14 best Australian shoe brands to invest in for 2024
From boots and sandals to slides and ballet flats, these Australian brands are the best to shop for your next kicks.
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Whether you think of them as the finishing touch to put your outfit together, or just as the vehicle to get you through your day in maximum comfort, shoes are an essential accessory in everyone’s wardrobe.
When it comes to buying your next pair – from a comfy sneaker to a fancy going out style – there are plenty of brands to choose from, but why not consider a homegrown label to support?
RELATED: Australian designer labels worth the investment
We’re spoiled for choice with a huge range of local designers creating comfortable, on-trend and classic shoes to suit every wardrobe, and if you’re not sure where to start, this guide is for you.
BEST AUSTRALIAN SHOE BRANDS GUIDE
We’ve rounded up our picks of the very best Australian shoe brands for you to shop, with options for every budget, style and gender.
R.M. WILLIAMS
Perhaps the most iconic Australian shoe brand, R.M. Williams was established in 1932 in Adelaide and has withstood all tests of time with their classic, premium designs for all genders. A pair will set you back a decent amount, but they’re a lifetime investment that only gets better with age.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
The go-to R.M. boot for men is the Comfort Craftsman, a premium design with a genuine leather upper and lining, comfort insole, padded heel lining and timeless silhouette,
The chic Millicent Boots feature a stacked Cuban heel and are made from premium Yearling leather that withstands the tests of time.
RELATED: We Try the R.M. Williams Australian made boots that always sell out
ROLLIE NATION
Long time shoe designer, Vince Lebon, saw a gap in the market for everyday shoes that were not only chic and stylish but also super comfy to wear. The result was Rollie Nation and the brand continues to enjoy massive appeal. There are different designs to choose from, including the iconic Derby in a range of versatile tones, as well as trainers, flats, boots and sandals - for men and women alike.
WHAT WE'RE LOVING
The Derby is a popular choice from Rollie Nation as they are smart and stylish - yet as comfy as a sneaker. They come in all sorts of chic colours with varying detail, but we particularly love the Silver Splat - the same foot-friendly Derby with just a subtle touch of glamour to dress up your everyday.
Loafer Rise All Black Tumble, $249.95
These fabulous loafers have a cool elevated sole and come in five different looks - but we're loving the black, which is versatile and always easy to wear.
These ballet flats have been running out the door over summer and we love the simple, sleek design and shiny silver finish. Easy to wear and can be matched with just about anything from a long summer dress to wide-legged jeans - and everything in between.
SANDLER
Established in 1954, Sandler has been part of Australian style for decades. Creating comfortable, easy to wear footwear styles that stand the test of time and operate outside of come-and-go trends, We particularly love the brand for their effortless workwear staples, like classic black boots and pumps.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
One thing Sandler does incredibly well is comfortable work shoes, and these heels are equally as stylish as they are easy on the feet. If you’re walking around for long periods, Sandler is a great brand to go for.
SOL SANA
Looking for modern designs for all seasons? Sol Sana’s range of mules, sandals, boots and more combine contemporary silhouettes with a relaxed aesthetic. While it was launched in 2013, the brand has since gone global thanks to its high quality and reasonable price points.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Cameo Heel, $54 (down from $179)
Made with a leather upper and lining, these heels are the classic strappy black heels you need in your wardrobe.
LMS
With celebrity fans like Bella Hadid and Emma Roberts, it’s clear LMS is one of the most successful Australian shoe labels we’ve seen emerge over the last few years. Creating limited capsules of stylish, well-made footwear that will perfectly pair with your seasonal fashion pieces, creator Lisa Seskin takes inspiration from vintage markets and Instagram when it comes to designs.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Part of the label’s collaboration with Australian fashion influencer Nadia Fairfax, these leather slides with wooden clog heel are the perfect summery staple to dress up your denim shorts or pair with palazzo pants.
WINDSOR SMITH
Beloved for their chunky, modern silhouettes, Windsor Smith is your go-to for edgy sneakers, boots, sandals, heels and more. Established as a Melbourne-based, family-owned men’s footwear line in 1946, it has since evolved to create fashionable shoes for all genders.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
These 90s-inspired sandals are the perfect pairing for your slip dresses and denim this summer.
