These 15 Australian Shoe Labels Will Put a Spring in Your Step

When it comes to buying leather goods, we’re often drawn to international brands with European heritage. But with a new breed of local shoemakers emerging, there are good reasons to look closer to home. And while some brands work with factories in Italy, Spain and Portugal to produce their collections, there’s a distinctly Aussie stamp on each pair. If you’re looking to leave a lighter footprint on the planet, brands using more sustainable manufacturing and the growth of leather alternatives have opened up more options than ever.

Perfecting your shoedrobe? These are the names to know for ballet flats , sandals , boots and everything in between.

Nelson Made

Melbourne brand Nelson Made delivers modern minimalism with a feminine twist. Handcrafted in small quantities, these are the kinds of shoes you’ll have in your wardrobe forever. Signature styles include the Ida Midi heel , Lou mesh flat and Louis Western-style boot. The brand follows a low-impact approach to design, using recycled and chrome-free leathers, as well as deadstock fabrics throughout the collection. More recently, it added slim-line sneakers into the fold, with black , white and toffee colourways.

Our pick

Edie Collective

Sydney brand Edie Collective launched late last year with a considered range of vegan leather shoes. The Jill heel and Betty Knot sandals are the sort of sleek strappy styles that works with jeans, tailoring and dresses alike. The Isabel Fisherman loafer and Original boot are further examples of the label’s refined yet functional appeal.

Our pick

Post Sole Studio

Post Sole Studio was born from a love of shoemaking and a desire to keep the local industry alive. There is a timelessness to the brand’s styles, which are made to order in its Abbotsford studio, using deadstock leathers where possible. The Channel Mary Janes are a consistent bestseller. But the tan-hued Summer Lane block heels and Trail Hiker sandals are set to become favourites as the weather warms.

Our pick

Dof Studios

Founded in 2013, Dof Studios’ shoes are designed in Melbourne and made in Italy. There is a nostalgic vibe to the collections, which include woven leather loafers, chunky sneakers and playful slides. But the Cate riding boots , Sandra wedges and Lulu slingbacks are some of our current season favourites.

Our pick

Essen

Founded in 2016 as a response to overproduction, Essen is an Australian brand with a footprint in Europe. Founder Marre Muijs collaborates with family-run factories in Italy, Spain and Portugal to produce the collections; on the product pages she maps the journey each pair goes through to get to your feet. Key summer styles include the Sport sandal and Poolslide , but the Riding boot will be with you for life.

Our pick

Noskin

There is a rock’n’roll edge to Noskin’s unisex vegan leather range. Core styles include iconic Chelsea and combat boots, as well as derby shoes and loafers in black and brown colourways. The limited edition Midnight collection brings a ’60s vibe with its high-shine patent finishes.

Our pick

Rollie

Rollie might be best known for its playful derby shoes and functional sneakers. The Melbourne brand recently released a collection of fisherman sandals that make conscious yet comfortable additions to your shoedrobe. Soft to touch, the durable designs are centred on function, with orthotic-friendly soles and grip rubber finishes. There’s also a host of seasonal open-toe styles to shop for summer.

Our pick

Twoobs

Australian sisters Jess and Stef Dadon launched Twoobs in 2016 as an alternative to the impractical footwear common in the women’s fashion industry. The label’s comfy, lightweight velcro sandals have since become a fixture on Australian streets, in a riot of bright colours. The brand has since introduced The Sneaky Jane (Mary Jane sneakers) and flip flops. You can also do your bit for the planet by taking advantage of the brand’s buy-back program. Trade in your pre-loved Twoobs sandals, which the brand promises to recycle and repurpose on your behalf, in exchange for $10 credit towards your next purchase.

Our pick

A Emery

A Emery creates timeless footwear designs to carry you through the seasons. Anna McLaren launched the brand in 2017 to fill a gap in the market for the perfect pair of minimal, all-black sandals, with the company expanding to create a variety of simplistic styles in neutral tones since. Handmade in India, care and attention to detail is evident in signature designs: the Edna , Milne and Paton sandals return season after season.

Our pick

Assembly Label

Walking the line between timeless and trending with its capsule wardrobe approach, it’s no surprise that Assembly Label has a footwear collection to cover all occasions. The range is a small yet inclusive collection of shoes: think boots , sandals and loafers with a sleek and modern feel.

Our pick

St Agni

St Agni’s footwear range oozes minimalist, contemporary cool. From sleek heels to signature ballet flats and strappy sandals , there’s no shortage of stylish choices. Wear with the Byron Bay-based brand’s elegant essentials for work and weekends alike.

Our pick

LMS

Statement shoe and handbag brand LMS mixes classic styles with unconventional materials and patterns to create a joyous mix of bold designs. Raffia-effect flatforms , red strappy sandals and Western-style boots are some of this season’s highlights.

Our pick

RM Williams

Known for its dedicated approach to craftsmanship, RM Williams is a true-blue favourite. Styles like the Lady Yearling , Millicent and Moriarty boots come in a variety of finishes, which can be tailored to your needs and wants. Each pair is made by hand in the brand’s Adelaide factory. These boots have come a long way from outback origins and are a firm favourite in urban environments.

Our pick

Senso

Senso was founded in the ’80s by husband-and-wife team Kim and Scarlett Meller. When the couple’s three daughters joined the business in 2010, the brand was jolted into the social spotlight thanks to a youthful new direction. Trending boat shoes , nostalgic jelly slides and contemporary studded boots are the styles to add to cart this season.

Our pick

Camilla and Marc

Camilla and Marc’s shoe collection mimics the vibe of the brand’s ready-to-wear range: elevated, modern classics with the occasional twist. From fur-lined heels and mohair mules to utility boots and timeless pumps , these pieces take you anywhere.

Our pick

Additional reporting by Simone Richardson.

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