Australian footwear labels that go above a size 42
IMAGE VIA @POST_SOLE_STUDIO/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY
Size-inclusive footwear for all.
As an industry, we’re getting better every year at acknowledging important issues like size inclusivity. Everyone should have the opportunity to dress the way they like, and nobody should feel unwanted by the labels they admire.
Something we talk less about, however, is the limited options out there for people with big feet. Many of those cute, trendy footwear brands you drool over on Instagram cut their range off at certain sizes. People whose feet fall outside this unspoken standard are left with fewer and – let’s be real – uglier choices.
Discover more up-and-coming local designers in our Fashion section.
To help out the full-footed population of Australia and New Zealand, we’ve put together a directory of local brands that offer footwear above a size 42.
Essen
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 43
Essen’s artisanal crafting techniques are put to work creating shoes that will last a lifetime. The label’s collection of flats, heels, loafers and boots are handmade using high quality, consciously-sourced leathers. Select styles – including the brand’s staple Foundation Flats and some of its hottest boots – are available up to a size 43.
Walnut Melbourne
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 43
Established in 2007, Australian label Walnut has been creating high-quality shoes for children and women for over 15 years. The brand offers a range of simple leather styles like ballet flats, boots and loafers. All sizes run up to a size 42, but not all extend to 43 – so filter by size to make sure you get the right fit.
Bueno
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 46
For those who struggle to find shoes beyond a size 43, Melbourne-based brand Bueno has created a specialty collection of styles specifically available up to a size 46. The styles are leather, handmade and on the flat side, which is ideal for those who are heel-averse. You can choose from sandals, slides, boots and (small) heels.
Maria Farro
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Based in: Sydney
Goes up to: Size 43
Maria Farro offers a collection of summer-ready sandals, available up to a size 43. Every pair is handmade from 100 per cent leather, designed to combine the best parts of Bondi and Crete. The brand’s minimalistic-yet-unique silhouettes are crafted using artisan techniques, making every pair subtly different. But the best part? The materials and construction allow them to last you years of comfortable wear.
Collective Canvas
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Based in: Auckland
Goes up to: Size 47 (unisex)
Collective Canvas makes classic, consciously-designed sneakers. The New Zealand brand specialises in canvas sneakers made in a rainbow of colours, crafted using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. Although these no-fuss sneakers are categorised online under men’s and women’s sizing, all designs are as unisex and available up to a size 47.
Twoobs
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 45
The Twoobs sisters (AKA founders Jess and Stef Dadon) have put their minds to creating comfortable, fun shoes; always taking the wellbeing of our planet into account. Shop velcro strap sandals, platforms, scrunchies, sunglasses and more in a variety of bright colours. And if the cloud-like soles and sustainability-centric ethos aren’t enough, the range is also available up to a size 45.
St. Agni
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Based in: Byron Bay
Goes up to: Size 44
Sustainability-focused label St. Agni is known for its range of handmade footwear. Scrolling through the site, you’ll find sleek silhouettes made from high-quality leather, including boots, mules, slides and heels. All styles are made in small runs with an emphasis on transparent production, and select styles are available up to a size 44.
R.M.Williams
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Based in: Adelaide
Goes up to: Size 47 (unisex)
Few local brands have a history as iconic as that of R.M.Williams. For more than 80 years, the brand has been handcrafting leather boots; holding up as a standard of quality across the country. The brand’s unisex styles are available up to a size 47, while traditional women’s styles are available up to a size 43.
Bared Footwear
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Based in: Australia
Goes up to: Size 43
As the local footwear industry expands, we’re seeing a greater focus on the health and comfort of our feet. Bared is a trendsetter in combining fashion and podiatry, creating aesthetically pleasing designs that don’t destroy your feet. Each pair features a specially designed footbed, ensuring all-day comfort and fewer trips to the podiatrist in the long run. Women’s styles are available up to a size 43.
