his brother ran the Seymour Shoes brand after their father’s death, designing in America while having their shoes manufactured 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 Seymour Shoes brand would eventually evolve into the Stuart Weitzman brand that we know and love today.

In 2015, Sycamore Partners LLC sold Stuart Weitzman to Coach for $574 million.

American multinational luxury fashion holding company Tapestry, Inc. is the parent company of three major brands: Coach New York, Kate Spade New York, and Stuart Weitzman (Credit: T. Schneider / Shutterstock)

Today, Stuart Weitzman makes up the ‘Tapestry’ brand, alongside Coach and Kate Spade.

What Is Stuart Weitzman Famous For?

Stuart Weitzman is a brand that focuses heavily on the idea of confidence through fashion and seeks to empower women with shoes that offer comfort without compromising on style.

The brand is known for its “high-fashion, high-function” looks that are brought to life by the brand’s 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 8 Most Famous Stuart Weitzman Shoe Styles

As Stuart Weitzman is one of the most influential luxury footwear brands.

It has several pairs of famous styles that have influenced the wider fashion industry and set trends that have lasted for seasons.

Stuart Weitzman storeаfront 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. 5050

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.

2. Highland

Another boot style that Stuart Weitzman is famous for is Highland.

The design is the high-heel equivalent of the brand’s 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 incorporate smooth satin with a tie-fastening drawstring top finish.

3. Lowland

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

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 give you the style of the Highland version without compromising on comfort. They’ll add a vintage ‘60s-inspired look to your closet.

4. Aleena

One of Stuart Weitzman’s most minimalistic designs is the ‘Aleena’ square-toe heel that 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. Keelan

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

6. Nudist

Nudist is Stuart Weitzman’s signature minimalistic strappy heels with 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. Pearl

One of Stuart Weitzman’s most feminine designs is the ‘Pearl’ shoes that incorporate pearl embellishments across the shoes.

This footwear collection includes open-toe heels, boots, and sandals.

8. Reserve

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

The 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 famous for creating one-of-a-kind shoes for Oscar nominees to wear to the ceremony, often valued at over a million dollars.

Laura Harring famously debuted a pair of sandals with almost 500 diamonds at the 2002 Oscars.

One of Stuart Weitzman’s most expensive shoes are named after Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth.

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

These shoes are inspired by the 1940s actress and incorporate rubies, sapphires, and diamonds with 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 originally designed for the singer Kathleen York for the 2006 Oscars.

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

These shoes are a worthwhile tribute to a Hollywood star that was famous for her love of heels.

Is Stuart Weitzman a Luxury Brand?

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

It’s famous for its unrivaled style, Spanish craftsmanship, and luxury details.

What makes the brand unique is that it focuses on more refined designs intended to withstand the test of time. The brand’s current CEO is Giorgio Sarne.

Where Are Stuart Weitzman’s Shoes Made?

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

As a general rule, complex and high-end Stuart Weitzman shoes are made in Spain, while cheaper styles are made in other countries such as China.

Are Stuart Weitzman Shoes Worth the Investment?

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 collection of designer footwear.

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 brands like 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!

Scroll down to see the best shoes by Stuart Weitzman, an American designer, entrepreneur, and founder of the eponymous international, high-end shoe company.

We’ll also show you celebrities wearing his popular ‘Highland’ boots, heels, pumps, and the iconic Nudist sandals.

Stuart Weitzman Facts

The following are our favorite heels and sandals from the popular shoe designer.

5 Amazing Stuart Weitzman Shoes

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

Celebrities Wearing Stuart Weitzman Shoes