I bought this pair last week - from Payless for $19.99! They are super comfortable, I didn’t have to buy a half size smaller like I usually do in heels, and they’re a great transition away from my much loved Balenciaga-esque gladiators (that I wore out completely this summer). I love having something going on over the top of the foot – that creates a little interest and flavor - rather than just what a pump evokes. I also love being able to still wear peep toes here in TX – it’s like the southern version of fall’s oxford heel.

And - either one of these shoes is a sweet deal. The thing about payless, though – is that they don’t replenish fashion styles like this, so when you find something good I am convinced you should always buy 2 pairs (which would still be less than the competition). Nine West’s may be a bit more structurally sound, but their ecomm site isn’t always the best in terms of size inventory, so now that it’s on sale they may not be able to accommodate.

I once had a mild freak out when trying to order above said gladiators - the site had them as unavailable until next month, so I ran to the closest Nine West on Lex across from Bloomie’s - and lo and behold they just got a new shipment in. Thank God the brick & mortar stores are well-oiled-shoe-addict-machines!

Shop Nine West $59.99 (on sale from $80) & Payless $19.99