The local labels making footwear we’ll be living in this summer
IMAGE VIA @DENIMINEQUITY/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT AND ALYSSA FORATO
Sandals, slides and thongs for the beach and beyond.
Did you ever go to the beach in Dr. Martens leather boots? I did. And while my angst-driven teenage self loved the idea of crunching shells beneath my sturdy brown soles, the current me has come to realise the beauty of summer footwear.
With Australian beach weather just around the corner, now is the time to find the perfect pair of sandals, thongs or slides you can essentially live in this summer. Whether you’re after Y2K wedges, sleek leather slip-ons or a trusty pair of jelly flip-flops, nobody makes them better than our local designers.
For more style suggestions, head to our Fashion vertical.
So while we gear up for the heat (don’t forget SPF, sunnies and a great hat), get your footwear wardrobe sorted ahead. Below, a list of the best Australian brands we’re going to for sandals, slides and thongs we can to the beach and beyond.
Essen
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Essen is an Australian-born label crafting thoughtful, contemporary footwear. With a focus on waste reduction, Essen releases small-batch, seasonless collections of practical (yet very chic) styles, always made from premium materials. In terms of sandals, the brand offers styles ranging from chunky slides to delicate strappy heels.
Dirt
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Dirt is a brand that creates simple basics and twists them into playful pieces of art. With a range of unique platform sandals, mules, boots and more, Dirt’s designs will keep you on your toes.
Post Sole Studio
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Melbourne-based footwear label Post Sole Studio is “an ode to Australian-made shoes and the people who love to wear them”. Founded by friends Breeze and Myra, Post Sole’s Abbotsford studio/design house hybrid is where the pair lovingly crafts the collection of contemporary flats, sleek mules and chunky sandals. The Trail Hiker sandal in cobalt is just the right amount of cool and practical.
LMS
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Sydney-born brand LMS crafts shoes and accessories designed to make a statement. Combining interesting silhouettes, high-quality materials and punchy, on-trend colourways, the label’s collection of slides and sandals is just the right amount of frivolous.
Dof Studios
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Melbourne-born, Italian-made label Dof Studios crafts high-quality shoes with a focus on circularity and craftsmanship. Its sandals are playful while still being wearable, available in bright shades of orange, blue, yellow and pink.
Sol Sana
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Affordable and fun, Sol Sana offers a wide variety of sandals ideal for taking on your next summer holiday. Whether you’re into heavy embellishment or simpler silhouettes, there’s a poolside-approved flat shoe waiting for you.
A.Emery
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A.Emery is a contemporary, minimalist footwear brand crafting timeless staples for your wardrobe. Designed and made in Melbourne, the brand puts a unique twist on classic designs – so your feet will be ready for all occasions.
St. Agni
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Making minimalist staples with unmatched comfort, St. Agni is for modern creatives who like to stay light on their feet. The brand’s simplistic, unique designs will carry you through summer with ease. And for those who like to buy a full look, St. Agni also offers a range of clothing and accessories.
By Far
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Australian-born accessory label By Far is widely loved for its punchy colour palette and contemporary designs. Ideal for a long day by the pool, the label’s collection of strappy sandals and simple leather slides are available in sizes 35 to 41. The Saba flats in Azur Nappa leather are Fashion Journal’s seasonal pick, made to be paired with a floaty dress and a teeny-tiny handbag.
Bared Footwear
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Podiatrist Anna Baird is the woman behind Bared Footwear, the brand making “great looking shoes that are actually good for you”. No daggy orthotics here – Bared’s collection of wearable shoes is both stylish and comfortable. Let your tootsies breathe in the B Corp-certified designs, including braided black leather flats and gladiator-esque strappy sandals.
Twoobs
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Founded by blogger sisters Jess and Stef Dadon, Twoobs is a conscious footwear label with a focus on beautiful, sustainable shoes. Made from 80 per cent recycled materials and a combination of vegan leather, sugar cane soles and lightweight lycra, Twoobs sandals are like walking on (planet-friendly) air. Choose between platform or flats and a variety of colours, including lilac, emerald green, cherry red and caramel.
Maria Farro
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Born in Australia and made in Crete, the Maria Farro brand makes sandals fit for an endless European summer. Combining “her roots in Bondi Beach with the pink beaches of Elafonisi”, Maria Farro’s eponymous label is at the forefront of the thong renaissance. The Mila Flip Flop is your most comfortable throw-on footwear, elevated.
Radical Yes
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Kerryn Moscicki started her Melbourne shoe label, Radical Yes, after struggling to find a pair of flat, comfortable shoes she could wear from yoga to her fashion job. Founded on the concept of ‘Flat Shoe Liberation’, Radical Yes makes high-quality, heel-less sandals, slip-ons, sneakers and boots. The Neptune Athletic Sandal is a personal favourite for warm weather wear.
Studio Amelia
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Minimalistic’ is the ideal word to describe Studio Amelia’s sleek take on the classic sandal. Consciously designed and made in Sydney, the brand’s sleek collection of footwear offers everything from a nighttime heeled sandal to a twisted leather slip-on slide. The Slingshot Wrap Flat is the chic, contemporary version of everyone’s favourite mid-2010s gladiator sandals.
For more of the best summer sandals, head here.
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