Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

What brands do you immediately think of if I say 'good quality footwear'?

49 replies

bigbandofwif · 16/08/2026 10:56

What footwear brands do you think offer the best quality and longevity, even if they might be a little pricier in terms of initial outlay?

Thinking in particular of styles like Mary Janes, ballet flats, loafers, and / or boots. But I'm interested in any thoughts people have on brands whose footwear is 'made to last' (or that is likely to at least last a few seasons / shouldn't need to be replaced every five minutes!).

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 16/08/2026 11:27

Lanx

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 16/08/2026 11:28

Geox, Solovair

edited for autocorrect!

SisterMaryLuke · 16/08/2026 11:49

Esska, Penelope Chilvers, Russell and Bromley (not sure now since Next took over), Moda in Pelle.

DaveWatts · 16/08/2026 11:51

Russell & Bromley (probably not any more though)
Church’s
i have a couple of pairs of Coach boots that are v good quality though have never tried any of their other shoes

Astrabees · 16/08/2026 11:52

Camper, Moshulu, Hotter (though I hate them!), anything fuggly from Toast, Keen sandals.

Yetanothername3 · 16/08/2026 11:53

Bally, Russell and Bromley, Loro Piana, Gabriele.
Anything hand-stitched with leather soles that can be repaired.

TheyGrewUp · 16/08/2026 11:58

Penny Chilvers
Bobbies
Geox
Jones have some decent stuff
Selective Clarks
(Dons flak jacket) Gabor

Used to love LK Bennett, Bally, Stuart Weitzman and Bruno Magli.

When I was MoG, I bought a pair of Ferragamo Vara Bow shoes (for the colour). They are breathtakingly beautiful and very comfortable.

Was never a fan of Russell & Bromley - looked great, often a problem and they never owned it.

evilharpy · 16/08/2026 12:05

If you say "good quality shoes" the very first brand that springs to my mind is Grenson.

Russell & Bromley too but I don't know if that has changed since Next bought them.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 16/08/2026 13:09

Grenson is the other brand I was trying to think of when I said Lanx.

Also Timberland

floppybit · 16/08/2026 13:10

Clarks

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 16/08/2026 13:47

floppybit · 16/08/2026 13:10

Clarks

Hell no! Not anymore.

Whosthetabbynow · 16/08/2026 13:51

Clarks. Dune. Pavers (yes I’m old). Gabor. Mode in Pella. M and S? Can’t go wrong with Dune I think.

shinyredtrousers · 16/08/2026 13:52

Barker for brogues - have a pair that is 8 years old and looks new.

Camper

Cornishmumofone · 16/08/2026 13:54

Gabor - most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned.

LifeBeginsToday · 16/08/2026 14:09

Birkenstock, Saltwater, Crocs, Vivobarefoot.

waltzingparrot · 16/08/2026 14:21

Reiker

Tabbitha · 16/08/2026 14:21

Gabor

Timeandtune · 16/08/2026 14:23

yes to Gabor

caffelattetogo · 16/08/2026 14:32

Keen, Eske, I’ve had some good Fitflops and seasaly sandals.

caffelattetogo · 16/08/2026 14:32

Arc and camper can be good too.

Doaraindance · 16/08/2026 14:36

Lots of shoe manufacturers have really gone to the dogs, Clarkes, Hotter, Birkenstock spring to mind. Have pairs of excellent loafers bought many years ago from Barbour, but the newer ones now are not as good, but their boots made in Portugal are excellent.

Think many brands trade on past glorys but getting shoe's made in China, India and other parts of Asia are pretty poor, as is the quality of leather used. I always check where they are made.

Bruno Magli, I used to have so many pairs, I worked for them in the 80's, sadly not the styles I wear now.

luckylavender · 16/08/2026 15:00

Robert Clergerie, Todd’s

Whattinger · 16/08/2026 15:59

I have Grenson boots & they're incredibly uncomfortable & i was expecting far higher quality from all i'd heard / read

I buy expensive shoes as i love good footwear.

Everyday (work)
A variety of ankle boots from Whistles, Jigsaw, Paul Green, Grenson (the unconfortable ones!)
Loafers from Toast & ME+EM

Nicer shoes & boots (weekends & going out)
Ba&sh
Maje
Anonymous Copenhagen
Ivylee Copenhagen
Bobbies
Tracy Neuls

Trainers
Brookes for walking
Hoff (several pairs)

Dearg · 16/08/2026 16:15

Lately, I would say Air & Grace, and Untamed Street

I have some decent Gabor shoes & boots.

I used to love Bally, and Russell & Bromley, but have not worn those for a while.

Princessfluffy · 16/08/2026 16:33

Shoes with vibram soles are good