Contributed by Info Guru Jennifer Andrews

If dogs are considered a man’s best friend, then shoes may very well be a woman’s best friend. Shoes have the ability to make or break an outfit, by adding a touch of sophistication, class, fun, rebellion or practicality to any outfit.

Shoes vary in size, shape, color as well as purpose such as high heels for a dinner event, flats for a casual shopping date with pals or sneakers for running outdoors. You can purchase shoes from online catalogs, local shopping malls and upscale department stores from a range of prices. Usually, shoes that have a famous name attached to them are of higher quality, popularity and cost. Consider the following top 10 famous shoe brands the next time you feel the itch to treat your feet to something new.

10. Gucci

In addition to highly sought-after clothing, Gucci also manufactures shoes much to the delight of both men and women worldwide. Despite the famous name, many of its products are catered to be affordable and come in a variety of styles from pumps, sandals, sneakers and boots.

9. Merrell

Merrell is a famous shoe company that specializes in hiking boots including high performance boots for very active and elite climbers. The brand also produces sneakers, boots and sandals that are designed to be both comfortable and functional for the everyday user.

8. Danner

The United States Company Danner, founded in the early 1930’s, continues to make its mark in the shoe business today. The brand specializes in hiking, hunting, fishing and work boots made to superior quality standards for comfort and durability.

7. Asics

Asics is one of the top performance footwear lines sold in the shoe industry today. The Japanese company sells all types of sporting shoes ranging from running, football, tennis, walking and cross-training that cater to men, women and active kids.

6. Adidas

The German-based shoe brand Adidas was founded in 1924 and has its main headquarters in Germany. The brand has grown enormously over the years and is now endorsed by athletes all over the world in sports such as track and field, tennis, soccer and basketball.

5. Nike

It would be hard to find a list of famous footwear that doesn’t include the ever-popular Nike. Originally founded in 1964, the American sports brand currently boasts sneakers, walking shoes, hi-tops for basketball players, sandals as well as clothing apparel for the casual and elite athlete.

4. Steve Madden

Steve Madden Limited is a relatively new brand of footwear that originated in 1990. The man behind the shoes, Steve Madden, is among the most successful shoe designers in part thanks to his vision of giving men and women worldwide the opportunity to express their uniqueness through fashion.

3. Reebok

One of the oldest shoe companies, Reebok has made its mark in the industry since 1895. With flashy names such as ZigQuick Fire and SmoothFlex Ride, Reebok boasts high-performance footwear for the active and physically-fit.

2. New Balance

American Footwear Company New Balance originated in the early 1900’s and has grown to be a famous brand found in most athletic department stores today. With new shoes such as the Windbreaker hitting stores today, the brand will probably be among the top for many years to come.

1. Converse

Converse is an American shoe company owned by NIKE. The shoes look similar to sneakers in style but are oft worn outside of the sports field and marketed towards casual uses. Converse shoes come in many different cuts, styles and colors and are also popular with skateboarders.