The Gist

Italians set the standard when it comes to footwear.

From Milan Fashion Week to global street-style capitols, stylish Italian shoes can be spotted all over.

From luxury powerhouses like Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada to sporty favorites like Diadora, these are the Italian brands cool girls can’t get enough of.

Italians arguably have the best fashion in the game, especially when it comes to footwear. Just look at Milan Fashion Week: even with the chaos of NYC winter storms, the American style set showed up and showed out. And the week served up plenty of inspiration for the fashion-starved (me, we, us!). Fashion houses like Prada leaned into statement-making details with beaded and feathered shoes, while Tod’s stayed true to form with its signature leather loafers and ankle boots. As for the Italian’s street style? No notes.

From heritage powerhouses like Gucci to everyday favorites like Diadora, Italy offers an unmatched mix of luxury and artisanal craftsmanship. If you’re in search of a classic staple from a certain era, or want to see what’s new from who’s heading up the brands, there’s plenty to covet. Whether you’re after a statement heel, a timeless flat, or a trendy sneaker, there’s truly something for everyone among the mix. And yes, even the A-listers can’t resist–whether it’s runway days or off-duty moments.

Below, find the 10 Italian shoe brands to watch, support, and invest in right now.

01 of 10

Gucci

We all know and love this heritage label (hi, horsebit loafers). But with Demna now at the helm, a new wave of styles has stepped onto the fall runway. Think sharper, sexier silhouettes: sky-high stiletto heels, futuristic boots, and elongated loafers made their debut. And in true Demna fashion, some models simply wore no shoes at all. The takeaway? Things are getting real streamlined, a little daring, and very sexy.

02 of 10

Bottega Veneta

Beginning their footwear journey in the ‘70s, Bottega Veneta has built a cult-like following for their iconic pieces–yes, we’re looking at you, puddle boots and Lido sandals. Innovative runs through every design, but so does quirkiness, as seen on the latest fall runway. From furry heels to spiky mules, it’s no wonder the brand continues to define Italian cool. And the It shoe for spring/summer? Modernized boho clogs.

03 of 10

Valentino

You’ve probably spotted a pair of Valentinos on more than a few fashion week showgoers–you cannot miss those signature Rockstuds. But this spring, Alessandro Michele brought a fresh perspective, mixing in plenty of ‘70s flair while also making waves on the couture stage. My biggest shoe takeaway? Heels with a clear strap across the top of the foot–such a visually-intriguing move.

04 of 10

Aquazzura

Founded in 2011 by a Colombian-born designer, Aquazzura combines modern design with traditional Tuscan artisanal craftsmanship. Known for sleek, alluring styles that have become staples for stars like Olivia Palermo and Gigi Hadid, the brand prides itself on creating high-fashion shoes that never compromise on comfort.

05 of 10

Gianvito Rossi

Seen on the likes of It girls like Hailey Bieber, Gianvito Rossi has become a go-to brand for minimal, feminine, and reliable heels. Handcrafted in Italy by Gianvito Rossi (yes, the son of renowned designer Sergio Rossi), the brand is rooted in a quality-over-quantity ethos. And it shows: everyone from Rihanna to the Duchess of Sussex and Bella Hadid has been seen stepping out in the label.

06 of 10

Tod’s

For Tod’s, the secret is in the brand’s unmistakable Italian sensibility. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, practicability, and buttery leather, Tod’s is a go-to when curating your spring shoe rotation. At Milan Fashion Week, the brand stayed true to its roots–highlighting the mastery of Italian manufacturing and putting Tod’s own artisans at the heart of the collection.

07 of 10

Diadora

Founded in 1948, this sportswear label strikes the perfect balance between vintage, modern, and on-trend. Long celebrated for its high-performance footwear, Diadora has built a loyal following among those in the know–especially for soccer, tennis, or running gear that delivers on both function and style.

08 of 10

Versace

After taking the helm following her brother’s death in ‘97, Donatella Versace has now passed the reins to Dario Vitale. After presenting her last fall collection packed with high-octane glamour and empowering punk-inspired energy, Vitale’s Versace did not hold out on unexpected colorways and tributes to Gianni’s late-‘80s designs. For shoes, standout green and black animal-print heels and a surprising Onitsuka Tiger collab emerged on the spring runway.

09 of 10

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo is iconic for a reason–he pioneered the first modern platform shoe. Since establishing the house in the 1920s, the brand has expanded to luxury leather, ready-to-wear, and accessories. Fast forward to the latest spring runway: Maximilian Davis brought sultry ‘20s vibes with mules and caged pumps. The best news about Ferragamo shoes? If you don’t have the means to buy new, hunt a little! You can often score a secondhand pair in pristine condition–proof that these shoes are built to last.

10 of 10

Prada

Originally focused on luxury trunks, handbags, and travel accessories, we can all be glad that Prada stepped into footwear in 1979. And of course, we must never forget about the brand’s signature loafers that dominated the 2020s. Now, its latest fall runway leaned into a “pretty ugly” aesthetic–think super elongated pointed toes, reimagined kitten heels, and feathered lace-up boots. The styling moment? Statement socks paired with just about anything, which, honestly, I’ll never be mad about.

Read the original article on InStyle