The famous Italian shoes

Italy is well-known for haute fashion, style, and the high quality of its leather shoes. Italian proficiency and craftsmanship are visible in the technical skills of its shoemakers. Italians are famous for classic and elegant designs which are always present on the world’s catwalks and sidewalks. Italy is on the second position in the world's top 10 shoes exporters, after China. Italian shoes exports represent 15.1% from the mondial total value of exported leather footwear sales.

The four words that describe Italian shoes are: quality, craftsmanship, pursuit of perfection and creativity. These are the elements that have transformed shoe craft into an art, a true culture of the shoe. Italian shoes are considered the best because craftsmen use premium leather and traditionally, an Italian shoe is handmade. As shoes are created by hand, you can expect to see unique styles and shapes.

Here are the top five Italian shoe designers :

Alberto Fermani 

The shoemaker was founded in 1960, and now  Alberto Fermani footwear sells in upmarket boutiques and department stores in more than 20 countries. The company makes hand-finished footwear with an emphasis on traditional designs, casual styles, natural leathers and comfort. 

Bruno Magli 

Bruno Magli set up the first factory with his two brothers and sister in 1936. In the 1960s, the Magli moccasin became fashionable and celebrities including actress Sophia Loren and socialite Christina Onassis wore Bruno Magli shoes. 

Elsa Schiaparelli 

Known for her outlandish Surrealist designs, Elsa Schiaparelli famously created a high-heeled shoe hat in 1937. She produced some of the world’s most unusual shoes with legendary French designers André Perugia and Roger Vivier. 

Geox

Mario Moretti Polegato founded Geox in 1995. Since then, the brand has become Italy’s biggest shoemaker and one of the world’s leading brands. The secret of Geox’s success is the perforated rubber sole Polegato invented after he went for a walk in a desert wearing sneakers. Today, the company specialises in creating footwear that reflects the latest fashion trends and applies innovative technology. 

Giuseppe Zanotti 

Giuseppe Zanotti’s funky designs have made him the shoemaker of choice for rock stars like Lady Gaga. He worked as a DJ  before turning to shoe design, first working with local craftsmen and then freelancing for fashion houses including Valentino and Roberto Cavalli. Giuseppe Zanotti specialises in embroidered and jewelled footwear.

Nowadays, “Italian shoe” suggest more than just a shoe made in Italy. The term has become synonymous with style and quality. The distinctive features of shoes produced in Italy are quality, passion for details and rigorous handmade artistry.  Sell, buy, trade all kinds of shoes on Export Portal – your best friend in online marketing!