Sometimes, but not always.
There are several factors that contribute to the price of a pair of shoes.
The materials used play a big role in the final price of any product. Specialty leathers and exotic skins are far more expensive than a basic black leather, and Swarovski crystals cost much more than simple rhinestones. But there are other, less tangible, factors in pricing as well.
Creating a quality and comfortable shoe takes research, time and effort -- and manufacturing costs and methods can vary greatly. Some popular brands use hand-crafting techniques that are paid for every time a pair of shoes is made, instead of using underpaid labor or machines that are paid off after the first few lines are released.
And the concept for many people to wrap their heads around is that talent costs money. When you see a pair of shoes that you're just dying to have, there's a talented designer behind them. Their time, creativity, and ability to create a unique design is as billable as an accountant's skill with taxes.
All of these things cost money, so a high quality shoe will likely be more expensive than a flip-flop made in your neighbor's garage from a hunk of rubber with two rubber bands for straps.
But that doesn't necessarily mean that a $300 pair of shoes is substantially better or more comfortable than an $80 pair of shoes. Sometimes designer and brand labels cost more, simply because the consumer will pay it.
The best way to determine which shoes are worth the extra money is to try the shoes on for yourself, and rely on the opinions of friends and experts that you trust.
