The New Fall Shoes 2022: Should You Splurge or Steal?

There’s no denying that even though it’s still summer, it’s time to shop for back to school! At this point you may have the kids all set with new clothing, school supplies and shoes. But don’t forget about yourself! Don’t you need a pair of new fall shoes too? Well even if you don’t, it’s always fun to look at what designers have to offer each season, especially for fall 2022.

I have been checking out the latest drool-worthy fall shoes from some of the top luxury brands, and yes, they cost a lot to own a pair. That’s why I found similar styles for a whole lot less. So you can decide. You may like to splurge on a high quality pair, or you can get the look for a steal. Here are some of my favorite shoe indulgences for women over 50.

New Fall Shoes 2022: Designer vs Look for Less

The Crystal Loafer

Prada went crystal crazy for fall 2022! This season the brand offers a variety of completely crystal covered shoes from mules to slingback heels to loafers. These Prada Logo Crystal Loafers will look fabulous with everything from black pants to plaid shirts, but I would wear them mostly with faded jeans. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. These shoes are easy to wear and collector-worthy for $1,750, but you can get a similar look, only a lot less blingy from DSW for a tiny fraction of the cost. These Mix No, 6 Gaya Sparkle Loafers are now on sale for only $35. They are a great way to try out the trend, and if they work for you can pick up the real deal Prada pair later.

Prada Logo Crystal Loafer, $1,750

DSW Mix No, 6 Gaya Sparkle Loafer, now $35

Tall Suede Cowboy Boot

Cowboy boots are never out of style, but they are trending again lately. Vogue spotted the younger set wearing them in the hot summer months with shorts and dresses, and the cowboy boot trend will no doubt continue for fall. A gorgeous and sophisticated pair are these Saint Laurent Houston Suede Cowboy Boots in dark brown suede. They are ideal for any woman’s collection, (not to be worn with shorts!), but with jeans or fall dresses with tights. I am all about designer shoes, and these Saint Laurent boots are amazing, but when it comes to cowboy boots, I would go for “the steal.” These Tacovas Annie boots in sienna suede for $295 not only look identical, but they are made to last. Tacovas, in this case, are are actually the “real deal.”

Saint Laurent Houston Suede Cowboy Boot, $1,195

Tacovas The Annie in Sienna Suede,  $295

Spiked Sneaker

Sneakers are here to stay, so why not get these Christian Louboutin Viera 2 Spike Sneakers for $895? They are comfortable, cool, edgy and chic, plus you will wear them to death. However, you can get these Lady Couture Paris Sneakers from DSW for only $65! Sure, they are less-spiky, and less well-made, but they will cost you a lot less money.

Christian Louboutin Viera 2 Spike Sneaker, $895

DSW Lady Couture Paris Sneaker, $65

The Platform Pump

OK, so I don’t think many 50 year olds will be wearing ankle strap 4″ platform patent pumps, but I just had to show you these because, as you will soon see, the imitations are rampant for fall 2022. You will see this shoe style on every celebrity or on anyone who can walk in them. These Valentino Tan-Go Platform Pumps are $1,150, but you will notice the actual pitch is only like 2 inches, so they are probably the best pair to invest in. There is a price for safety and comfort! But these Steve Madden Skyrise Platform Pumps are quite similar and over a thousand dollars less. Tell your daughters!

Valentino Tan-Go Platform Pumps, $1,150

Steve Madden Skyrise Platform Pump, $130

Buckle Embellished Pump

Now this pump is more my speed and a style I have had on my wish list for decades. If you want to splurge on a pair of shoes, I recommend these Roger Vivier Sin Crystal Buckle Pumps for $1,995. They are more in the line of a piece of jewelry, and you will wear them for special occasions (and they don’t have to be formal) year after year. Besides black tie and formal events, you can wear them with flirty chiffon dresses, white or print pants in summer or with jeans and a blazer. But you can also invest a lot less in these Badgley Mischka Collection Cher Crystal Embellished Pumps for only $235 to save $1,760, and wear them the same way (which is a lot!).

Roger Vivier Sin Crystal Buckle Pointed Toe Pump, $1,995

Badgley Mischka Collection Cher Crystal Embellished Pump, $235

Embellished Lug Sole Boot

And one last style that you may want to splurge on are these Gucci Trip Jewel Strap Booties. Yes, they are $1,250 but they’re  show-stoppers and comfortable to boot (pun intended). And you can remove the jewel cuff for a more minimalist look, but why would you want to? You know you will wear these boots consistently for 3 seasons, and when you consider cost-per-wear, they are worthy of the investment. But it’s nice to have options, and these Nine West Cearlz Stud & Chain Combat Boots will give you the same biker-meets-bling look for only $149.

Gucci Trip Jewel Strap Booties, $1,250

Nine West Cearlz Stud & Chain Combat Boots, $149

So what do you think about the fall 2022 designer shoes? Do you see a pair you like, and will you splurge or steal?

You may also like to read Bold and Colorful Fashion Prints for Summer: Splurge vs Steal and Bold and Colorful Fashion Prints for Summer: Splurge vs Steal.

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