Nothing says style and luxury the way a fine pair of Italian leather shoes do. If you have a flair for the finer things in life, then chances are you probably know about some of the best Italian shoemakers in the world. You might even have one or two who are a favorite. 

It is no wonder why Italian leather is always a fashion statement in the world of fashion. Italian leather goods are well-known for their excellent quality and style. This quality and style is pretty much standard across the board, but all Italian shoemakers have a knack of making each pair of shoes they craft their own. Because of these vast differences between brands and special attention to detail, shoes offered by Italian shoemakers have huge demand worldwide.

In today’s article, we are going to take a look at the top 10 Italian shoemakers as of 2019. Our list will be comprised of up and coming italian shoemakers as well as well established brands that have a place in the heart of every shoe lover. At the end of our list, be sure to tell us which of these Italian shoemakers are your favorite. Let’s get started!

Gucci

When it comes to Italian leather shoes, a brand that you will see pop up often is Gucci. Founder and designer Guccio Gucci brought life to the now worldwide brand in 1921. His Italian shop sold some of the finest Italian leather goods that were distinguished by a classic styling. Italian designer Frida Giannini moved Gucci into the 21st century by introducing eco-friendly lines. American designer Tom Ford had revamped the company’s image with gravity-defying metallic stilettos earlier. Brand Gucci has many loyal customers all over the world. And it is no wonder why. The brand is a notorious symbol of wealth, luxury, and everything in high class, and with thier constant new arrivals each season, loyal customers keep coming back for more. Today, Gucci is helping lead the way as one of the most respected and loved Italian shoemakers. Not only that, but the brand is known for their exceptional customer service. 

Prada

Another one of the best Italian leather shoemakers is Prada. This popular brand is well-known for its superb leather craftsmanship. Much like Gucci, over the years, the brand has also established itself as an iconic symbol of wealth, luxury, and modern class with its constant new arrivals. The firm’s association began in 1983 when its head of design, Miuccia Prada extended the product range to include footwear. Since then the brand has offered shoes, boots and sandals of top quality. This inclusion of leather shoes was a practical and beneficial addition for the line. Today, you can find some of the world’s most popular stars and leaders rocking the ever popular name brand shoes. In fact, the brands notoriety has grown to the point that a  movie featuring the brand in its title was released. Unsurprising, the movie helped amplify the high class luxury that the brand stands for. You can also expect to find quality customer service with this brand as well. 

Salvatore Ferragamo

Unlike the Prada and Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo built his company specializing in leather shoes from the get go. Fashion was not his forte, but classic footwear certainly was. Salvatore Ferragamo had a passion for shoes and he studied the art in Naples for over a year to perfect this passion. Once he came home, he opened up his first leather shoes store. When he relocated to the states, Salvatore Ferragamo continued his passion and built up an empire that is now known to be one of the most popular names in the leather shoe industry. 

At the start of his career, Salvatore Ferragamo was known as the “shoemaker to the stars” in the 1920s. His designs were immensely popular among Hollywood celebrities. World famous stars like Marilyn Monroe, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks have worn shoes made by Salvatore Ferragamo. Today, you can find his work being continued with new arrivals that feature innovative designs that both suit today’s world both in practicality and in design. It is no doubt that he is one of the world’s most popular Italian shoemakers. 

Alberto Fermani

Founded in 1960 by Alberto Fermani is another great brand put out by one of the best Italian shoemakers. This shoemaker is currently managed by his son Matteo. His sons have continued their father’s image of crafting quality leather Italian shoes that were designed for both fashion and practicality. In fact, you will find Alberto Fermani shoes in boutiques in more than 20 nations worldwide. Access to the brand is not limited to only those who are in the weather tiers of society. The brand has made a conscious effort to focus on creating dependable Italian footwear that can be worn comfortably in a wide array of settings. The firm is based in Petriolo in Marche and puts out new arrivals each season. Its footwear looks smart and offers ease of wear. We love that with each pair, you can be sure to know that it was handcrafted with special attention being given to the comfort and the quality of the shoe.

