Byline: CLAIRE COLEMAN
WHEN Samantha Cameron stepped out at the weekend in her [pounds sterling]29.90 Zara shoes, the Tory leader's wife proved something I've known for ages: that the old maxim about not buying cheap shoes is outdated. The High Street is full of fabulous footwear that can more than hold its own against its more expensive counterparts - as long as you pick carefully: plastic is fine for one season, but for durability choose leather. Who needs Louboutins and Jimmy Choos when you've got Peacocks and Primark?
CLAIRE COLEMAN
Gold, [pounds sterling]13 Primark, 01189 606300
METALLIC shoes are brilliant as they go with everything, and at this price I'm tempted to get two pairs. They've got a real leather insole and lining so they shouldn't make your feet sweat, plus a sensible-sized heel that gives you a bit of height, but which you can still walk in.
STYLE: 5/5
COMFORT: 4/5
Tweed with bow detail, [pounds sterling]28 Red Herring at Debenhams, 0844 5616161
THERE is something a bit Miss Marple-esque about this shoe. A bulbous toe and a sturdy court shape mean these would be ideal for someone who wants a bit of height but doesn't want to feel like they're tottering.
STYLE: 2/5
COMFORT: 4/5
Replica IWC WatchesSilver satin with bow, [pounds sterling]15 Peacocks, 02920 270 222
THESE are great party shoes and I really like the bow detail on the back which makes them look much more expensive and classier than they are. However, on closer inspection the satin doesn't sit flat on some parts of the shoe and is creased.
STYLE: 3/5
COMFORT: 3/5
Red patent, [pounds sterling]15 Marks & Spencer, 0845 3021234
BEING a fan of teetering heels, these modest numbers were never going to wow me, but proved very comfortable indeed. It's the sort of shoe I can imagine my glamorous grandma slipping on to give her Stainless Steel Earrings outfit a boost in a wearable way.
STYLE: 2/5
COMFORT: 5/5
Grey suede, [pounds sterling]29.90 Zara, 020 7534 9500
I CAN totally see why Sam Cameron fell for these - they're fabulous and I want a pair in every colour. As I suspected when I saw hers, they have a cunning hidden platform, so are not nearly as high as they appear.
Although these have suede uppers, the heel is in far more hardwearing plastic (though it looks like wood), so will stand up to a winter better than most suede shoes.
STYLE: 5/5
COMFORT: 4/5
Red leopard-print, [pounds sterling]20 Peacocks, as before
A FABULOUS OTT shoe, but as they are made from tight-fitting plastic I know these would make my feet unbearably hot after just a couple of wears. Only for the very young.
STYLE: 3/5
COMFORT: 1/5
Black snakeskin platform, [pounds sterling]12, Matalan, as before
I LOVE the way that the snakeskin heel and matching chunky platform gives a bit of zing to these basic suedette pumps. It's a great way of addin
Other articles:
http://www.friendslock.com/blog/view/id_14/title_/
http://www.qh0977.com/Blog/View/?265