Thanks to the imaginative minds of fabulous footwear designers, sizzling hot shoes were everywhere this year — on the red carpet, on the streets, and at the parties. Without further ado, here are our top six contenders: Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Dolce Vita, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, and Nine West. A mixed bag of high/low brands, and each shined in its own way. Christian Louboutin's eye for decadent details produced beautiful shapes that are undeniably gorgeous. Giuseppe wowed us with its edgier designs and sky-scraping heels. Dolce Vita made a major mark with its affordable, trendy styles. Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci is a force to be reckoned with; his shoes are as amazing as his clothes. Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon had a big year on the red carpet, and who can forget her crazy cool collab with H&M? And last but not least, Nine West. Their shoes are always comfy, cheap, and cunning.
(Top Row: L-R, Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Dolce Vita)
(Bottom Row: L-R, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Nine West)
Don't forget to join our Best of '09 group to share your '09 favorites — the news, trends, models, designers, celebrities, and musings that rocked your world this year. Vote happy? Vote on our other Best of 2009 polls!
Dress for Less
Current&Elliot
RED Valentino
I love Louboutins! However I adore Dolce VIta I have several pair!
1Does anyone know where I can find those louboutins? They're gorgeous!
2What a mediocre list apart from Givenchy. Where is Manolo Blahnik?
3Itsybitsy I found those Louboutins at the Louboutin store in West Hollywood I believe. It's the location that used to be in Beverly Hills. I know you can also order his shoes from Neiman Marcus if you're not near a store, but I don't know if they have that shoe.
I absolutely love Louboutin shoes. They make my size (42, which can be hard to find) and they always look amazing
4Louboutin. Though I did a little trip to the Blahnik world this year and loved it too.
5A question for you fashion-savvy gals who own these high-ends: are Loubs/Blahniks/Choos any more comfortable than other, somewhat cheaper (but not super-cheap) brands? I can't do super-high heels anyway because I have low arches and would probably twist an ankle in 3 seconds flat, but for a 3-inch-ish heel, do these brands feel better than others? Or are all heels pretty much annoying but you pay for the quality and the design?
6I like the Givenchy. I don't know how well I would be able to walk in them, but I like the lace up model.
7fauxcat I've heard they car, but have never had any of my own.
Also i have to admit i'm really NOT a fan of Louboutin except for the simple platform heels. the single color plain heels. It just not my style of details normally. (also if my shoes were THAT expensive i'd want some i could wear the sh*te out of with tons of different outfits!)
8*heard they car. LOL. heard they are
9Jimmy Choo's suck now that he is no longer in charge. They are uncomfy and overpriced. Not to mention sold out to H&M!!!
10flickster- lol "heard they car" I read that and accidentally spat carrot on my computer.
11Giuseppe Zanottis are the best!! I scan piperlime's heels section all the time without looking at brands and time after time I'll fall in love with something and see that it's made by him. Louboutins basically all look the same, but Zanotti shoes are always innovative.
12meh unfor with my salary i cant afford any of this brands... but i do love my gen.e ration or the ones i can afford
13god i wish i could afford louboutins... one day when my ship comes in i suppose.
14Your article is wonderful!Hold it. manolo blahnik is my favourite,thanks
15Louboutin!! One day I will own a pair.
16I love louboutin shoes. hold it!!!!
17Christian louboutin
emu boots
manolo blahnik
giuseppe zanotti
Gucci shoes
Chanel Shoes
Alexander McQueen
Thank you anonymous for the shopping tip. Love, Itsybitsy.
18Louboutins are so overrated!!!!!!! So tired of them; there are other shoes!
19I'm digging the Nine West ones; all the other ones are kind of lame; but my definite favorites are those black, blue, teal, and highlighter yellow majestic creations from Proenza Schouler...
im sorry but what the f happened to nine west? i used to be a slave to them and i havent bought a single pair in the past year and a half or so... i havent liked ANYTHING
20i would LOVE to own louboutins - just a simple sky high black heel to wear with my LBD's
dolce vita is also a great affordable brand
im a huge fan of the calvin klein collection at nordstrom. they are all super high fashion, way comfy, and most are under $100!!
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