Real vs. Steal – Balmain Crystal Embellished Studded Sandals

UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 18, 2010. Scroll down to see the new adds.

Balmain is all the rage right now. It gets worn a lot these days. Their Spring 2009 collection was such a success! One of the most wanted items from that collection were the studded embellished stiletto sandals. They scream BADASS! After hitting the shelves of NET-A-PORTER (priced at breath-taking $2.300) the heels completely sold out within a day or two. If you can afford the real thing, I highly recommend you invest in them. If they are way out of your budget, no need to panic! I have found a bunch of good and affordable Balmain alternatives for you.

Balmain Crystal Embellished Studded Sandals
($2.300, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

As you can see, Hollywood is crazy for Balmain as well. Various celebrities have been wearing the sandals including Molly Sims, Jennifer Connelly (my favorite!), Rihanna and Audrina Patridge.

ZiGiny “Vivienne” Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): And yet another Balmain knockoff by ZiGiny. Available in black and taupe.

ZiGiny “Vivienne” Sandals
($129.95, Endless)

Luichiny “Shock Me” Embellished Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Take a look at these super cute embellished Balmain look-a-likes by Luichiny. They come in either black faux suede and pewter or bronze faux leather.

Luichiny “Shock Me” Embellished Sandals
($119.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com and Heels.com.

Rocawear “Imana” Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Rocawear has also a pair of Balmain knockoffs. Available in black & silver.

Rocawear “Imana” Sandals
($91.95, Endless)

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Heels

UPDATE (11/11/2009): Reader Crystal mailed us this super budget-friendly find. Don’t expect great quality for $15, but if you’re on the hunt for a cheap chic pair of shoes then why not go for these?!

Click on the link below and navigate to the Wet Seal shoes section or enter style number “41543474” in the search field to find the Balmain inspired sandals on the Wet Seal website.

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Heels
Style #: 41543474
($15, Wet Seal)

Hypnotic “Persian” Studded Sandals

UPDATE (08/30/2009): Just found yet another Balmain knockoff by Shiekh.

If you’re still on the hunt for a pair of rhinestoned Balmain look-a-likes, but don’t have too much money to spend, try these knockoffs by Shiekh. They look very similar to the Bebe knockoffs and are a great Balmain alternative for under $50.

Hypnotic “Persian” Studded Sandals
($49.97, Shiekh Shoes)

Steve Madden “BRIGGHT” Studded Sandals

Of course it couldn’t take Steve Madden too long to come up with his own version of the Balmain heels. The “BRIGGHT” studded sandal is available for $90.75. You better be fast to order if you want to snap up a good Balmain knockoff for a steal.

Steve Madden “BRIGGHT” Studded Sandals
($90.75, Steve Madden)

Jeffrey Campbell “Mel” Studded Sandals

Jeffrey Campbell also didn’t want to miss out on the Balmain craze and jumped on the bandwagon with his own knockoff called “Mel”. Available in black or beige leather for $164.95 at Solestruck. All UK and European based fashionistas can grab a pair of the Jeffrey Campbell rhinestone sandals at Bunnyhug who are selling them in either black or beige for £150. But you better hurry, there are only limited sizes left.

Jeffrey Campbell MEL Studded Sandal
($164.95, Solestruck)

Zigi Majestic Studded Sandal

Zigi joined the Balmain copycat bandwagon! The “Majestic” sandal, available in either black or white, is an ode to the highly coveted Balmain studded stilettos. Best thing: they’re on sale (45% down)! Big YAY! You better be quick before they sell out like all the other Balmain knockoffs..

Zigi Majestic Studded Sandal
($125.98, LoveMyShoes)

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals

It certainly didn’t take too long until Bebe knocked off the Balmain sandals. The “Marianna” sandal is Bebe’s inspired version of the studded heels and it comes in either black or white. Shell out $169 and these Balmain look-a-likes are yours.

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals
($169, Bebe)

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals

More Balmain knockoffs! Found yet another knockoff of the Balmain studded stiletto sandal. These darlings here retail for $138 and are great look-a-likes, just as good as the sold out Bebe knockoffs, maybe even better. But you better be fast, there are only limited sizes left.

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals
($138, YesStyle)

Aldo “SMEAL” Studded Sandals

Aldo was one of the early adopters of the Balmain shoe trend. Their knockoff version “SMEAL” has been around for a few months now. It’s not my favorite among the Balmain knockoffs, but it’s certainly a good alternative to the real Balmains.

Aldo “SMEAL” Studded Sandals
($64.98, Aldo)

Tagged as: Aldo, Bebe, Blingstyle, Jeffrey Campbell, Luichiny, Rhinestoned, Rhinestones, Rocawear, Sandals, Shiekh, Steve Madden, Studded, Studs, Wet Seal, Zigi, ZiGiny

Posted in: Audrina Patridge,Balmain,Celebrity Fashion,Celebrity Looks 4 Less,Jennifer Connelly,Molly Sims,Out & About,Real vs. Steal,Red Carpet,Rihanna,Shoes,Steve Madden