When it comes to expensive shoes, you are probably thinking of red-bottomed Christian Louboutins or diamond. However, the world of expensive, luxury shoewear is far bigger than that. With some of the most jaw-dropping price tags in the world, the shoes on this list could practically be called art.
These shoes are so expensive, you might as well think about taking out a few loans for a new house…or two. From stilettos encrusted with the finest jewels to shoes that are literally a part of history, you will never think of “expensive” the same again.
1. Marilyn Monroe Pumps by Stuart Weitzman ($1 million)
These classic satin pumps by Stuart Weitzman are an homage to the life and glamour of Hollywood’s beloved Marilyn Monroe. Monroe technically did not wear these pumps, but they definitely embody her spirit.
On the toe strap, there is a satin rose embellished with Swarovski crystals in the center. The crystals are said to have come from a pair of earrings that belonged to Marilyn Monroe herself.
In 2005, American actress and director Regina King had the honor of wearing this piece of history to the Oscars. Since then, Monroe’s earrings have been reproduced and auctioned off for $1 million. The shoes were also sold at a celebrity charity event for $1 million.
Although these shoes are not the most expensive or luxurious on our list, they are still valuable in maintaining the legacy of Marilyn Monroe.
2. Platinum Guild Slippers by Stuart Weitzman ($1.09 million)
Created as one of Weitzman’s rarest collections, his Platinum Guild Slippers are one of the most stunning pairs of shoes in the world. The heels are completely constructed out of a platinum fabric that is adorned with 464 Kwait diamonds. The diamonds come in both round and pear-shaped stones and are intricately placed on the straps of the heels.
However, the truly stunning aspect of these shoes lies in their versatility. The generously decorated straps can actually be removed from the shoes and worn as a necklace. Talk about a real work of craftsmanship and ingenuity.
In 2012, Weitzman decided to recreate these slippers in celebration of the Platinum Guild collection. However, Weitzman replaced the Kwait diamonds with Swarovski crystals, bringing the shoes price to a somewhat more affordable $595.
3. Tanzanite Heels by Stuart Weitzman ($2 million)
Created as a collaborative project between Weitzman and Eddie Le Vian, a French luxury jewelry designer, these silver heels are all about the jewels. Its straps are adorned with 28 carat diamonds and 185 carat tanzanite gems with a single 16 carat tanzanite drop dangling in the center of the shoe.
Meanwhile the toe strap is subtly decorated with tiny diamonds to finish off the look, without distracting from the stunning ankle strap.
Weitzman designed these shoes to be worn and featured on the red carpet. However, a celebrity has yet to don these luxurious heels.
4. Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers by Harry Winston ($3 million)
Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz were already iconic to begin with. However, they only became more magical when Henry Winston decided to recreate the slippers but with real rubies.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, the House of Harry Winston meticulously placed 4,600 rubies by hand and 50 carats worth of diamonds to embellish the bow and lip of the shoe.
When it was finished the result was a pair of shoes that valued no less than $3 million. Interestingly, however, the shoes Judy Garland actually wore in the movie fetch an even higher price at auction even though they were only made out of red sequins.
While it is unlikely that this recreation of the ruby slippers can take you to Oz, they still earn a rightful place in a fashion and film history.
5. Diamond Studded Stilettos by Debbie Wingham ($15 million)
For the longest time, these stilettos held the title as the most expensive shoes in the world and for good reason. They were designed by Debbie Wingham, one of the world’s most prized designers with an even more illustrious career. Not only has she designed the world’s most expensive shoes, she has also designed the world’s most expensive dress and most expensive cake in the world.
So, what exactly earned these shoes a price tag of $15 million? The shoes feature 24K gold stitching that is complemented by 1,000 diamonds set in platinum. To pull the price up even higher, each shoe also contains 3 carat rare pink diamonds and a 1 carat blue diamond. Unlike Weitzman’s designs, these shoes were designed as a birthday present for an anonymous client.
Of all the shoes on this list, these shoes are definitely the most elaborate. With these shoes, you must be prepared to embrace extravagance.
6. Passion Diamond Heels by Jada Dubai ($17 million)
The Passion Diamond Heels were the shoes that officially dethroned Debbie Wingham’s diamond stilettos as the most expensive shoes in the world. Designed by Jada Dubai and Passion Jewelers, these shoes flaunt 236 diamonds around the rim of the shoe with 15 carat D-flawless diamonds to finish the shoes off with a flair.
Although the price tag makes these shoes seem practically untouchable, the designers are actually trying to make more of these shoes for future clients. Fairly soon, future clients can actually especially design their own Passion Diamond Heels using their own measurements.
Conclusion
It might seem silly to have such expensive and luxurious shoes. In truth, no one really needs luxury shoes, but that does not mean they are without use. Although these luxury shoes seem impractical, they are more like investments.
As we saw above, some of these shoes go up in value and can be auctioned or sold off for more money than before. So, while you and I might not see the use or value, there are many people out there who value these shoes like an art collector values art.
Fashion is a multifaceted world, and this glimpse into the world’s most expensive women’s shoes is just the tip of the iceberg.