40 Australian and New Zealand shoe brands to invest in
IMAGE VIA @byfar_official/Instagram
WORDS BY MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY AND FASHION JOURNAL
Footwear that’s made to last.
We’re fortunate in Australia and New Zealand to have amazing local labels around every corner, covering just about every style and aesthetic under the sun. So, it’s easy to find quality pieces that are designed or made right here at home.
The push to shop local that’s gained traction over the last few years is doing wonders for the Australian and New Zealand fashion industries, but one sector we may have neglected is our footwear collections.
Discover more up-and-coming local designers in our Fashion section.
If they’re made well-using quality materials, one pair of shoes can last you years and years of wear. And, let’s be honest, it’s up there with underwear in terms of ‘things you probably shouldn’t leave the house without’.
Fortunately, there are almost as many local labels making shoes as there are making clothes, it just takes a little digging to find them all. To set you on the right track, here are some of our favourite footwear labels based in Australia (and we’ve also included a few New Zealand labels who get an honourable mention).
Post Sole Studio
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Born out of a “love of shoemaking and a desire to keep the local industry alive”, Melbourne-based label Post Sole Studio makes boots, loafers, sandals and more with impressive attention to detail and an enduring ethos of sustainability. New and old designs are made in small batches to start with, followed by a made-to-order approach that keeps waste and over-production at a minimum. A large percentage of the leather and materials used are sourced as deadstock from other factories, while the rest are purchased from suppliers around Australia.
Lana Wilkinson
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Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson created her eponymous shoe line to make contemporary, statement-making footwear more accessible to Australian women. Strappy heels are a brand signature, with styles featuring a healthy amount of crystal embellishment, patent leather, metallics and perspex.
Caverley
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Created by the former creative director of Sol Sana, Caverley is a footwear line founded on years of industry knowledge. Playing with feminine and masculine silhouettes, Caverley makes trend-forward footwear in soft, durable leather.
Noskin
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Launched in 2020, Noskin is a footwear label that thoughtfully balances aesthetics and ethics. Its curated range of genderless, vegan styles spans preppy loafers, combat boots and classic derbys. You can shop the Noskin collection (including clothing and accessories) online, or visit the store in Collingwood.
Edie Collective
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Using cruelty-free leather alternatives, Edie’s shoes are 100 per cent vegan and handmade by a family-run factory with over 23 years of experience. Sustainability is at the heart of the brand’s identity, ensuring each collection Edie aims to incorporate more biodegradable and recyclable elements and create long-lasting, quality footwear.
Nelson Made
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While a few of its more complex styles are made in a family-run factory in China, Nelson Made produces all of its signature flat sandals out of its studio in Melbourne. The studio is run by clean solar power, and footwear is made using a combination of recycled leather, deadstock fabrics, leather certified by the Leather Working Group and organic linen. Styles include strappy sandals, delicate slides, heeled mules and the odd leather boot.
Bronwyn
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Female-led New Zealand label Brownyn crafts, minimalistic, conscious footwear designed to last. Made from Leather Working Group-certified leather, the brand’s collection of sandals, platforms, boots and flats are practical while still being fashion-forward.
La Tribe
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La Tribe shoes are made for walking (and dancing, obviously). Functional, classic and considered, the New Zealand label specialises in sandals, wearable heels and flats made from quality textiles.
Deadly Ponies
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Auckland-born leather accessories brand Deadly Ponies specialises in minimalistic, responsibly and high-quality design. Handcrafted by a small family-owned business in Portugal, the label’s small collection of boots is made to last a lifetime with the proper care.
Essen
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Designed in Melbourne and crafted using artisan techniques by the best factories Italy, Portugal and Spain have to offer, Essen’s footwear range is all about wardrobe essentials that will last a lifetime. The collection of flats, heels, loafers and boots are all handmade from high quality, consciously sourced leathers and are often sold using a pre-order system to ensure no resources go to waste.
A.Emery
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A.Emery is out to create the most timeless sandals on the market, using minimalist designs and a classic palette to ensure whatever pair you buy will see you through seasons and years to come. Its collection of flat leather sandals ranges from ultra-strappy to tie-up styles, with a focus on quality, comfort and effortless styling.
Maria Farro
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Sydney-based label Maria Farro is a celebration of and ode to Crete, Greece, combining Bondi Beach style with artisan techniques developed by one of the oldest civilisations in the world. The 100 per cent leather range of sandals and slides are handmade in Crete, making each pair subtly unique and allowing them to age gracefully with years of wear.
