Is Aldo having a good season?

If you're anything like me, Aldo is a store you'll have walked past a million times without ever feeling the need to step inside. It's not a bad reputation that keeps us away — but more the fact it seems to have little reputation at all.

Curious to discover more about the apparently little-known brand, I popped into a central London branch. On entering the shop the first thing that jumped out was the layout. Easy to navigate, the shoes are merchandised in simple sections, snakeskin shoes on one shelf and simple workwear courts on another.

Clearly a shoe shop for girls with footwear requirements that demand towering heels in bright and garish designs as opposed to those with an interest in making an inspired fashion purchase — tacky looking zebra-print mohair courts and ankle boots (£85) sat next to faux-snakeskin stacked sandals embellished with plastic stones (£75), while plastic-heeled stilettos (£40) were keeping company with studded ankle-length cowboy boots (£85).

Eventually stumbling across a nice but simple pair of round-toe courts (£50) and a peep-toe ankle boot in soft black leather (£75), which looked like great value for money, it became clear that this was a fashion brand confused about its identity.

Aldo, it would seem, would be much more appealing if it spent a bit more time focusing on the happenings on the catwalk and a little less time catering for the girl who wants six-inch PVC stilettos for her Saturday night out.

Staff: young, friendly. Perhaps a little overworked.

Price: expensive, considering the calibre of the design.

Quality: very good.

Our pick: peep-toe ankle boots, £75.