Designer Shoes

If you're like the thousands of other people who are obsessed with designer shoes, you may have noticed how difficult it is to actually shop for them -- especially if you live in a small town that is short on high-end boutiques.

So, how about turning to the web for your designer footwear needs? It's a great idea, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Choosing an Online Retailer for Designer Shoes

Shopping on the web is usually extremely safe and enjoyable, but not all online retailers are created equal. You'll want to exercise caution, especially when you're shopping for a high-ticket item like designer footwear. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for designer items online.

• Stick with major retailers and sites. All too often places claiming to have shoes or handbags "styled" after a certain designer's wares are not selling the actual label, but a cheap knock-off.
  
  
• Learn about the retailers shipping and return policies before purchasing. Items should be in stock and ready to ship within a few days. You want to be sure you'll receive your order when you need it.
  
  Return policies should also be of utmost concern. Most reputable sites will allow returns of unworn shoes within a certain time period, and several top shoe sites will even offer free returns. If the shoes aren't returnable, look elsewhere, or know you're taking your chances.
  
  
• Stick with official sites of the designer; sites that have been recommended to you by a friend; or sites that you already know. New shoe sites are popping up all the time, and some of them may be great - but it's best to check them out by asking around before placing an expensive order.

Top Sites for Designer Shoes

Zappos Couture - Most shoe lovers already know about Zappos, the online shoe superstore, but you may not know they have a site devoted exclusively to designer and couture footwear. Pollini, Jean Paul Gaultier, Delman and DSQUARED2 are just a few of the labels you'll find at this online powerhouse. Vendor's Site | Shipping & Return Policies

FootcandyShoes.com - This is a great site for those looking for the latest styles and bargain hunters alike. They carry footwear from labels including Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Rene Caovilla, and many more. A few of the pricier items can only be purchased in their store, but the majority of their goods can be purchased online. Vendor's Site | Customer Service Page

Neiman Marcus - Carries some of the most desirable names in designer labels, including Manolo Blahnik, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Rene Caovilla, Ferragamo and many, many more. Vendor's Site | Shipping & Return Policies

Bergdorf Goodman - With labels like Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, and Emilio Pucci, just to name a few, Bergdorf Goodman is a hot destination for designer footwear. Vendor's Site | Shipping & Return Policies

Saks Fifth Avenue - Prada, Jimmy Choo, Eugenia Kim, Christian Louboutin, Dior, and several other designer shoes have found a home at Saks - and you'll have a blast looking around. Vendor's Site - Check Site for Shipping & Return Policies

Net-A-Porter - Selling many of the newest styles from Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen, Franklin Elman, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, and dozens more, a visit to Net-A-Porter.com is essential for fans of designer shoes. This UK-Based site now ships from the U.S. to over 30 countries, and also carries a great selection of designer handbags and apparel. Vendor's Site | Shipping & Return Policies