LMS
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Australian label LMS believes in ‘building your outfit from the bottom up’ – and we couldn’t agree more. Its hyper colour collection of statement shoes is designed to make even the most basic of outfits pop. With a wide selection of styles named after your favourite fashion icons – Diana, Gigi and Naomi, for example – LMS is your reasonably-priced ‘fun shoe’ destination.
Radical Yes
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Champions of the flat shoe revolution, Radical Yes exclusively creates – you guessed it – flat shoes. Covering sandals, boots, sneakers, platforms and easy slip-ons, the entire range is designed around the idea of liberating your feet and embracing everyday comfort. Even though every pair is flat and pragmatic, the label puts a lot of thought and care into making sure they look great too.
St. Agni
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Run by a husband and wife duo on the coast, St. Agni is best known for its handmade footwear (but, if you’re looking for a wardrobe revamp, the label also makes clothes). Focusing on a ‘less is more’ philosophy and transparent production practices, everything is made in small runs from consciously sourced materials. A pair of St. Agni woven slides or minimalist sandals is intended to last for years to come, never letting you down or going out of style.
Beau Coops
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Beau Coops’ footwear aesthetic has been described by designer Carrie Cooper as ‘boyfriend chic’ – incorporating traditionally masculine elements into each style to give them a distinctive edge that appeals to a lot of women. Beau Coop shoes have even been spotted on the feet of celebrities like Solange and Florence Welch.
Kathryn Wilson
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Named after its founder and designer, Kathryn Wilson is one of the forefront footwear labels in New Zealand. After almost two decades in the industry, the brand’s extensive range of ethically produced shoes cover everything from understated heels and loafers to uber-modern sneakers and boldly coloured statement pumps.
By Far
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Designed in Australia and handmade in Bulgaria, By Far footwear is made for the ‘city cool girl’ who pulls off the perfect blend of effortless and joyful fashion. The brand uses responsibly sourced leathers and other materials in the perfect candy colours to update timeless styles with freshly creative details.
Christopher Esber
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If Carrie Bradshaw was a contemporary Australian gal, she’d be wearing Christopher Esber. Designed in Australia and made in Italy, Christopher Esber’s eponymous line of shoes is ideal for those who like the finer things in life. Crafted from high-quality leather, suede and crystals, these are shoes your wardrobe will treasure for years to come.
Bared Footwear
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How your shoes look is important, but how they feel can make or break. Bared Footwear combines fashion with podiatry to make shoes that actively help your feet but don’t look like you got them at the doctor’s office. Whether it’s a boot, sneaker, heel or slipper, every pair of shoes from Bared features a super comfortable footbed designed to keep your feet in great shape.
James Smith
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Founded by Australian duo Breeana and Matt, James Smith footwear is inspired by the effortless nature of a European summer. Think minimalistic silhouettes and buttery leather in shades of tan, cream, nude and baby blue. Even if you missed out on your Positano summer realness (I certainly did), you can still pretend, right?
Alias Mae
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Established in 2011, Melbourne-based label Alias Mae has become a cult favourite of the Australian fashion set. Known for his quality leather, trend-forward designs and attention to detail, founder Tom Kirkhope continues to cement the brand’s success with each collection. With $1 from every purchase donated to life-changing projects, it’s footwear you can feel good about, too.
Studio Amelia
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Studio Amelia designer Emily Inglis creates shoes that are guaranteed compliment-getters. Her sleek range of strappy sandals, heels and – of course – Nappa leather thigh-high boots are designed in Sydney and handcrafted in Alicante, Spain. Following slow design principles, Studio Amelia releases only two core collections a year. Need a silk halter to go with? This year marks the brand’s debut ready-to-wear collection.
Twoobs
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Twoobs, founded by sisters Jess and Stef Dadon (@howtwolive), was born out of a need for comfortable, stylish shoes that are as kind on your feet as they are on the planet. Twoobs sandals have become a staple piece for the woman on the go. Made using carbon-neutral, recycled and vegan materials, Twoobs prides itself on making the comfiest shoes you’ll ever own.
Monte
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Monte makes unisex slippers that can be worn both indoors and outdoors, which is pretty ideal for COVID times. Available in five shades and with optional made-to-order monogramming, the brand describes its designs as “a little bit hotel slipper, a little bit loafer”, which sounds like a bit of us, really.
