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The Australian footwear market is surprisingly dense – while we might be a small country in terms of population compared to the style metropolises worldwide, many of the best shoe brands Down Under are not simply following the trends of overseas runways, but setting them.
Shoe brands from Australia are regularly seen on the feet of major celebrities and gracing red carpets globally, because we’re in the business of producing not just stand-out styles from a fashion perspective, but comfortable, well-made footwear that lasts beyond a single season.
Below, find just a slice of the best Australian footwear brands available. These are our top picks from an exceptional market – and one that is consistently growing, with new labels emerging every season.
LMS
Founded by ex-fashion buyer Lisa Mandy Seskin, LMS was created to be the “missing piece” in your wardrobe – with a focus on timeless design and unconventional materials, LMS is one of the most exciting Australian shoe brands of the moment, having been seen on the likes of Bella Hadid and Olivia Culpo. The label has also released capsule collections in collaboration with Australian fashion influencer Nadia Fairfax and releases seasonal collections of handbags that complement their footwear, too.
By Far
While By Far is technically designed between Sofia, New York and Sydney, we’re claiming the popular Australian shoe brand (and now handbags, fragrances and accessories brand) as our own. Created by sisters Valentina Ignatova, Sabina Gyosheva and Denitsa Bumbarova, the label’s ethos is centred around using elevated materials, a focus on technical detail and constant innovation. Through this, they have developed a loyal celebrity following, with everyone from Emma Chamberlain to Kaia Gerber and Hailey Bieber regularly donning By Far’s statement bags and footwear.
A.EMERY
Designed in Melbourne, A.EMERY is one of several elevated Australian shoe brands in the business of creating timeless leather sandals for urban and holiday environments. Since its creation in 2017, the label has expanded into boots and winter footwear, but all of the brand’s styles reflect its original purpose of functional, refined and timeless footwear.
Alias Mae
A staple in many Australian fashion lover’s wardrobe, Alias Mae creates affordable footwear that doesn’t compromise on quality or design. Expect wear-everywhere slides, boots that pair back perfectly with the season’s most coveted items, and materials that offer longevity so your footwear lives on in your wardrobe, season after season.
Senso
Founded way back in the 1980s by husband and wife duo Scarlett and Kim Meller, Senso has evolved era after era, maintaining its position as one of the best Australian shoe brands in market – while keeping a family-run business focus. These days, you’ll find their wares on the feet of Gigi Hadid and Chiara Ferragni, as well as plenty of the fashion-conscious worldwide.
Maria Farro
What’s beautiful about Bondi-born label Maria Farro is the founder’s commitment to supporting the community on the Greek island of Crete. Offering minimalist, functional footwear (all of which is 100 per cent made in Chania, Crete), the label blends Bondi style with the laid-back lifestyle of the Greek islands, meaning designs work for the office or on holiday.
Sol Sana
Founded in 2010, Sol Sana continues to deliver trend-forward footwear for the Australian market and is regularly seen on celebrities when off-duty – Lily Collins, Sofia Richie and Jasmine Tookes have all been spotted in Sol Sana. The brand also upholds a strong focus on sustainability and transparency. All leather used is a byproduct of the food industry, as they believe no animals should be slaughtered solely for fashion.
Bared Footwear
Australian shoe brands that are founded by podiatrists? They’re hard to come by, but Bared Footwear is one of them. What this means is the label’s wares are not just style-driven, they’re good for your feet. Bared Footwear swears by its biomechanical footbed, designed to support your feet all day long with particular attention to arch support and reducing pressure on heels.
R.M Williams
You can’t write about the best Australian shoe brands and not include R.M Williams, one of the oldest and most respected labels in the country. Originating as a footwear option for Australian men and women dealing with the rugged unpredictability of outback terrain, the label may now be over 90 years old, but it still retains its original commitment to quality (each shoe is crafted from one single piece of leather) and functionality. If you want to invest in classic boots, you can’t go past R.M Williams.
Bronwyn
Look, New Zealand is a completely different country but they are producing some of the best footwear in the world at the moment, so we’re giving them a free pass into this list. Brands like Bronwyn, which was created in honour of the designer’s late mother (and shares her name), a style-conscious yet forward-thinking woman with an eye for detail and an appreciation of minimalism. Likewise, Bronwyn footwear is stylish, crafted mindfully and timeless – think classic boots with modern twists, and comfortable heels you can dance in all night.
Nelson Made
Local production is at the heart of Melbourne-based label Nelson Made, with all their footwear created in their local studio. Because of this, they can be up-close through every step of the production and creation process, ensuring their sustainability goals (the studio is solar-powered) and quality levels are upheld, always. On the design front, Nelson Made isn’t just one of the Australian shoe brands designing footwear for longevity, they’re also championing low-impact materials like recycled leather, organic linen and deadstock fabrics.
JAMES SMITH
Self-described as “modernist off-duty footwear”, JAMES SMITH is inspired by European design with minimalism at its heart. Another Australian shoe brand focusing on longevity and craftsmanship over quick-fix trend items, using premium-quality leathers and materials so your footwear lives on in your wardrobe.
St. Agni
You might know St. Agni for the label’s classic, modern fashion collections – but next time you’re shopping for the perfect cami to pair back with worn-in denim, take a glance at the footwear section. St. Agni is one of those Australian shoe brands that, season after season, releases the exact kind of sandal you were searching for. You know the one – goes with denim, goes with workwear, and can even be worn with a slip dress and sleek bun for cocktail hour. The brand’s products are always consciously-made, elevated and straddle the line between trend-driven and timeless.
