Trend watch: Affordable versions of expensive women’s shoes

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s latest exhibit Shoe Obsession (on view Feb 8—Apr 13) examines our culture’s fascination with extravagant and fashionable footwear. We found affordable doppelgangers for the latest trendsetting styles, so you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth dropping the cash.

By Rachel LeWinter Tue Feb 12 2013

Check out the latest trendsetting shoe styles and decide for yourself whether it’s better to splurge or save. You’ll find affordable designs from Nine West and Asos, and high-end heels from Kate Spade New York and United Nude.

SPLURGE
Giuseppe Zanotti metallic leather color block sandals, $750, at shopbop.com
SAVE
Nine West Ferdinand wedges, $89, at ninewest.com
SPLURGE
Coye Nokes Victoria velvet-and-feather sandals, $435, at coyenokes.com
SAVE
Asos Hurricane heeled sandals, $79, at asos.com
Photograph: Arnaldo Vargas

SPLURGE
Modern Vice Cheetah Benni boots, $325, at Cloak & Dagger, 441 E 9th St between Ave A and First Ave (212-673-0500)
SAVE
Madden Girl Dontee boots, $60, at amazon.com
SPLURGE
Kate Spade New York Riley mini-polka-dot sandals, $350, at neimanmarcus.com
SAVE
Promise Jerri polka-dot platform sandals, $35, at urbanog.com
SPLURGE
Monika Chiang Artemys sneakers, $385, at Monika Chiang, 125 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-625-3300, monikachiang.com)
SAVE
Ruby and Jenna faux-suede wedge sneakers, $44, at rubyandjenna.com
SPLURGE
Mattijs x United Nude Fan heels, $725, at unitednude.com
SAVE
Penny Sue Cha Cha sculptural platform booties, $88, at lulus.com