From the cobbled streets of Florence to the fashion-forward avenues of Milan, Italian craftsmanship has long been the gold standard for quality, elegance, and unapologetic style. For women who know that shoes are never just an accessory but the foundation of an entire look — sometimes even a whole attitude — Italy offers a rich, storied playground of heritage houses and cutting-edge designers.
In this curated guide, we explore the 12 best women’s shoe brands in Italy, from iconic maisons known for timeless sophistication to rising labels redefining luxury one step at a time. Whether you're drawn to sculptural stilettos, buttery-soft flats, or impeccably made boots, these are the names every fashion lover should know — and the pairs worth making room for in your wardrobe (and your carry-on).
Because in Italy, a great shoe doesn’t follow trends. It sets them.
Casadei
When elegance meets edge, the result is Casadei. Known for its sculptural silhouettes and signature "Blade" heel, Casadei is where timeless Italian glamour collides with architectural boldness. Founded in 1958 in San Mauro Pascoli, the brand has long dressed icons of fashion and film, creating heels that are not only luxurious but expressive. From jeweled stilettos to minimalist satin mules, each pair reflects a deep reverence for craft, detail, and feminine strength. Explore the full collection at https://www.casadei.com/en-us/.
Sergio Rossi
Refined and feminine, Sergio Rossi is synonymous with understated sensuality. Each pair is handcrafted in the brand’s Italian factory, taking over 120 steps to complete. Whether it’s a sleek pump or a delicate sandal, Sergio Rossi’s shoes are defined by their impeccable lines and barely-there elegance, making them a favorite for women who want subtle sophistication with serious design integrity.
Gianvito Rossi
Simplicity, when executed perfectly, becomes a statement. That’s the philosophy behind Gianvito Rossi. The son of legendary designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito launched his own label in 2006 and quickly earned a cult following. His shoes are known for sleek, modern silhouettes that elongate the leg and disappear on the foot, creating an effortless kind of seduction that never feels try-hard.
Aquazzura
Playful yet polished, Aquazzura has brought a breath of fresh air to Italian footwear. Founded by Edgardo Osorio, the brand is based in Florence and beloved for its bold use of color, texture, and unexpected details — from pom-poms to pineapple motifs. But don’t let the fun fool you: Aquazzura’s construction is pure precision, built for comfort and meant to dance long after sunset.
Gucci
A house that needs no introduction, Gucci’s influence in footwear is both historic and wildly current. From the classic horsebit loafers to maximalist platforms adorned with crystals and embroidery, Gucci shoes are a study in duality — rooted in tradition, yet fearlessly avant-garde. They are for the woman who wants heritage with attitude, and luxury with narrative.
Prada
Prada redefined modern femininity with shoes that challenge, provoke, and delight. The brand’s use of unconventional materials, experimental shapes, and futuristic vision has made it a leader in innovation. Whether it's a reimagined Mary Jane or a sharply tailored boot, a pair of Prada shoes never follows the rules — it writes its own.
Tod’s
Known for its driving shoes and signature gommino soles, Tod’s represents everyday Italian elegance at its best. The brand is an ode to quiet luxury — where every stitch, every leather panel, every fold is a testament to Italian know-how and tactile pleasure. Tod’s doesn’t shout. It whispers — and in doing so, it commands attention.
Salvatore Ferragamo
A pioneer in comfort-driven innovation, Salvatore Ferragamo was among the first to blend orthopedic precision with haute design. The legacy lives on in shoes that are as practical as they are refined — kitten heels, Vara bows, and timeless loafers built to walk you through a lifetime of occasions. Rooted in Florentine tradition, Ferragamo remains a standard-bearer of Italian excellence.
Bottega Veneta
Known for its signature intrecciato weave, Bottega Veneta’s approach to footwear is bold in its restraint. Under the influence of modern creative directors, the brand has expanded into sculptural, architectural designs that merge minimalism with surprising drama. Think squared-off toes, chunky leather soles, and heels that are both wearable and entirely unforgettable.
Loro Piana
Famous for cashmere and refinement, Loro Piana also crafts some of the most luxurious, understated shoes in Italy. Rooted in craftsmanship and sensory pleasure, the brand’s footwear leans toward timeless silhouettes in the softest, most supple materials imaginable. Each pair feels like a whisper — of wealth, of warmth, of wisdom.
Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani’s shoes are red carpet regulars — and with good reason. From the instantly recognizable Rockstuds to the sleek slingbacks in Valentino red, this brand balances Italian sensuality with Roman confidence. There’s always an element of boldness, but never at the expense of elegance. For the woman who likes a little drama with her grace.
Fratelli Rossetti
A family-owned brand born in the 1950s, Fratelli Rossetti embodies classic Italian shoemaking with a contemporary edge. Known for its loafers, moccasins, and elegant oxfords reimagined for women, the label is about subtlety, structure, and the kind of quality you feel the moment your foot slips in. Effortless, refined, and forever in style.
To step into a pair of Italian shoes is to step into a legacy — one built on generations of artisans, on whispered secrets of leatherwork, on the belief that beauty is found in both the detail and the daring. These 12 brands offer more than style; they offer stories, standards, and the art of walking with purpose.
Let your next great pair come with a passport — and the promise of la dolce vita.
