I have been thinking about Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s now-ubiquitous Roberta pump since August, when I haphazardly added myself to a waitlist for them. Like UGGS, these shoes should have achieved the cult status they have. But after the mid-2000s red-soled Louboutins craze, followed by colorful, whimsical designers who create artful but stilt-like designs (read: Sophia Webster, Charlotte Olympia), the grandma-pump is a much-embraced turn of trends.
Quite a few months later and one hopeful temperate weekend, it’s starting to feel like maybe Spring is around the corner, and I’ve been forced to accept the reality that the $379-$522 that the Maryam Nassir Zadeh pumps are being sold for around the interwebs is probably not going to happen.
While, of course, credit should be given to Zadeh, whose design originated the now-booming trend, it’s also okay to go for a style within one’s own mid-20s budget!
Here are a few options with differing degrees of similarity that fit the bill!
Jeffrey Campbell x Free People’s Cyndi Block Heel (Free People, $138)
These suede block-heeled pumps are a very close interpretation of the originals.
Rachel Comey Calder Heels (Anthropologie, $345)
These slightly more affordable Rachel Comey pumps are for the coolest, artsiest version of you.
Sole Society Block Heel Round Toe Pumps—Jocelyn (QVC, $35)
Part of the Grandma appeal of this trend is the “Is this really chic again?” round-toe thing going on. This ultra-affordable, non-triple digits version has that down.
Taryn Rose Freed Suede Low-Heel Pump (Neiman Marcus, $186)
Taryn Rose is a brand actually favored by chic Grandma’s. What does this mean for you? Killer arch support, shock absorption, and traction make these shoes a legitimate investment.
Stylenanda Elasticized Block Heel Shoes (Stylenanda, $41)
The hip heel on Korean fashion giant Stylenanda’s take on the shoe makes no compromises when it comes to being fashion forward.
Born Viviette Block Heel Pump (Nordstrom, $109)
Born’s elasticized, rubber-soled pump passes an all-important test: the one my mom does wherein she aggressively folds shoes to test their comfort. They feature an extra low heel for those of you who like to stay close to the ground.
Topshop Juno Soft Glove Mid Shoes (Topshop, $105)
The Topshop pair has a slightly higher, leg-elongating block heel.
Vaneli Astyr Pump (Shoebuy, $139)
These low-heeled textured pumps can be easily dressed up or down, making them a very versatile option!
Circa Joan & David Xerrace (Shoebuy, $57)
These have the added detail of a little metallic trim on the heel for a bit of Grandma edge 😉
Cole Haan Sarina Pump (Cole Haan, $79)
This great sale deal from Cole Haan offers a decidedly more feminine spin on the look thanks to a patent cap-toe and a little bow—perfect for channeling your inner Audrey Hepburn.