Designer women’s shoes are popular because of the sense of luxury and prestige that they give to women.

While the majority of men and some women don’t understand what is the big deal with designer shoes, there are plenty of reasons why they are so special and … expensive.

First of all, designer shoes are made to be trusted. Designers value their reputation, so they will never design or make a shoe which will fall apart after a rainy day. They usually use the highest quality materials, which are meant to last long. I guess it is a good thing, considering that designer shoes often cost around $500-$1000 a pair.

However, some shoes are expensive simply because they are rare, or because they are accessorized with rare jewels, beads or feathers.

Jessie Randall, the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based designer in her interview with Forbes said that she has seen firsthand how using the priciest materials can drive up the cost of a shoe. “Most beautifully made shoes are from Italy. The master craftspeople are there, and Italian leather is the best leather in the world.”

Randall is right. Italy has always been associated with fashion and specifically, with high quality leather shoes and handbags. Italy is the home of some of the most famous designers, such as Prada, Gucci or Valentino. Italian designer shoes and handbags are also known for their durability and high quality.

Designer women’s shoes are often high heeled shoes, but nevertheless they are designed to fit comfortably. Well, as comfortably as high heel shoes may fit, of course.

If you want to invest into a pair of designer women’s shoes simply to make other people jealous, don’t. It is nearly impossible to tell a difference if someone is wearing an $80 pair of shoes or an $800 one. But if you want a pair simply to feel good, go for it. Just be careful not to turn designer shoe shopping into an unhealthy obsession. Just remember Carie Bradshaw, who couldn’t afford an apartment, but spent $40,000 on shoes.