1 Check out Star Styles

When you buy shoes on a budget, take a good look through your favorite fashion columns to see what the stars are wearing. It is often the case that a luxury look comes from simply falling in line with current trends. ASOS was once a great resource for this, but even though it has evolved from its early days, it remains a solid inspiration point. Any fashion magazine will do, and once you have your perfect pair in mind, you can easily emulate your favorite star’s styles.

2 Choose Charity Carefully

If you balk at the idea of shopping at a charity store, it might be time to reconsider your approach. Certain neighborhoods consistently produce stores stocked with designer goods. As you might have guessed, these neighborhoods are usually the wealthiest ones. Take a trip to charity shops in a rich locale, and you may get your hands on some lightly used designer brands at a fraction of their original cost.

3 EBay

The era of online auction sites won’t die out any time soon, and that is fantastic news for anyone seeking shoes on a budget. Truthfully, I have only had one or two disappointing experiences with eBay. However, each time the financial side resolves itself smoothly through buyer protection programs, allowing me to continue shopping happily again. Some of my biggest successes include getting my hands on some lovely, nearly new designer boots.

4 Check out the Outnet

Have you ever browsed Net-a-Porter and fantasized about the amazing shoes there? Well, The Outnet is Net-a-Porter’s sister site, and it sells designer goods at deeply discounted prices. The markdowns there can reach as high as 90 percent. That really is a great way to save on premium brands like Louboutins without sacrificing quality.

5 Buy Designer Combos

Big-name designers worldwide are increasingly teaming up with high-street stores to give everyday consumers a taste of the fashion industry. This ultimately means that you can pay a budget price for shoes, while still getting your hands on a designer label. There is one caveat here, though: you often need to purchase them quickly or as part of a sale to make them truly budget-friendly. Still, if you’re aiming for a classic design, there is no reason why these collaborative pieces can’t work out of season.

6 Try Independent Boutiques

We are often so focused on choosing from mass-produced products that we miss the independent boutiques selling truly unique shoes. Usually, these smaller designers know they need to compete with their prices to attract customers. This means you can buy budget footwear with a distinct look for a fraction of the cost of mainstream luxury brands. You can find independent boutiques in most cities if you take the time to explore.

7 Pair Budget Shoes with Hot Trousers

There are no rules stating that your entire outfit must be completely budget or completely designer. In fact, you can combine designer clothing items with budget shoes to make the latter look far more expensive than they actually are. Nobody will see the label on your soles, so who’s going to know where they’re from anyway? Plan your outfits carefully, and everything will look effortlessly chic. For more on styling, see our guide on pairing footwear with wide-leg pants.

Buying cheap shoes doesn’t mean your overall look will suffer. In fact, it is a great chance to save some cash while diversifying your wardrobe. Shop wisely, combining your affordable footwear with high-end trousers, and catch designer sales when they are at their best. If you have a great tip for making the most of budget shoes, what is it?