As any fashion person knows, finding the perfect pair of Italian shoes is like unlocking a whole new side of your closet. That simple black dress you wear to the office? It now doubles as your go-to evening outfit with a pair of heels. And those you’ve held onto for years suddenly feel refreshed and stylish when you pair them with new suede loafers.
To help you build a footwear collection that’s chic and investment-worthy, we’ve curated a guide to the best Italian shoe brands known for their craftsmanship and style variety. Whether you’re in search of sophisticated ballet flats or timeless leather boots to complete your fall collection, here’s everything you need to step up your shoe game.
Friulane
The history of Friulane shoes dates back to the 19th century and the rural region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Women would craft these shoes as a more refined alternative to work clogs, often for family members to wear on Sundays. Unlike today, there weren’t many fabrics to choose from. Soles were often made from used bike tires, and the uppers consisted of naturally dyed fabric scraps. Today, Friulane are celebrated for their plush velvet uppers and high-quality materials — a far cry from their humble origins.
Once the gondoliers of Venice saw the shoes with their practical, slip-resistant soles and potential for a more luxurious upper, Friulane soared in popularity, eventually capturing the hearts (and closet space) of the Italian nobility.
These days, finding the right pair of friulane slippers will open up a new world of possibilities for off-duty styling. Thanks to their chic, comfortable, and often colorful designs, no footwear lineup is complete without them.
If you’re on the hunt for a truly special pair, we have you covered. ViBi Venezia is a sister-owned company with a passion for Friulane and some of the prettiest designs we’ve ever seen. With fall and winter in mind, we’re particularly smitten with the Mini Bow Nero furlane with red ribbon embellishments. They’ll go perfectly with everything from skirts to trousers and see you stylishly through countless seasons to come. We also love styles by Le Nine, including monogrammed shoes.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a little more colorful, try SWANKY Milano. With a stunning collection of prints and 20 striking colorways, they’re our go-to for vibrant friulane produced entirely in Italy.
Capri Sandals
As the name suggests, Capri sandals hail from Capri, a beautiful island in Italy’s Campania region. Like many classic fashion items, they originated out of necessity rather than style, crafted to protect the feet of locals on long journeys. Their roots are said to trace back to 26 AD when Emperor Tiberius moved to Capri, bringing with him an early version of these sandals. The locals, captivated by the sturdy soles and practical leather straps, soon began crafting their own versions.
Nowadays, Capri sandals remain highly sought-after around the world. Especially those genuinely designed and made on the Island, which is what makes brands like Canfora so special. Unlike the cobbled-together footwear from 2000 years ago, Canfora’s exquisite Capri sandals are expertly crafted with the finest leather and have been since 1946. Whether you love glittering rhinestones, colorful beach shell adornments, or simple tan leather straps, Canfora has something to suit your style and your closet.
Velvet Sandals
Meanwhile, if you’re all about maximum comfort with effortless style, crisscross slides are a modern essential, and Lanapo Cinque Terre has mastered the art. Their beautiful velvet sandals make for the ideal warm-weather go-tos, combining chic design with functional durability. We love every pair but we can’t resist the Follonica velvet buckle sandals in the shade Avocado — a stylish, earthy hue that feels both fresh and timeless.
With their cushioned soles and luxurious fabric, these sandals strike the perfect balance between elegance and all-day comfort, much like a more refined take on Birkenstocks. Designed for long summer strolls, they’re the ultimate companions for sightseeing days when you want both flair and resilience in your footwear.
Ballet Flats
Heels may be glamorous, and sneakers unbeatable for comfort, but ballet flats hold a unique charm, instantly making any outfit look polished and put together. They’re the ultimate smart-casual shoe, effortlessly transitioning from day to night with ease. A versatile classic that never goes out of style, investing in a well-crafted pair is truly worthwhile — they’re the kind of shoes you’ll reach for season after season, staying timeless in your wardrobe for years, if not decades.
If you’re unsure of the exact style you want, head to Ballerette Rome. Their incredible range of ballet flats holds something for every dress code. Not to mention, each pair is made in Italy by traditional craftsmen. Opt for classic, rounded-toe styles with a cute bow decal, or mix things up with a pointed-toe design to elevate your outfit. We love the Colonna flats in black and white with a little black dress for apertivos in town.
If you’re all about bold footwear designs and require something a little more playful, Benedetta Borolo’s point-toe “ballerinas” are for you. These luxurious flats come in every color you could wish for, plus, the black crisscross straps add an extra chic element of comfort and style. They also have a distinctly dressy vibe making them the perfect alternative to heels. Find us upgrading every outfit with the Cadorna ballet flats this winter.
