Monday Question: What do you think of designer-inspired shoes?

Here at Shoewawa, we're forever pointing out shoes that have very obviously been "inspired" by designers like Christian Louboutin or Miu Miu, but which are being sold for a fraction of the price by high street stores. Now we'd like to know just what you think of these designer-inspired numbers. Do you buy them? Would you wear them? Or do you prefer to save up your money and splash out on the real thing?

For myself, I've admitted in the past to owning some cheaper versions of designer shoes. I have a pair of Nine West platforms which are dead ringers for Christian Louboutin's Bruges shoes, for instance, and a couple of pairs from the likes of New Look and Moda in Pelle which, although not directly inspired by a particular designer style, have nevertheless been given red soles - clearly in "tribute" to the great designer. (I should probably add that I haven't bought these shoes because of the red soles, but wouldn't refuse to buy them because of them either).

While I'm happy to keep on buying shoes that are genuinely "inspired" by designers, though, I would never buy a pair of out-and-out fakes (i.e. shoes which carry the name of a designer brand, even although they're not made by that brand) and I'm becoming increasingly turned-off by the very obvious copies being churned out by a couple of brands which shall remain nameless. And ultimately, if I had the money, I'd much rather buy the real thing.

What do you think? What's your position on designer-inspired shoes?

More shoe polls

zhenzhen516

only the shoes are comfortable and are suitable for ourselves, buy designer-inspired shoes

are all the same

ghd straighteners

it is very good

Mary

There is an interesting discussion about Christian Louboutin shoes and the knock-offs on the Manolo shoeblog:

http://shoeblogs.com/2007/11/28/dissent-at-the-blog-of-the-manolo

Gemma

I'm first to admit I own a lot of shoes that are inspired by catwalk trends. I have no issue so long as they're not out and out fakes. There has to be a slight difference.

I think the issue is when the big cheap brands take on smaller designers. It's one thing to copy the shape of a Prada shoe, it's another to sell something that's identical to a creation from someone who's still working out of a warehouse in Dalston with students who work for free, living off a few grand a year despite the Vogue photosoots.

This idea that all designers are swimming in champagne and diamonds just because their clothes sell for a lot of money is rubbish. Forever 21 has a lot more money than a lot of the designers it chooses to replicate, for example...so I applaud the ones that have taken legal action. If someone ripped me off I'd want justice, too!

Erica Asahan

well, ladies, let me tell you something....I bought the C.L. version at Bergdorf Goodman size 41 it looks great, however, they are very narrow and uncomfortable! Then i saw the Oh Deer version, I bought in Black and Wheat/Beige color and I tell you, they are absolutely great and comfortable. The only difference I see was the money I saved.. And I don;t think there's anything wrong is the inspired version I have.