10 footwear brands from Aotearoa New Zealand we love to support

We love supporting our local designers, especially with the rising numbers of emerging brands in Aotearoa. So in this round up, we’re sharing our favourite footwear brands designed in Aotearoa New Zealand that swept us off our feet. 

Bronwyn

Bronwyn was established in 2021 by Sarah Street when she took the big leap to start her own label. Everything is designed in New Zealand and ethically made by a female-led shoe factory in Dongguan, China. They recently opened their first flagship store in Ponsonby. Their shoes call attention to subtle but considered details and silhouettes, perfectly curated for the modern woman who needs to get things done. Comfort and unwavering quality are synonymous with Bronwyn, making their shoes perfect for every season. 

Personally, I love the Levi mule — the chunky block heel and closed square toes create my favourite shoe silhouette. The sleek, slip-on mule style elevates the shoe, making it the wardrobe essential I never knew I needed!

Scarpa

Sisters and footwear specialists, Pip Larner and Liz Upton kept the Scarpa legacy after they took over the inter-generational family business from their parents. Since then, Scarpa has worked with internationally renowned shoe brands throughout the years that pushed the conscious decision by the sisters to design their own collection. Their new seasonal collection ‘Time Revived’ is designed in house and hand made by a small, family-owned footwear factory in Tuscany, Italy. The collection highlights the importance of craftsmanship and passion for local production.

I love my high heels, but the cutest strapped Maryjane shoe in their collection, ‘Audrey’, has won my heart. 

La Tribe

Emma Winter opened her own footwear label in 2015 after being in the fashion industry for more than 2 decades, it was time to develop a brand with a fresh, youthful perspective. La Tribe is designed with the appeal of wearable luxury and timelessness. The brand’s goal is to help women to feel confident and comfortable while embracing all of who they are effortlessly. That is why La Tribe’s designs are distinct from each other so every woman can find a pair that reflects their personality and style. 

Their woven slingbacks with slanted short kitten heels gives a sophisticated touch to an iconic 80’s style. Just arrived, perfect for the upcoming spring season or for your brunch with the girls this weekend if you’re brave!

REBE

Rebe Burgess, founder of REBE, describes her brand as an extension of her own closet. What started as a footwear label has evolved into a full-on contemporary women’s wear brand, offering everything from apparel to accessories to shoes. Thoughtfully designed to balance functionality with style, REBE’s striking, sophisticated pieces are perfect for everyday wear and are meant to be cherished season after season. If you’re all about building a wardrobe with timeless pieces that speak to your vibe, REBE has you covered. With their new collection of wardrobe essentials, they’re all about dressing with purpose and letting you tell your own story.

Nicole Rebstock

From a lawyer to shoe designer, Nicole Rebstock believes that her shoes are a symbol of what can be achieved when we dare to fulfil our dreams. Nicole Rebstock is known for her rich colours and feminine silhouettes. Her designs range from everyday to bridal wear  — there’s a pair for every occasion. 

I am a boots kind of girl forever, no matter the season! Nicole Rebstock has a variety of designs in her boot collection — from ankle boots, knee high, suede finishes to stiletto boots.

Mi Piaci

Mi Piaci is still run by founder and head of design, Louise Anselmi, and it's all about elegance, practicality, and bold self-expression. Designed in Tāmaki Makaurau by women, for women, Mi Piaci has been creating iconic footwear for over 20 years, making it the go-to brand for premium shoe design.

And let’s get one thing straight: white knee-high boots WILL—yes, WILL—always level up your outfit, no questions asked.

Deadly Ponies

Deadly Ponies started as Liam Bowden’s garage project and has since leveled up to become an internationally renowned leather brand. Known for pushing the boundaries of design, they keep it real with full transparency at every stage of creation, guaranteeing luxe materials and top-tier craftsmanship. And just recently, they opened their first South Island store in Queenstown.

Now, hold up—did I seriously miss out on their ‘Kneeling boots’? I need those, like, yesterday. But wait, they just dropped a mule version in white. Time to channel my inner Bella Hadid and rock them with some cute stockings or socks.

Beau Coops

Founded by London-based designer, Carrie Cooper, who’s spent the past 20 years in the industry working with makers and artisans across Aotearoa and around the world. Beau Coops is a brand celebrated for their strong identity and creativity. Their designs express creative and architectural craftsmanship, combining their contemporary designs with versatility. Their shoes have been worn and embraced by celebrities like Solange, Sia and Florence Welch.

Sole Shoes

Sole shoes is a family owned and operated label based in New Zealand. Designed by shoe collector and expert, Rima Yousef. She started Sole Shoes out of frustration for what she saw as a lack of unconventional footwear options in New Zealand. Her love of shoes comes from her mum who has a pair of every shoe that she likes so Rima relies on her for her fashion advice. Her goal as a brand is to provide shoes with premium quality without the designer price tag. 

Sole shoes are bolder with colour and design choices making them the perfect statement piece to add to your wardrobe.

Kathryn Wilson

Kathryn Wilson has established herself as one of the premier footwear designers in the country, earning admiration from both customers and industry insiders alike. Renowned for her distinctive, fashion-forward designs, Wilson’s shoes are a go-to for trendsetters, with her collections available in over 120 stores across New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong. And the momentum doesn’t stop there—Wilson continues to innovate and expand her brand's reach.From sleek stilettos to edgy trainers, elegant mules to modern flatforms, and classic oxfords to stylish brogues, her range caters to every footwear need. But it doesn’t end at shoes; Kathryn Wilson's brand also offers a chic line of accessories and the most adorable socks, adding that perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

Words by Nikirie