WOW! I am so out of touch with these high end shoe prices. Suddenly, my idea doesn't seem that far-fetched after all. Except, I know of not many women who'd like the carbon fibre look. I guess, designer labels...

$750 isn't particularly expensive on the upper end.

This doesn't apply just to shoes, btw. There is a broad luxury market for almost anything. Don't believe me? Visit a western wear store sometime.

That's the thing with Veblen goods. At some point, they go from being the means to an end to being an end themselves.