The luxury shoe market can be a daunting place for the newcomer to high-end brand shopping. Here (in no particular order) is the low-down of ten of the top luxury brands, as rated by US female high-end shoppers.

1.       Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo, a London-based designer from Malaysia, sells some of the most expensive, hand-made shoes on the planet. Noted for their simple elegance, Jimmy Choo’s designs found favour with none other than the Princess of Wales. Believing that shoes can be comfortable and beautiful, Jimmy Choo often incorporates feathers, crystals and other neat touches to his designs.

2.       Christian Louboutin

In 2009, Christian Louboutin was rated the most desirable shoe by high net-worth female shoppers, according to the Luxury Institute of New York. Christian Louboutin shoes, with their iconic red soles, had topped the LBSI (Luxury Brand Status Index) for the third year in succession. The French designer has been selling high-end female shoes since 1991 and is credited with bringing the stiletto back into fashion.

3.       Bottega Veneta

OK, so their actually now part of Gucci, but Bottega Veneta, the ‘Venetian atelier’ brand attract a dedicated following of their own. Renowned for their sophisticated ‘no logo’ design and signature ‘intrecciato’ leather-weaving technique, the prestigious Italian designers have now opened a school to train future leather artisans.

4.       Gucci

Owned by the French corporation PPR, the House of Gucci is a luxury retail powerhouse, with over 600 stores worldwide, not to mention boutiques and specialty outlets. Gucci incorporate a number of high-end designers under their banner, including Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen.

5.       Prada

Prada’s luxury shoes are rich and elegant, with a price tag to match. Originally set up by Mario Prada, it was his granddaughter, Miuccia, who launched the company into the world of couture. Prada became a hit with affluent women, who liked the sexy but discreet style and the anti-brand attitude.

6.       D & G

D & G are anything but reserved, and some of their summer 2011 shoes need to be seen to be believed. The Italian designers’ trendy D & G line is renowned for its flirty, slightly outrageous style, although the Dolce&Gabbana line is more formal.

7.       Marc Jacobs

American designer Marc Jacobs is creative director of the massive French luxury design house, Louis Vuitton. His shoes, in line with his clothes, have an edgy appeal, often sporting big, bold colours and designs.

8.       Tod’s

Diego Della Valle’s Tod’s Group are renowned for their unmistakeable driving shoes. Rather than incorporating an obvious logo, Tod’s go for a more subtle embossed effect on the sole. Combining traditional techniques with pragmatic, modern designs Tod’s have been seen on the feet of Jessica Biel, Tom Cruise and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

9.       Burberry

If you like the look of high-end tartan, then the British luxury firm, Burberry, might appeal. Famous for its trenchcoats, Burberry are also credited with fitting out Roald Amundsen, the guy who beat Scott to the Antarctic. Burberry shoes, not surprisingly are notable as much for their durability as their classic style.

10.   Chanel

Chanel is one of the most established luxury brands, founded in 1909 by French couturier, Gabrielle ‘coco’ Chanel. Chanel modernized the female look, incorporating elements from men’s fashion into women’s designs.  In terms of shoes, who can forget Madonna’s famous ‘gun heels’ at a 2008 film screening?

According to the Luxury Institute, the other brands favoured by US luxury-minded women were Chloe, Dior, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gianfranco Ferre, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Ralph Lauren, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent.