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9/12/19 UPDATE: Unfortunately, Amazon has removed Kaitlyn Pan from their website. If there is an update, I will be sure to post it here.
To buy Kaitlyn Pan‘s Valentino-inspired Rockstud high heel for $115, click here.
Shop other Kaitlyn Pan favorites:
[slide-anything id=”5238″]In recent months, we’ve seen an explosion of Valentino’s most wanted Rockstud – the perfect high-heel strappy stiletto, sprinkled with pyramid studs. While it looks great with every outfit in every color, it’s no wonder why every woman wants them.
Unfortunately, for most of us, the Valentino Rockstud is available at most high-end retailers starting at $995.
New to the world of designer-inspired handbags? Check out my blog post on The Difference Between Legal Designer-Inspired Handbags and Fake Designer Goods to learn more about why I recommend designer-inspired handbags over the real deal.
More Designer-Inspired:
- The Look For Less: Chloé’s Faye – $1,950 vs. $68.50
- Designer-Inspired by Ainifeel: Valentino Rockstud Spike Quilted Top-Handle Bag – $2,795 vs. $109
- The Look For Less: Chloé Drew – $1,650 vs. $39.90
- The Look For Less: Hermés Lindy – $5,900 vs. $47.74
- The Look For Less: 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli – $895 vs. $75
Most of us women can only admire these shoes from afar (or through pins on Pinterest). But finally, another company has emerged with heels oddly similar to Valentino’s.
Enter Kaitlyn Pan, a brand available on Amazon. Kaitlyn Pan’s line of shoes contain replicas of popular shoes among celebrities, from Valentino’s Rockstud to Christian Louboutin’s Spiked Pigalle.
Kaitlyn Pan Genuine Leather Studded Pointed Toe Pink Sole High Heel Stiletto Pumps
When I first saw this item on Amazon, I thought it was another knockoff Chinese product and proceeded to continue on. But after seeing 77 customer reviews with an average of 4 1/2 stars, I backtracked.
Don’t believe me? Check out the reviews on Amazon.
RELATED POST – Designer-Inspired: Chloé Drew – $1,650 vs. $39.90
I’d been longing to get these as a birthday gift to myself, but wound up getting something else for myself instead. But yesterday, I came home from work and went straight to my office and saw this box on my desk.
WHAT. EVEN.
I can’t begin to explain the emotions that rushed through me when I put them on. My brother passed by only to find me on the floor staring at my feet with tears welling up in my eyes. Dramatic much, but I’ve been wanting these for months on end, and again, this shoe inspired me to create this website. So, you could imagine how I felt about this sentiment.
I can’t breathe.
Quality
This shoe is made of genuine patented leather with a lambskin insole. I had faith in the quality of these shoes after reading plenty of Amazon customer reviews, but I didn’t expect the quality to be this great. There are minor blemishes like the edges of the bottom outsoles, but these flaws are actually result of being handmade (more on that later). The quality of the materials are truly impressive; I’m still trying to justify the price for the materials alone.
Comfort
You would expect that stiletto heels with lots of straps would be a recipe for blisters and cuts, but the material literally contours to your feet instead of abrading it like most synthetic materials. Your feet actually sink into the lambskin. The top of the toe box doesn’t cut into my feet either, something that usually happens with d’orsay-style shoes. I already know I’ll be able to wear these heels all day… after I conquer my fear of getting them dirty.
Fit and Sizing
I normally wear a size 7 or 7.5 in US sizes for high heels depending on the style, but opted for 7.5 US/37.5 EU/38 CN to account for any possible heel overflow in the back since it’s an open heel. The fit was perfect, so I would say that the shoe is true to size.
The Brand
Kaitlyn Pan is a China-based company whose products are available on both Amazon and Etsy. According to their Etsy listing descriptions, each pair of shoes are actually made to order and also completely handmade, something I took notice of when I closely inspected the shoe. Their Etsy items give you options to customize any shoe, from materials, upper and outsole colors, heel height and more. I’m quite impressed with this brand’s wide variety of designer-inspired shoes from the Valentino Rockstud to Stuart Weitzman’s Highland Boot.
