Timeless, Stylish, and Elegant—Every Fashion Enthusiast Includes These Iconic Shoes on Their Wish List.
The term "iconic" has been used so frequently in recent times that its meaning seems almost diluted. Nonetheless, if anything deserves that title, it’s these shoes. Just as manners define a person, shoes can complete an outfit. What would Princess Diana’s renowned revenge dress be without the Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps she paired it with? Or how about Kate Moss's festival-stylish Glastonbury look from 2005 without her muddy Hunter wellingtons? Fashion insiders recognize this truth, which is why footwear is the first choice for many when a new designer collection or upscale high-street collaboration is released. (Yes, even before luxury handbags.) Although this might seem illogical—considering that shoes endure more wear than other accessories—it’s clear that the most stylish individuals understand that it's a worthwhile investment over time. Simply put, since you can't leave home without shoes, why not opt for the most striking pair available?
But what qualifies a shoe as iconic? They need to be genuine objects of desire, known for their enduring appeal. This timelessness unifies the most famous shoes, whether the design is decades old, like the Chanel slingbacks, or relatively new, like The Row’s Dune flip-flops. Moreover, their desirability must be amplified by their cultural relevance, each holding significance in its own way. From Christian Louboutin’s recognizable red soles to Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite heel, discover the nine most iconic shoes of all time below.
The 9 Most Iconic Shoes of All Time
1. **Christian Louboutin So Kate**
(Image credit: Getty Images)
**Style Notes:** With a striking 12cm heel, Christian Louboutin's So Kate is the designer's most recognized red-bottomed shoe. Featuring a sharply defined heel and a pointed toe, the stiletto is named after iconic supermodel Kate Moss. "The Kate is a sharp style, simple yet very intricate," the designer noted. “If the line isn’t flawless, there are no embellishments to disguise it. It felt quintessentially like Kate Moss—simple, yet very sophisticated. It just had to be named after her.” Recently, Zendaya has helped solidify the So Kate’s status as an iconic shoe, frequently appearing on red carpets in these arch-raising heels. After being trained by esteemed stylist Law Roach to wear them for formal events at just 14, she has consistently showcased them in her most elegant outfits. Talk about stepping out in style…
(Image credit: Getty Images)
**Shop the Shoe:**
- **CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate 120 Patent-Leather Pumps**
A silhouette so iconic that it embodies a sense of luxury.
- **CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate 120 Leather Pumps**
The 120mm heel is suggested only for the daring.
- **CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate Croc-Effect Patent-Leather Boots**
While the classic heel styles are the most well-known, Louboutin's So Kate boots have also gained considerable admiration.
2. **Maison Margiela Tabis**
**Style Notes:** The Maison Margiela Tabi is another shoe renowned for stirring controversy. Once an underground favorite, it has become a household name. To provide some context, you may have recognized the unique split-toe design during the "Tabi Tinder Swindler" incident of 2023, but this shoe has a rich history. The Tabi, a traditional Japanese work shoe, dates back to the 15th-century Sengoku period. However, it gained prominence in 1988 when Maison Margiela featured them prominently in its debut collection, sending Tabi shoes, painted with red impressions, down the runway. This signature print on the stark white catwalk revolutionized the concept of designer footwear.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
**Shop the Shoe:**
- **MAISON MARGIELA Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ankle Boots**
Although originating from Japan, these ankle boots are crafted in Italy from soft leather.
- **MAISON MARGIELA Tabi Ballerina Split-Toe Leather Pumps**
This pump features a charming cylindrical heel and delicate scrunched detailing.
- **MAISON MARGIELA Tabi Frayed Split-Toe Leather Ballet Flats**
The frayed elastic band pays homage to Maison Margiela's focus on deconstruction and reinvention.
3. **Miu Miu Satin Ballet Flats**
**Style Notes:** Although ballet flats were quite popular in the early 2000s, orthopaedic concerns and the rise of "norm-core" sneakers relegated these dance-inspired shoes to the sidelines. That was until Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2022 collection brought them back to life. In one collection, beautiful satin
Other articles
I’m declaring it: These high-end fashion pieces will be ubiquitous this fall.
The definitive It-list.
We’ve compiled all the iconic beauty looks for Spring/Summer 2026.
Begin jotting down notes.
Hold on, J.Crew is currently offering a 30% discount sitewide—here are the stylish fall items that I've added to my cart.
J.Crew is currently running a sitewide sale—enjoy 30% off stylish fall essentials such as polos, rugby shirts, pleated skirts, and cashmere, available until September 15.
Attention Shopbop enthusiasts—these 40 styles are set to make a big splash this fall!
Autumn has arrived at Shopbop. Our editor has sifted through the top new arrivals for the season. Continue reading to explore her curated selection of the finest picks.
My mom exclusively shops for affordable fashion—I shared these 27 stylish, luxurious-looking items for Fall 2025 with her.
All items are priced below $100.
Put aside the Baggy and Barrel-Leg Jeans: This is the It Girl–Approved, Outdated Denim Trend to Try This Fall.
It's the season for denim, and Margot Robbie is endorsing a particular denim trend for the fall. Discover the look she recently combined with heels in London here.
Timeless, Stylish, and Elegant—Every Fashion Enthusiast Includes These Iconic Shoes on Their Wish List.
It's difficult to make a mistake with these styles.