Steve Madden Is Trending—Here’s What I’d Actually Shop

A curated list of Steve Madden styles I’d rock right now—from really good dupes to underrated staples.

May 25, 2025

This is a Little Spoon post.

If you’re new here (or just need a refresher), Spoonful of Style comes in two servings: Big Spoon is the full-course meal—rich with fashion commentary, cultural context, and deep dives into what style says about us. Little Spoon is the treat—quick bites like outfit ideas, styling swaps, and things I’m shopping.

This week: a quick ode to Steve Madden.

I had every intention of making this a Big Spoon post, but whew—this week was a lot. Chaotic and amazing. I published my first-ever cover story and helped launch StyleCaster’s Beauty Issue, Beauty for All, which I oversaw start to finish. (ICYMI: I’m the Style & Beauty Editor there.)

That meant I didn’t have the bandwidth for a deep dive—but I still wanted to send something. This newsletter has become such a great outlet for me—a space where I get to write about what I care about in a voice that feels fully mine. And I’m committed to giving all 82 of you a little something every Sunday.

So today, we’re keeping it short and sweet—with a note on someone who’s been everywhere lately.

If you’re chronically online—or just on my side of TikTok—you’ve probably seen clips from Steve Madden’s recent interview on “The Cutting Room Floor.” He was funny, honest, totally himself. No surprise—I’ve actually met him.

@tcrfff 🎙️S6 EP6: @stevemadden !#stevemadden #fashionpodcast #thecuttingroomfloor #onlyonpatreon #patreon

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Last year, his team invited a few editors (me included) to a Knicks game. They sent us shoes, gave us a suite, and kept the cocktails flowing. We even took selfies (which I’d share if my phone hadn’t glitched and wiped a bunch of memories). He was a time, and we had a time.

All that to say: Steve has been that guy. And it’s refreshing to see someone so iconic be that candid—about dupes, politics, and jail (lol).

Steve Madden’s been in my shoe rotation forever. So with summer on the way and all this new attention on him, it felt right to put together a shopping guide.

Dupes That Do It Right

There’s nothing wrong with a dupe. Honestly, I don’t even love the word dupe—it makes things sound fake when really, it’s just about shopping smarter. You don’t always need to break the bank on a trend. That’s where Steve Madden comes in—he usually gets it right. Well … except for the Haydn sandal. In my opinion, that one leans a little too close to the Hermès Oran.

The Grove Square-Toe Flat

Jelly flats have been around forever. I practically lived in a purple pair as a kid—usually with overalls from OshKosh B’gosh. When The Row brought them back in its pre-fall 2024 collection, people lost it. Over plastic flats. For $1,000. But unlike the Steve Madden sandal that mirrors the Hermès Oran too closely, this look makes sense as a dupe. It nods to a childhood classic, leans into the fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plus, the Steve Madden version rings in at just $60 and comes in clear, black, green, red, and tan.

The Graya Black Patent Flat

As a Ganni girl, I had to laugh when Steve Madden dropped the Grand Ave—now called the Graya. It launched right around the same time as Ganni’s Buckle Ballerina, which goes for nearly $500. The resemblance? Uncanny. So much so that Ganni actually sued, accusing Steve Madden of copying its design. The only real difference is the price: Madden’s pair is $100. When you see them side by side, it’s hard to tell which is which. It’s too good. Fashion is so funny.

Sia Heel

While Cult Gaia didn’t invent beaded or water-inspired heels, the brand is definitely known for that sculptural, dreamy vibe—so the Steve Madden Sia Heel feels like a clear dupe, especially with its distinctive design. This is another example of a dupe that makes sense. You don’t always need to splurge on a statement shoe—especially one you won’t wear often. The Cult Gaia pairs I own are gold, which makes them versatile. They’ve become my go-to for weddings and formal events. But a more playful or hyper-specific style? That’s where the $130 Sia comes in. It gives you the look without the $600 price tag.

I’d also like to point out—high-end brands aren’t above copying either. In fact, they do it all the time. Cult Gaia’s new Cassidy Sandal, for instance, looks a lot like some of Loewe’s lily-inspired pieces. Both are beautiful, but the similarities are hard to ignore. At the end of the day, buy what you want. Shop what you like.

Cult Gaia Cassidy Sandal; Loewe spring/summer 2023 runway

The Date Night Edit

Getting dolled up for a night out—especially in New York—is always a thrill. There’s something about slipping into a cute fit just to sit in a dimly lit restaurant that feels so effortlessly chic. Steve Madden has long been a go-to for date night shoes, serving up sexy stilettos, perfect PVCs, and magical mules. And let’s be clear: date night doesn’t have to mean romance. Dressing up for a girls’ night is just as exciting. When I lived in L.A., my best friend and I would make a resy and throw on heels just to rehash the same things we’d already been texting about all day. Girlhood.

Sabine Clear Sandal Heel

I love a see-through shoe. You can wear them nonstop—they go with everything and still make a statement. They add a seamless, slightly edgy touch to any look. Pair them with jeans and a tank, a strapless linen dress, or wide-leg pants and a crisp button-up, and you’re good to go. These are called the Sabine, and they’re $120.

The Dempsey Mule

I’m so into these, and they’re $130 price tag. The square toe is playful, the white color pops, and the slip-on design makes them an easy win. They’d look great with a tee and leather shorts, a soft pink wrap dress, a cropped white blazer with baggy blue jeans, or khaki trousers and a chunky knit.

Jypsey Black Leather Strappy Heel

No date night footwear rotation is complete without a classic black strappy sandal. It just always works. Whether you’re wearing a little black dress or a denim maxi skirt, you really can’t go wrong. These are only $100.

Styled to Escape

It’s vacation season—which means it’s wicker, rattan, and raffia season. Nothing says I’m OOO like straw. But lately, the prices for shoes and bags made with these materials have gotten unrealistically high—especially considering how inexpensive they are to produce. As always, Steve Madden has us covered.

Haven Natural Raffia Wedge

Wedges are back—and thank God. Believe it or not, I actually hate heels. Sure, they’re beautiful (and yes, I own too many), but they’re just not comfortable. Lately, I’ve been leaning toward kitten heels and flats in my quest to prioritize comfort. So I’m obsessed with these Haven Natural Raffia wedges for $100. Chic and walkable.

Ambrosia Tan Flat

Oh, these are too cute. They’re giving Alaïa—but for only $90. The perfect way to add a touch of elegance and refinement to your vacation wardrobe, even if you’re just pairing them with denim shorts.

Sweet Buys

If you’re new here, I close every Little Spoon with something I’ve actually bought. And since this edition is all about Steve Madden, I have to gush about my latest find: the Xray Sandal. It has a chic caged, closed-toe design and a super wearable 2.5-inch heel. At just $110, I couldn’t pass them up. They feel so luxe—and they’re incredibly comfortable. I haven’t worn them out yet, but keep an eye on TikTok. They’ll be making an appearance soon.