Woman raves about Big W’s $30 copy of a popular $100 shoe: ‘I own both – get the cheap ones’

An Australian stylist who bought a $100 pair of shoes was shocked to discover that Big W had a “much better” $30 version.

Brisbane-based Sarah Strozkiy already owned Billini’s Alvina sandals, which retail for $99.95, when she discovered Big W’s &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals ($30).

The Big W sandals look just like the Billini shoes, the all-time favourite shoes of Australian mums, but cost a fraction of the price.

“I paid $100 for these sandals because I really wanted them, but I found out you can get the same style at Big W for $30,” she said in a video.

Sarah grabbed a pair of Turn Lock Sandals in the ‘gorgeous’ ivory colour and told her fans to rush to the store to snap up the bargain for themselves.

The stylist said that if she had known Big W would release the sandals in black, she wouldn’t have spent the extra money on the designer pair.

The &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals are available in white and black and in sizes 6 to 10.

These ‘trendy chic’ shoes feature a strappy design, an elegant gold twist closure and a structured sole.

The Australian mother’s favorite shoes are the Billini Alvina Black sandals which retail for $99.95

Big W’s &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals ($30) are nearly identical to the Billini sandals, and cost a fraction of the price

Sarah was thrilled with the stylish shoes after wearing them while shopping and chasing her toddler around the park.

Fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on their own ‘awesome’ pair, with many saying they were already heading to their local Big W.

One woman said that while she understands that designer shoes are not affordable for everyone, she still thinks it’s a shame that big brands are “copying” smaller designers.

It’s the way the world is at the moment which is so sad. A lot of people just can’t afford expensive styles, let alone grapes from Coles,’ Sarah agreed.

“I think big budget brands are offering alternative options for their market.”

One woman whose Billini sandals had already cracked in the soles said she went to Big W to buy the $30 version but refused to spend the extra $70 a second time.

But another warned that cheaper shoes aren’t always a good idea.

‘Sometimes cheap isn’t worth it. You gotta take care of your feet,’ they said.

Big W recently stepped up its fashion efforts with a new and ‘exciting’ range of affordable knock-offs, sending bargain-minded Australians flocking to the stores.

Shoppers have noticed pieces in the budget store’s fashion departments that resemble those from designers such as Aje, Peter Alexander, Aere and Jag.

“I love, I love, I love their clothes,” someone said.