These Giuseppe Zanotti silver, mirror-effect pumps are a beautiful piece of designer shoe-making. The Zanotti styling is front-and-center with the 5 inch accented metallic heel, and the upper of of course quality patent leather (the color is actually called argento). Softened by a 0.5 inch hidden platform, this designer shoe is available from Zappos for $650. But is it possible to get a similar look for less?

For a classic, round-toed silver high heel, how about Alaina from Lumiani? This silver pump has a similar shape to the Zanotti heel, but is rather more down-to-earth in heel height. The heel on this shoe is 4 inches compared to the 5 of the Zanotti, and the platform is a little bigger too at 0.75 inch. Sure, this shoe does not have the same gloss as the designer pump – or its feature heel – but it is still a fun silver shoe for your wardrobe. The Alaina is currently on sale at Zappos for $47.99.

A really fun mirror-look high heel alternative can be found in these silver glitter-effect Zelda pumps from Nina Footwear. These shoes have an almond shaped toe and a glitter-covered satin upper. The covered heel is only 3.5 inches with a 1 inch platform, making it easy to dance the night away in silver. The Zelda pumps are available from Zappos for $79.

We’ve all seen those cute foldable flats that tuck nicely into our handbags, ready to relieve our feet after a stint in torturous high heels. It has become a staple in most women’s wardrobes by now and for good reason- there is nothing like slipping on a pair of flats after a long day (or night) in heels to make your journey home more comfortable.

But the foldable trend isn’t just modernizing the world of flats. Yes, you guessed it, the foldable heel is well on its way to becoming a mainstream accessory with the help of some visionary shoe designers out there. But just what are the benefits of a foldable heel? Is it comfort, versatility, or both?

Marte Den Hollander is the creator of Footloose- a high heel shoe that can convert into a low heel with a switch of the heel tip. She says, “I designed a shoe with a high heel, which can be changed into a shoe with a low heel. No more extra pairs of shoes in your bag, no more trouble driving a car or walking stairs, no more painful feet, no more knee and ankle damage.”

It’s perfect for women who want a versatile heel that can adjust with their comfort level. The design has been patented, so Marte den Hollander’s shoes may well be in your favourite shoe shop before you know it.

Innovative designer Catherine Meuter also created a shoe with comfort and versatility in mind. She says of her EIN/TRITT origami shoes, “Flat shoe patterns with reinforced parts get folded and fixed. The client experiences the transformation of the shoe from its initial flat state into a comfortable wearable object. From the formal aesthetic point of view the folding gives the shoe a more architectural character.”

What’s not to like about these fascinating heels? They’re compact, über -modern and comfortable, not to mention the luscious lime green colour.  Origami and foldable heels may well be the way of the future in the fashion world… watch this space!