BILLINI
Australian footwear label Billini seemed to emerge out of nowhere, and they continue to make waves in the shoe space with fashionable, affordable heels and flats that you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. We love their strappy summer styles the most - Billini make perfect heels for summer parties (and for showing off a great pedicure).
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
These white slip on sandals have a mid shaved block heel, making them perfect for wearing to garden weddings or picnic parties. We also love that price point - at under $90, you could even buy them in black and nude patent as well.
NELSON MADE
Founded by New Zealand-born Jamie Nelson, Nelson Made is now designed in Melbourne, with production processes following sustainable guidelines. The brand is very transparent about their factories and lines of production, making them one of the most sustainable footwear brands in Australia. They also make great shoes - focusing on timeless style and quality over following trends.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
These beautiful leather boots will live on in your wardrobe for years and years. The low heel means comfort all day long, too.
SENSO
This family-owned Australian shoe label has probably been a go-to for you since their hyper-popular boots made waves years ago. These days they consistently release sold-out styles that gain major popularity thanks to their high-quality craftsmanship and stylish designs.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
It's always good to have a smart flat summer shoe in versatile black that are smart enough for work and perfect on the weekend.
ALIAS MAE
Alias Mae has been combining contemporary styling with quality craftsmanship since they launched in 2011. Their unique designs are minimal and crafted from high-quality handmade leather, and each one is sure to garner envious looks.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Paris Slide, $149.96 (down from $199.95)
These slides come in four colourways and feature a chunky three-centimetre sole, with double twisted puffy leather straps that are ultra-modern.
WITTNER
One of Australia’s most trusted women’s footwear brands for over a century, Wittner has been a family business for three generations and a pioneer of the fashion industry. They always keep up with modern trends while maintaining their trusted quality, making them a tried and true choice for all occasions.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Amira Tan Leather Cork Slide, $79.95 (down from $180)
These chunky tan sandals are a great summer accessory to pair back with faded denim and a plain white tee.
TONY BIANCO
Australia’s leading fashion footwear brand, Tony Bianco was established in 1972 with an aim to create quality, chic styles for every woman. Effortlessly blending vintage and modern, day and night, and street to luxe, their styles are always aligned with the latest trends.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Kimmy Black Hi Sheen Heels, $199.95
These shiny black leather vintage style heels are fabulous and perfect for dressing up denim or wide-legged pants.
Koko Brulee Hi Shine Heels, $219.95
We love these slingbacks with cross over straps, available in six fabulous tones
BLUNDSTONE
With an origin story tracing back to the 1870s, work boot experts Blundstone have earned a reputation for quality and durability. The Hobart-based brand continue to maintain their high standards over time, transcending their workwear origins to become a street-style staple.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Blundstone 063, $230
This unisex boot features a black leather upper with a rounded toe, elastic gussets, rubber outsole with shock protection and branded pull tabs – they’re perfect for work or play.
JO MERCER
Yet another Melbourne-based brand, Jo Mercer have been making and selling women’s footwear since 1998. Delivering quality and style in every pair from boots to sandals and many more, they prioritise comfort alongside on-trend aesthetics in chic neutral colour palettes.
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Nevada Ankle Boots, $299.95
These classic black leather boots will be a timeless mainstay in your wardrobe. The perfect heel size and style for everyday wear.
WHERE CAN I BUY SHOES ONLINE IN AUSTRALIA?
Hungry for more? There are plenty of online Aussie destinations where you can score top notch shoes, including Country Road, THE ICONIC, Myer, Cotton On, Gorman, EMU Australia, and NOVO Shoes.
WHAT IS THE BEST-SELLING SHOE BRAND?
Globally, the best-selling shoe brand is Nike. While it’s not an Aussie brand, you can shop their styles locally via their Australian website.
WHAT IS THE BEST ETHICAL AUSTRALIAN SHOE BRAND?
Having topped Baptist World Australia Fashion Guide’s ethical brands list for five years running, Melbourne brand Etiko is your best bet for ethical footwear. Shop their footwear here.
Looking for more homegrown labels to support? Check out our roundup of the best Australian jewellery brands here.
Plus, for more great shoe recommendations, read up on our guides to the best slippers for women, the best white sneakers, and our review of cult favourite brand Doc Martens.
To get the best price on every purchase, be sure to stop by news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll be able to score savings on top brands and Aussie favourites from Country Road to Bed Threads.
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