Women's Shoes

Shoes have long evolved from simple utilitarian foot coverings to functional wearable art that reflect the personality and individual style of the wearer. And in our modern fashion-focused era, with shoes, there can be a very fine line between appreciation and obsession. For many women driven by shoe lust, footwear isn't so much worn as it is collected, stockpiled, and admired. A fascination with shoes often turns into a rewarding guilty pleasure.

But not all shoes and boots are created equal. Sure, there is a time and place for sensible shoes, but the type of footwear that stirs the primordial urge to shop usually comes in the form of towering couture pumps, classy designer slings, and brand-name strappy flats.

From Christian Louboutin wispy-strapped stilettos to flirtatious Jimmy Choo evening sandals, women's shoes have the power to incite emotions ranging from intense love to almost mindless devotion. For footwear devotees seeking a new pair to satisfy their desire, auctions are an intriguing source for shoes both current and vintage.

Quick Facts

• A signed pair of Jimmy Choo shoes worn by actress Emma Watson to the premiere of "My Week with Marylyn" sold at a 2015 charity auction for £2,622
• In July 2015, ten pairs of Rupert Sanderson-designed heels made for Sandra Bullock raised $42,425 at an Art + Practice charity auction
• In 2012, a pair of silk mules thought to be worn by Marie Antoinette on Bastille Day in 1790 expected to fetch no more than €10,000 sold at French auction for €50,000