Espadrilles
In our experience, a beautiful pair of espadrilles will elevate any dress, skirt or pair of linen trousers. With their natural jute heels and romantic crisscross fabric straps, espadrilles evoke a timeless, summer-ready elegance that feels both easy and refined.
For a classic lace-up style, we recommend Manebí espadrilles. Designed in Italy and made in Spain, we’re particularly fond of the cotton crochet Valencia pair in the shade, Natural. The ultimate addition to both summer dresses and tailoring, these delicately crafted flats are made for warm-weather strolls through the piazza and impromptu lunch dates by the sea.
When it comes to slip-on styles, Fiorina Shoes has perfected the art. When we say these are some of the prettiest shoes we’ve ever seen, we really mean it. We love the hand-sewn, Shield slip-on espadrilles which are made entirely in Italy. The lightweight rope bottoms and iconic, rhinestone-embellished uppers make for the dreamiest footwear imaginable. Wear them to dress up jeans or pair them with a silk slip dress for the prettiest day-to-night ensemble in your closet.
Sneakers
Whether you’re planning outfits for a laid-back weekend or gearing up for a full day of sightseeing, sneakers remain the ultimate comfort shoe. But as these sought-after Italian brands demonstrate, this off-duty staple can also bring a major style upgrade.
For lightweight, breathable cotton shoes that’ll take you straight from the beach to a lunch date, we know Superga has us covered. Italy’s answer to Converse, fans of the famous sneakers will undoubtedly adore these too. Their low-cut designs are the ultimate summer shoe, whilst the high-top range will see you comfortably and stylishly through fall and winter. Make a note to add the classic, 2696 stripe white sneakers to your fall wish list.
Since its founding in 1911 in Turin, Italy, Superga’s iconic 2750 Cotu Classic has been celebrated as the “People’s Shoe of Italy” for its comfort and timeless style — it comes in dozens of shades but we’re partial to white (and their dainty Macramè lace version). In the fall and winter, we opt for high-tops like the 2696 stripe sneakers for some added warmth.
If you prefer your sneakers with a preppy edge, head to Hogan. Superga’s iconic snBeloved by Italians looking for a subtle lift, many Hogan sneakers feature a thicker sole (up to 1.5 inches) that adds both height and style. From flat to wedge designs, Hogan’s collection has something for every off-duty look. We like their “Cool” sneakers with smooth leather and suede uppers available in eight trending colorways. The dusky pastel shades perfectly capture our love of the sport-chic style.
Moccasins & Loafers
From office days to dressy weekend plans, loafers and moccasins are a timeless staple of any closet. Therefore, finding the right pair to suit your style and the other treasured pieces in your closet is so important. Luckily, brands like Frau exist to bring you the most exquisitely made shoes in Italy. Fall in love with their classic black and brown leather designs, or mix things up with an irresistible dark and moody suede style. We think their brown leather loafers are essential and will take you seamlessly from the office to drinks and dinner dates at your favorite osteria.
Founded in Milan, Velasca specializes in handmade lace-up shoes that honor Italian shoemaking heritage. From brogues to derbies, each pair is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and their Trombee Oxfords are a timeless investment for years of versatile wear.
For those seeking something a bit more unique, look to Donna Carolina, a brand founded in the late 1950s near Venice. Drawing inspiration from the Veneto region’s rich traditions, Donna Carolina blends craftsmanship and innovation to create standout footwear. Their flat loafers make a bold statement, embodying the brand’s commitment to high-quality materials and meticulous design for a refined, trend-driven look.
Boots
Much like a dependable little black dress or a great-fitting pair of jeans, having the right pair of boots on hand makes dressing for any occasion so much easier. With that in mind, we’re turning to renowned Italian brands like Leonardo shoes, where every pair is handmade in Italy by local artisans.
If you’re wondering whether the perfect ankle boots exist, their elegant pointed boots crafted in genuine black leather are proof that they do. We adore the sleek, pointed style and modest 9cm heels that are as perfect for daytime looks as after-dark ones.
Meanwhile, we’ll always love A. Soliani for stylish flat boots. Every pair is meticulously fashioned by Italian artisans for versatile designs that will last and last. If we had to choose just one pair? It’d be the always elegant Vittoria knee-high boots in forest leather.
Heels
The ultimate pairing for an evening dress and the perfect way to elevate a simple shift for daytime soirées—where would we be without heels? When it comes to investing in the finest footwear, Scarosso is always at the top of our list. We’re especially drawn to their Selena black patent pumps, a beautifully elegant T-bar design that pairs flawlessly with structured dresses and tailored looks for dinners and drinks.
For occasions that call for sky-high heels, Cavallini’s hand-crafted Italian shoes never disappoint. We’re loyal fans of their neutral pointed pumps, but it’s their printed designs that keep us coming back. Right now, pairing their black and white Gertrudis heels with a sleek LBD is all we can think about.
