Top Designer Footwear Alternatives
Helping you ball on a budget
Designer shoes have a way of creeping into your mind (and your cart) no matter how unrealistic the price tag. While some are worth the investment, others just aren’t $1,200 good. That’s where these come in. I pulled together a lineup of designer inspired footwear by category, featuring pieces that range from low-key affordable to slightly splurgy (but still way less than the originals). Whether you’re after a near match or just the same overall vibe, these picks make upgrading your rotation a lot more reasonable.
Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
These sneakers have always held a special place among sneaker enthusiasts since their release in the late '90s. Maison Margiela’s “Replica” sneaker is aptly named as it draws direct inspiration from the German Army Trainer (GAT), first produced by the Dassler brothers (you know, the ones who started Adidas and Puma). Margiela took the low profile silhouette and elevated it with premium Nappa leather and minimalist design, creating a luxe staple that’s only grown more iconic. Over the years, we’ve seen countless iterations: paint-splattered, graffitied, even paper versions. Today, the Replica has a cult following among those who want subtle luxury.
At $750, though, it’s not exactly budget friendly. The good news? You can get a replica of the Replica. And funnily enough, it comes from Adidas. Their BW German Army Trainer is a solid alternative with a light gum sole, suede paneling, and that same streamlined shape. Technically, if anyone calls you out, you could argue you’re wearing the original. Either way, this pair is ideal if you’re ready to move on from Sambas but still want that sleek, understated silhouette at a much friendlier price point.
The Jordaan loafers are loud, but in a quiet, calculated kind of way. Hear me out. While they have a polished, timeless silhouette, the horsebit detail gives them away almost instantly. It’s worn by everyone from fashion editors to influencers especially finance bros looking to flex with restraint.
But over the past six years, consistent price hikes have made them feel less “relatively accessible.” Back in 2019, a pair would run you $750. Now? They retail for around $1,050, a 52% jump. I won’t turn this into a math class, but yeah, it’s a lot.
Thankfully, there are smarter options. Brands like Morjas and Carmina offer similar silhouettes and that same understated elegance, for a fraction of the Gucci price tag. These aren’t knockoffs. They’re thoughtful swaps. If what draws you to the Jordaan is the shape and versatility, these alternatives deliver.
Adidas Samba: Wales Bonner collab
The Alohas TB.490 might just be one of the best alternatives for the Adidas Samba, especially the Wales Bonner collabs known for the elongated tongue design. It’s got the same slim, vintage-sporty shape, and the similar tongue so if you missed out on the Bonners (or just don’t want to deal with resale prices), this is a solid move.
Dries Van Noten Suede Trimmed Leather Sneaker
Dries Van Noten has created a staple “IT” shoe that can rival the MM Replica among others. Though they don’t have a catchy identifiable name, the “Suede Trimmed Leather Sneaker” has become a shoe that’s been hard to get this year. The suede color has been a very popular color way, perfect for transitional seasons like Fall and Spring, but their other low-key colors like black or white also look very good. Since they are so new, it’s been difficult to find something that replicates it, but luckily COS has been on it with it’s similarly named “Minimal Suede sneakers.”
The Maison Margiela Tabi Loafers are one of those shoes that instantly split the room, literally and figuratively. With the signature split-toe design borrowed from traditional Japanese tabi socks, they’re part fashion statement, part historical reference, and definitely not for the faint of heart. They’ve become a go to for people deep in the fashion world who don’t mind turning heads, raising eyebrows, or starting conversations every time they walk into a room. If you're intrigued by the Tabi look but not quite ready to commit to the full hoof, the Woodchuck Sato Loafers are a smart and wearable alternative.
