Designer fashion might seem sparse in the Great White North, but Canada is home to a wide variety of quality brands, especially when it comes to shoes.
As Canada’s shoe market continues to grow, it’s important to support our homegrown talent through its brands and retailers, so go ahead and stock your shoe collection with these local goods!
Here are some of our favourite Canadian shoe brands that you need to add to your closet!
Call It Spring
Operating under The Aldo Group is Call It Spring. A mall fave, this retailer is known for affordable yet still chic options that are always trendy. Not only are there super cute sneakers in-store but the brand also stocks exquisite special occasion footwear styles, too. No matter where you’re off to, you can bet on Call It Spring to have your back in the shoe department!
Poppy Barley
Poppy Barley is the first company in North America to offer custom fashion boots online at an affordable price. It’s one of our favourite Canadian shoe brands because it’s committed to ethical manufacturing, female empowerment, and the fight against fast fashion, so you can feel good about splurging on another pair of shoes. Offering sizes 5-12 in various foot and calf widths, you can really live in these shoes.
Zvelle
This brand brings a global influence to the Canadian shoe market with designer Elle Ayoubzadeh having lived in Iran, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia before moving to Toronto in 2007. Zvelle is also a go-to favourite of Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, who has been seen sporting the label at many public appearances.
Cougar
If you need a pair of boots but still want to look cute, Cougar has you covered. The brand has been making boots for over 65 years so you know it’s the real deal. With fashionable options for the rain, snow, or every day, Cougar has it all. Plus, the brand carries sandals and sneakers, too!
Brother Vellies
Founded by Toronto-born designer Aurora James, Brother Vellies has become a big name in the shoe and accessories game. Handmade in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco, Brother Vellies creates shoes and sandals in styles that celebrate diverse cultures.
John Fluevog
This Vancouver designer has been turning out funky boots and cone heels since the ’70s. John Fluevog’s theatrical designs are so iconic and have been worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, and even Beyonce, making it one of the Canadian shoe brands that are loved by the stars.
Want Les Essentiels
Montreal twins Byron and Dexter Peart founded Want Les Essentiels more than a decade ago as a luxury leather label. Today, the brand has grown to minimalist leather goods and travel accessories, garnering itself a cult-like following with its coveted sneakers, derbys, and sandals.
L’Intervalle
Montreal-based L’Intervalle has become a fast favourite among Canada’s most stylish. The brand’s offerings are not only super chic and trendy but they’re also reasonably priced, ranging from $138-$299 for styles that are designed in Montreal and handmade in Europe. However, sales are always happening and you can score shoes from just $29!
ALDO
Founded by recent CAFA-winner Aldo Bensadoun and under the leadership of CEO David Bensadoun, Canadian fashion shoe giant ALDO continues to expand its wholesale business. The brand is the original retailer for cool and trendy seasonally appropriate shoes that rival any luxury design house.
Matt & Nat
The widely known Canadian shop Matt & Nat focuses on creating a brand that appreciates and respects the world around us. The company doesn’t use leather or animal-based materials for its footwear or its clothing and accessories. You can seriously feel good about supporting this North American brand. Plus, it’s very reasonably priced.
Frank And Oak
Frank And Oak values longevity in its products. Not only are the shoes carried in its in-house line classic and chic, but they’re made to last. If you’re in the market for men or women’s footwear that you can seamlessly fit into your wardrobe, then this is the brand for you.
Native
Selling men, women, and children’s shoes, Native is a great Vancouver-based brand to shop for sandals, boots, sneakers, and more. Native shoes are lightweight and come in a ton of bold and neutral colours so you can express yourself however you want.
Maguire Boutique
Looking to spruce up your shoe game? Montreal-based Maguire Boutique gives us all of the cool girl vibes. From cheetah print sneakers, brown-marbled heels, purple suede, and more, we just can’t get enough of these styles. Each and every style is designed in-house and manufactured in factories across the globe to ensure great quality and the best working standards for employees.
Simons
Another Montreal-based retailer to check out is Simons. While it’s known as a department store that carries some of the world’s top brands, you’ll also find a great selection of footwear designed by Simons’ in-house team. Shop Simons’ shoes for on-trend styles for low and less-than-designer prices for men and women.
Vessi
If comfortable is the name of your game, then Vessi is the right fit for you. Choose between Weekend Sneakers, Cityscape Sneaker, Everyday Sneaker, and the Everyday Slip-on. You’ll find everyday styles for men and women. With molded insoles, 100% waterproof, and breathable knit, you really can’t ask for much else from your sneakers.
Browns
Browns’ mission to search the world for the best brands, and to provide the most unique, head-turning styles for you and your whole family— at the best possible value— since 1940. It even produces its own in-house brand to offer an even larger variety.
Casca
Casca develops sneakers made to last and withstands the test of time. The brand believes that shoes should make you feel good, and enable you to do anything, so Casca was founded to do just that.
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