Done by Matea
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 45
The shoes from Done by Matea are unlike anything else you’ll see on the market. Made to order in Naarm, each design is a ‘wearable artwork’ utilising unique materials and bold colours. Select styles are available up to a size 45, and custom shoes can be made in any size – just place a custom order using this contact form.
Monte
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Based in: Australia
Goes up to: Size 47
This one is all about comfort. Monte makes unisex slippers that are socially acceptable to wear out of the house. Made from velvet or terry towelling in two timeless silhouettes, the range is available up to size 47. There’s also the option for made-to-order monogramming if you want to feel a little fancy.
Radical Yes
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 43
Flat shoe enthusiasts may be familiar with Radical Yes, a Melbourne brand exclusively designing flats of all kinds. Its boots, sneakers, slip-ons and sandals are available up to a size 43. While a vocal focus on comfort and taking care of your feet might seem like the antithesis of style, an equal amount of emphasis is put on designs you’ll actually want to wear.
Habbot
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 43
Designed in Melbourne and handmade in Le Marche, Italy, Habbot’s range includes everything from sleek staple pumps to prep-inspired T-bars and brogues. Every pair is made using quality materials and traditional artisan techniques, designed to be both functional and eye-catching. Plus, they’re available up to a size 43.
Post Sole Studio
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 46
Melbourne-based label Post Sole Studio offers classic styles like mules, T-bars, sandals and boots with fresh and interesting design twists. The brand offers the full package: vegan alternatives to many of its styles, a small-batch, sustainable production approach and all its shoes are available up to a size 46.
Blundstones
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Based in: Tasmania
Goes up to: Size 47 (unisex)
Dubbed ‘Blunnies’ by those in the know, Blundstone’s boots have been beloved by Australians for over 150 years. Made from quality leather and sturdy in design, the brand’s unisex styles are available up to a size 47.
BB Shoemaker
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Based in: Adelaide
Goes up to: Size 43
Although its range is small and intentionally curated, Adelaide-based label BB Shoemaker covers a range of styles from sandals to classic derbies. Select silhouettes are available up to a size 43, and each pair is made by hand at Ensemble Studios in Adelaide.
Merry People
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 43
Everyone’s bound to end up trudging through a puddle at some point, especially in Melbourne. Merry People’s durable, comfortable work shoes come in a range of bold, eye-catching colour combinations and are available up to a size 43. Its gumboots, clogs and accessories are designed to handle inclement weather without looking drab.
Taeger
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Based in: Australia
Goes up to: Size 46
With materials sourced from Portugal and styles designed in the Netherlands, Australian footwear label Taeger is a global operation designed to bring European style to the streets of Australia. Its footwear is genderless, seasonless and is available up to a size 46.
Frankie4 Footwear
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Based in: Brisbane
Goes up to: Size 44
Winner of numerous industry-based awards (including the Good Design Awards in 2021), Frankie4 knows how to design comfortable and supportive footwear. With podiatrist-crafted, cushioned insoles, the Sole Hero footbed is designed to support its wearer’s alignment and deflect pressure. Frankie4’s wide range of styles goes up to a size 44.
Rollie
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Based in: Australia (Melbourne)
Goes up to: Size 43
Launched in 2012, Rollie specialises in sneaker-like dress shoes designed using premium materials. Each pair is constructed using cushioned memory foam insoles to create a lightweight, durable and uber-comfortable shoe. All designs are offered up to a size 43, so nobody misses out on the cloud-like experience.
Mollini
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Based in: Melbourne
Goes up to: Size 43
Mollini’s footwear comes in a range of styles suited to any every occasion, from work, to leisure to formal wear. Made from premium materials and featuring modern designs, Mollini’s pieces are available up to a size 43.
Assembly Label
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Based in: Sydney
Goes up to: Size 47
With a focus on creating timeless, long-wearing and versatile wardrobe staples, Assembly Label offers a range of shoes from its in-house and premium brands, including Veja and New Balance. The brand’s in-house footwear runs up to a size 47.
For more brands offering size-inclusive footwear, head here.
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