Whether it’s your work-week essential or your weekend counterpart, there are just some shoes that touch countless shoppers’ hearts. We all know them; they are recognizable yet unique, have proven loyalty among shoe lovers and staying power in a market where there’s always something new for shoppers to lust after.
Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or trying to decide on the perfect classic design to begin it, trying to compare options across the board can be confusing. Today, we’re here to give you all the shopping information you need, including heel heights, prices and availability, for your next classic purchase. Below, you’ll find ten of the hottest classics currently available, plus all the info you need to decide which one is right for you.
Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps
Heel Heights Currently Available: 120mm (4.8 inches)
Price: $675 – $1,395
Availability: At Christian Louboutin boutiques as well as Net-a-Porter, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys and Christian Louboutin.
Jimmy Choo Anouk Pump
Heel Heights Currently Available: 120mm (4.8 inches)
Price: $595 – $2,725
Availability: At Jimmy Choo boutiques as well as Net-a-Porter, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, farfetch.com and Jimmy Choo.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pump
Heel Heights Currently Available: 115mm (4.5 inches), 100mm (4 inches), 70mm (2.75 inches)
Price: $965 – $1,025
Availability: Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys and Manolo Blahnik.
Valentino Rockstud Pump
Heel Heights Currently Available: 100mm (4 inches), 65mm (2.5 inches), 7mm (0.25 inches)
Price: $995 – $1,895
Availability: At Valentino boutiques as well as Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys and Valentino.
Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal
Heel Heights Currently Available: 140mm (5.5 inches) with a 30mm (1.25 inch) platform, 135mm (5.25 inches) with a 30mm (1.25 inch) platform, 125mm (5 inches) with a 25mm (1 inch) platform, 110mm (4.3 inches) with a 25mm (1 inch) platform, 105mm (4.25 inches) with a 25mm (1 inch) platform, 100mm (4 inches) with a 25mm (1 inch) platform
Price: $895 – $1,395
Availability: At Saint Laurent boutiques as well as Net-a-Porter, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, farfetch.com, Barneys and Saint Laurent.
Tom Ford Ankle-Wrap Padlock Pump
Heel Heights Currently Available: 105mm (4.25 inches)
Price: $1,150 – $1,590
Availability: Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, MyTheresa and Tom Ford.
Gianvito Rossi The Plexi Heel
Heel Heights Currently Available: 105mm (4.25 inches), 5mm (ballerina flat)
Price: $670 – $ 925
Availability: At Gianvito Rossi boutiques as well as Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Forward by Elyse Walker and Gianvito Rossi.
Casadei Blade Pump
Heel Heights Currently Available: 125mm (5 inches) with a 12mm (0.5inch) concealed platform, 115mm (4.5 inches) with a 10mm (0.4inch) concealed platform, 100mm (4 inches)
Price:$695 – $1,350
Availability: At Casadei boutiques as well as Saks, farfetch.com and Casadei.
Aquazzura Amazon Leather Lace-Up Pumps
Heel Heights Currently Available: 100mm (4 inches)
Price: $835
Availability: At Aquazzura boutiques as well as Net-a-Porter, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, farfetch.com, Barneys.
Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandal
Heel Heights Currently Available: 115mm (4.5 inches), 95mm (3.75 inches), 70mm (2.75inches)
Price: $398 – $2,300
Availability: At Stuart Weitzman boutiques as well as Net-a-Porter, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, farfetch.com and Stuart Weitzman.
Can someone who has the Plexi heels speak to their breathability? I love the look of the clear plastic panels but I can just imagine how sweaty my feet would get in those shoes.
They’re SUPER comfortable, versatile, and are very flattering on the foot. If you’re planning on getting a pair, I suggest getting them in the leather style. Hope this helps!
Wouldn’t the BB pump be more of a classic choice than the Hangisi?
I feel like the Aquazurra Wild Thing should be on here…any thoughts about its long term staying power? I can’t decide if the fringe is simply trendy or not…
Any intel on which are comfortable? Thanks
(other than the Tributes, I know they are super comfy)
The Stuart Weitzman Nudist in the mid-heel height (actually called the Nudistsong) and the lower block heel height (spacing the name) are comfortable for the heel heights. The foot beds are lightly padded, which is nice. However, some people find the front strap on the two higher heel heights bothers their pinky toe. I guess it varies a bit based on your feet, but I find the Nudistsong surprisingly comfortable.
I don’t agree with your Aquazzura choice. I feel like the wild thing is more appropriate?!? I would appreciate your thoughts Katherine! XOXO
Personally Jimmy Choo Abel is the most comfortable, easy to walk in and truly a classic shoe.
Wow! They’re just sooo high. And beautiful.
What, no BBs? Surely those are more classic than the Casadei blade?
The Plexi shoes are actually very comfortable, like all my other Gianvito Rossi shoes. I prefer them in a 85 (3,5) heel though, and I’d much rather buy his Portofino sandal than the Stuart Weitzman Nudist or Nudistsong. The big difference is in how the heel is placed.