If there’s one thing I know well, it’s shoes. My wardrobe, shoe rack and storage space under the stairs are all overflowing with my 40 pairs of heels, sneakers, boots and flats. And after a lot of trial and error, I can confidently say I know what Australian shoe brands are built to last, and which ones you can skip.
Footwear can get expensive real quick. There’s always the tug-of-war on whether or not to cheap out (which almost always leads to the shoes breaking after a few wears) or to invest in an exxy pair, which can be scary when you don’t know how reliable the brand is.
But don’t worry. You’re in the safe and loving hands of a borderline shopaholic with a particular fondness for footwear. So I’ve rounded up 12 of the best Australian shoe brands that are well and truly worth your dollars.
R.M.Williams
R.M.Williams is an Aussie legend. The men’s and women’s footwear brand has been around for almost a century, and is iconic for its Chelsea boots. They have a simple, timeless silhouette that looks good with just about anything. Made from premium quality leather, these bad boys aren’t cheap, but they do last. My partner has been wearing his chocolate brown pair for years now, and he never stops talking about how comfy they are.
Our top three picks:
St. Agni
While St. Agni is best known for its stunning tailoring, they make some damn cute shoes to match. You’ll find leather boots, heels, flats and sandals in neutral tones and unique silhouettes don’t look like the exact same thing every other brand is rolling out.
Our top three picks:
Tony Bianco
You can trust Tony Bianco to come out with a shoe that not only is super cute and on trend, but quality, too. The brand’s designs go viral every season, with the Fantasy Boot from a few years ago to the thong wedges and heels last summer. The best part? They don’t churn out new styles like there’s no tomorrow. Each release is intentional.
Our top three picks:
Bared Footwear
Style meets functionality at women’s and men’s footwear brand Bared Footwear. The brand says its biomechanical footbed contours support natural foot movement, meaning your shoes stay comfy all day long — heels included. And they’re not those fugly shoes that immediately come to mind when you think of podiatry-focussed footwear. These are as stylish as they come.
Our top three picks:
Jo Mercer
Jo Mercer can do no wrong. This Australian footwear brand always comes out with designs that make my jaw drop, and it takes all the self-restraint I have not to spend my life savings here. They makes their shoes with sturdy leather and suede that’s soft enough for you not to get blisters and rubbing whenever you wear them, but sturdy enough for them to last multiple seasons.
Our top three picks:
Windsor Smith
Remember those iconic chunky jelly sandals that every teenage girl was willing to commit arson for if it meant getting their hands on a pair? Yeah, that was Windsor Smith. And while those were very of the time, the brand has moved onto… bigger and better things. Now, the women’s and men’s footwear brand covers all bases. They lean into the grunge aesthetic with a lot of their boots, but also make some absolutely gorgeous heels and ballet flats. We’re here for this new era.
Our top three picks:
Aquila
Aquila covers all bases in the men’s footwear department, and they do it well. From casual sneakers to fancy dress shoes and loafers, Aquila’s shoes are made with quality leather and materials that’ll last you for years on end.
Our top three picks:
A.Emery
A.Emery is proper bougie. It’s an Australian shoe brand you splurge on if you’ve got cause to treat yourself, and you’ve got cause to treat yourself, right? Right! The leather sandals are evocative of a summer spent frolicking around Europe, and are comfortable enough to be put up to the task. Every shoe is made with a keen eye for detail, resulting in beautiful pieces you’ll want to cherish.
Our top three picks:
Senso Shoes
Senso Shoes is the queen of cool girl flats. You know those kinda weird, kinda cool mesh ballet flats that you’ve always wanted to try but don’t know if you can pull off? Yeah, Senso has mastered them — and you can, too. They also do really cool loafers and event heels.
Our top three picks:
Nelson Made
There’s no denying Nelson Made is an investment shoe, but it’s worth every dollar. If I only had three words to describe the brand, they would be sleek, sophisticated and simply cool. That’s four, but you get my drift. Simply structured silhouettes, solid colours and genuine leather is the name of the game, and this Australian shoe brand nails it every. single. time.
Our top three picks:
Blundstone
Blundstone is like R.M.Williams’ more casual cousin. They’re bloody comfy, and a must for hiking, festivals, or long days on your feet. If you like a little bit of added height, they make some pretty cute heeled boots, too.
Our top three picks:
Sol Sana
Sol Sana dominates the footwear space come summer and vacation time. Mixing both feminine and masculine elements, the brand creates trendy and original shoes that are practically destined to be worn on your feet, by the beach, all summer long.
Our top three picks:
Put your best (and best quality) foot forward.
Image Credit: @tonybianco / Bared Footwear / @aquila_est1958
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