Best foot forward: A list of Australian and New Zealand shoe brands to invest in
IMAGE VIA @shop.dirt/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY AND FASHION JOURNAL
Kitten heels, boots, thongs and more.
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.
The push to shop locally 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 footwear. In fact, FJ contributor Maggie Zhou recently wrote about the struggles faced by the industry in our latest print magazine.
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. If you’re not in your bed, you’re in your shoes, so you might as well invest in both (as the saying goes). To set you on the right track, here are some of our favourite local footwear labels.
Essen
View this post on Instagram
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.
Dirt
View this post on Instagram
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.
Nelson Made
View this post on Instagram
Made both overseas and in-house in it’s Melboure studio, Nelson Made’s 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.
LMS
View this post on Instagram
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.
St. Agni
View this post on Instagram
Focusing on a ‘less is more’ philosophy and transparent production practices, a pair of St. Agni woven slides or minimalist sandals are intended to last for years to come.
Edie Collective
View this post on Instagram
Using cruelty-free leather alternatives, Edie’s shoes are 100 per cent vegan. 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.
A.Emery
View this post on Instagram
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.
Roc Boots
View this post on Instagram
Roc Boots has been making footwear for decades, starting in 990 in Sydney. In the years since its inception, it’s (dare we say) found the perfect formula for a good pair of boots – good quality leather, timeless styles and size-inclusive options (yes, they make boots for wide calves!).
Cakey Sportsman
View this post on Instagram
Cakey Sportsman is the brainchild of Matea Gluščević, an artisan shoemaker who describes her made-to-order shoes as “wearable artworks”. All of the label’s custom footwear is handcrafted, and is generally made using bold colours and materials, with Matea planning to release RTW footwear styles soon. Worn by the likes of Julia Fox, it’s one to keep an eye on.
Studio Amelia
View this post on Instagram
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. Need a silk halter to go with? Shop the brand’s ready-to-wear collection as well.
Post Sole Studio
View this post on Instagram
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.
By Far
View this post on Instagram
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.
Mi Piaci
View this post on Instagram
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.
Deadly Ponies
View this post on Instagram
Auckland-born leather accessories brand Deadly Ponies specialises in minimalistic, responsible 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.
Christopher Esber
View this post on Instagram
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.
Maria Farro
View this post on Instagram
Sydney-based label Maria Farro is an 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.
Bared Footwear
View this post on Instagram
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.
Bronwyn
View this post on Instagram
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.
Twoobs
View this post on Instagram
Twoobs, founded by sisters Jess and Stef Dadon, was born out of a need for comfortable, stylish shoes that are as kind on your feet as they are on the planet. Made using carbon-neutral, recycled and vegan materials, Twoobs prides itself on making the comfiest shoes you’ll ever own.
Radical Yes
View this post on Instagram
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.
Dof Studios
View this post on Instagram
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.
La Tribe
View this post on Instagram
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.
Alias Mae
View this post on Instagram
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.
Merry People
View this post on Instagram
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.
Kuwaii
View this post on Instagram
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.
Senso
View this post on Instagram
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.
Noskin
View this post on Instagram
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.
Rollie
View this post on Instagram
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.
Tony Bianco
View this post on Instagram
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.
For more ethical footwear suggestions, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
