I am not currently working as cabin crew, so excuse me if I put in my two penn'orth!
I think that the cabin shoes are without doubt the more important pair of the two pairs of shoes that an FA will wear. Therefore, it is worth spending more on these than on the 'uniform' shoes.
I have a very good pair of navy shoes which cost me £15 (last season's, or something) and I wear them for work (I wear similar uniform to cabin crew-type) but I would never be able to operate a flight in them, however short that flight was.
Comfortable cabin shoes are essential ......... and worth spending money on!!