More Designer-Inspired:
- The Look For Less : Gucci Dionysus Mini – $1,700 vs. $85
- Italic: Ending Retail Markup With Designer-Quality Products At-Cost
- The Look For Less: Aminah Abdul Jillil Bow Pump – $285 vs. $16
- The Look For Less: Chanel Colorblock Heel – $800 vs. $84.99
- The Look For Less: Stuart Weitzman’s Highland Boot – $798 vs. $99
When my boyfriend purchased these on Amazon, the order stated that it would take about 1-2 weeks to process before being shipped, so I’m assuming the shoes had to be made since my size wasn’t readily available. Otherwise, the sizes and colors they already have in-stock are actually qualified for Prime 2-day shipping!
Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with both the shoe and its price tag. At $115, it’s a high-quality shoe similar to Valentino’s Rockstud, priced at $995. I’ve just ordered another pair of Kaitlyn Pan shoes, and I’m excited to get even more! More reviews to come.
Kaitlyn Pan’s Studded Slingback Heel is available on Amazon for $115.
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Hello! I love your blog! Could you tell me what color is that ? Nude patent of powder patent ? Thank you so much xoxo
Author
Hi Sascha, thanks for the compliments! The one I have is the poudre patent one, not the nude one. 🙂
I have just discovered your blog and I love it!
Kisses,
http://www.ancafratila.com
Author
Hi Anca, thanks so much for stopping by!
Your blog is amazing!!! My husband is getting jealous and wishes there was one for men too! Thank you for what you do 🙂 My friend from the blog The City is Mine in Toronto told me about you. Big fan!!
Author
Hey Nikki, thanks for all the kind compliments! I do have plans in the future to expand into the male demographic too. I’ll have to use my boyfriend as my muse/test rat for all my men’s content until I can get a male writer for this!
hi! what size are you normally & what size did you get in these? i’m pretty much a size 7 in all my shoes but my feet are a bit wide. debating size 7 or 7.5 in these…
Author
I normally wear a size 7 or 7.5 in US sizes for high heels depending on the style, but opted for 7.5 US/37.5 EU/38 CN to account for any possible heel overflow in the back since it’s an open heel. The fit was perfect, so I would say that the shoe is true to size.
I have actually ordered the Kaitlyn Pan rockstuds yesterday and can’t wait to receive it! I’ve been camping my front door waiting for my package to arrive LOL. It has always been a goal of mine to one day own the Valentino Rockstuds but the price isn’t something I could stomach as of yet. I’ve seen so many great reviews about this dupe and I am soooo excited! Your review renewed my excitement upon placing my order lol.
Author
So excited FOR you! You seriously won’t regret it, the quality is superb and the price point continues to blow me away! Currently wearing my own pair and smiling down at them as I type this 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi. Can you tell me whether the Kaitlyn Pan Straps are made of real leather too? Thank you.
Author
Hi Emilia! Yes, the straps are leather too!
I have the kitten heel three strap person from Kaitlyn Pan and I love them! I’ve been thinking about getting the version you have but I’m concerned about the straps around the feet (non-adjustable) being loose. Any thoughts?
Author
I actually have both the 4-inch and the kitten heel, here is the review for the kitten heel: https://www.theballeronabudget.com/2018/07/31/designer-dupe-valentino-rockstud-kitten-heel-995-vs-115/
Both pairs feature an adjustable ankle strap and I haven’t experienced much looseness with either. I’d say try ordering it and if you feel that it isn’t the right fit, you can always return it for free if you buy through Amazon!
Just got mine – and impressed! I had come THIS CLOSE to getting the Valentino after a good bonus check, and I am glad I didn’t. They do say “Kaitlyn Pan” on the bottom which is disappointing, but I can deal with it! Comfortable!!