Sol Sana
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Founded in 2010, Sol Sana is well-known for its stacked heels, sandals and boots, all of which reference high fashion trends while retaining a classic appearance. Its products are certified by the Leather Working Group, are produced using renewable energy sources and are made by hand by a dedicated and highly skilled team of artisans.
Blundstone
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Blundstone is one of Australia’s oldest footwear brands – it’s been making its beloved boots for over 150 years. Fondly dubbed ‘blunnies’ by many Australians, these are boots that have stood the test of time and are made to withstand any and every condition.
Kuwaii
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Kuwaii is well-known for its slow, deliberate approach to fashion. It eschews the trend cycle in favour of timeless pieces, something that can be clearly seen in its incredibly popular range of footwear. Each pair is handmade in Melbourne at one of the countries last remaining footwear factories, and the range of loafers, brogues, boots and sandals have you covered for any occasion.
Betts
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Iconic Australian shoe brand Betts creates playful, contemporary footwear at affordable prices. Over 100 years since its conception (yes, 100), Betts keeps its range fresh with punchy colours, high-quality materials and thoughtful design. Think chunky platform loafers, cowboy boots and strappy slingbacks.
Done by Matea
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Done by Matea is an artisan shoemaker based in Adelaide that describes its made-to-order, custom shoes as “wearable artworks”. All of Done by Matea’s unique footwear is handcrafted by designer Matea Gluscevic and is generally made using bold colours and materials. If you’re looking for a fun pair of shoes, then this is the label for you.
Merry People
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Merry People started in 2014 as a result of founder Dani’s frustration with Melbourne’s unpredictable weather ruining her corporate shoes. She decided she needed a pair of durable and comfortable work shoes that could withstand the commute to the office and still be appropriate once she got there, so she created Merry People. The brand offers a range of gum boots in various styles and colours.
Senso
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Originally founded in the ’80s, Senso has grown into one of Australia’s most successful footwear labels. Founded by husband and wife duo, Scarlett and Kim Meller, Senso has become a family business, with the addition of the Meller’s three daughters to the team in 2010. Senso makes everything from chunky boots to kitten heels and sneakers, with stockists all over the world.
Dof Studios
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Stocking a range of boots, sandals and sneakers that are made to last a lifetime, Dof Studios seeks to preserve a traditional, quality-first, approach to shoemaking. For every collection, the brand collaborates with small-scale Italian factories to create footwear that lasts. a lifetime.
Wittner
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Wittner started as Australia’s first-ever mail order footwear business, based out of Footscray. An innovative force in the industry, the brand focuses on the modern classics, letting the quality leather speak for itself.
Tony Bianco
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As Australia’s leading footwear brand, Tony Bianco has perfected the basics while remaining fashion-forward. From snakeskin-printed knee-high boots to pastel-coloured kitten heels, the brand has something for every age and taste.
Dirt
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Specialising in a range of clogs, mules and space age-style boots, Dirt offers the kind of shoe you’d see Lizzie McGuire strutting around in. The brand was founded in 2020 as a modern take on the Y2K era of style, drawing inspiration from “the unsuspecting and the ugly”. Whether it’s an electric-blue platform thong or bright-red waxed boots, you’re bound to turn heads in Dirt.
Rollie
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Rollie was launched after Melbourne designer Vince Lebon embarked on the pursuit of creating the perfect shoe for his flight attendant wife, Kat. Her ideal shoe was crafted with comfort, compactness and durability – the design worked so well that Vince decided to share it with the world. Whether you’re travelling the globe or making your daily commute to the office, Rollie is the ultimate comfort shoe.
Mi Piaci
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For 19 years, Mi Piaci’s footwear has been designed by women, for women. The label prides itself on being a female-driven venture, with more than 20 makers touching every Mi Piaci shoe before it reaches its wearer. Each step of the design process is thoughtful, intentional and considered.
Billini
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Billini is a leading Australian footwear brand known for its sexy, feminine and on-trend designs. From bold purple satin heels to classic, neutral leather boots, Billini offers a wide range of styles suited to every price point.
Jo Mercer
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First founded in 1998, Jo Mercer’s collection of premium footwear has well and truly stood the test of time. Offering a wide array of different footwear styles and a collection of versatile accessories, Jo Mercer makes pieces for the office and beyond.
For more ethical footwear suggestions, head here.
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