Bruno Magli

This well-known shoemaker is the result of the efforts of two brothers: Bruno and Marino. These two brothers came together to build a product line of Italian shoes that can be worn in the daily lives of nearly any individual. The pair started their business in the basement of their home in Bologna Italy. The craft was passed down from their grandfather and the trio worked hard to become one of the most contemporary Italian shoemakers in the country. Their styles are not only comfortable for everyday use but purchasing a pair will not set you back considerably in price. You can find their brand of shoes across a variety of platforms including back in Italy, here in the states and of course online. The brothers set up their first factory in 1936, and rest as they say is history. Celebrities like Sophia Loren have worn Bruno Magli shoes. There are countless other celebrities who have helped put these shoes on the map as well. Today, they are easily considered one of the most popular Italian shoemakers brands that constantly put out new arrivals.  

Schiaparelli

If you have heard of Coco Chanel, then you have likely heard of Elsa Schiaparelli as well. In her day, it was a well known fact that the two were rivals in the fashion world. While each has had its own unique influence in the fashion world, Elsa Schiaparelli has found a place in the world as one of the country’s most popular Italian shoemakers. Elsa Schiaparelli is well-known for outlandish surrealist designs. She produced some of the world’s most unusual shoes, which attracted the attention of millions worldwide. Some of her high profile clients included actress Mae West and heiress Daisy Fellowes. Along with Perugia, she created a pair of high-heeled suede ankle boots for her Circus collection in 1938. Elsa Schiaparelli was an iconic success in the fashion industry, and if there was something she was not, it was a sellout. After World War 2, Elsa Schiaparelli did not adapt to the changing demands of the fashion world. As a consequence, her Italian boutique closed down. Fortunately, her sense of style and vision lives on as it is readily accepted in the world today. 

Geox

Geox is the biggest shoemaker in Italy. It is also one of the leading brands in the world that comes out with new arrivals each season. The secret of the brand’s stupendous success is the perforated rubber sole, which was invented by Polegato. This rubber sole has enabled customers to find a level of comfort that was unheard of when wearing leather shoes. Especially if you are someone who favores a high heel. Geox specializes in creating footwear that applies innovative technology and reflects the latest fashion trends. The brand has many loyal customers. What makes this one of the best Italian shoemakers is the fact that the brand knows what customers want and they deliver. When you shop Geox, you are sure to find a range of shoes in styles that can suit all your needs. 

Giuseppe Zanotti

It is no surprise that Italian shoemakers were known for their quality and craftsmanship. But all too often, you will come across Italian shoemakers that have made a name for themselves thanks to their funky designs. This next designer fits that label. This shoemaker is well-known for his funky designs. Many celebrities like Lady Gaga wear shoes made by Giuseppe Zanotti. Unsurprisingly, the brand is known for catering to creative, outlandish, and out their styles that much high profile out of the box celebrities prefers. This shoemaker launched his first collection in 1994. He specializes in embroidered and jeweled footwear. Giuseppe worked as a DJ before becoming a shoemaker. His love for music shows in his shoe designs. Each pair of shoes he crafted reflected a personality that only a lover of the arts could conceptualize. 

Sergio Rossi

In the 1960s, Sergio Rossi set out to create a leathery luxury goods company that caters to women of all walks of life. Sergio Rossi’s father was a cobbler. Through his father’s artisan craft, tools, and love for all things art, Rossi set out to create a name for himself as well. This Italian shoemakers love of shoes was evident in all his handcrafted shoes. As his company grew, so did his connections. Later in his career, Rossi began to collaborate with designer Gianni Versace in 1970s. Later on, he made shoes for the collections of other top fashion houses like Azzedine Alaia and Dolce & Gabbana. Today, the leather accessory house specializes in shoes, handbags, and accessories. Though they offer a lot more in terms of product, the brand continues to demonstrate all the traits that Italian shoemakers are so well known for. 

Tod’s

This popular international luxury brand is the brainchild of entrepreneur Diego Della Valle. Both his father and grandfather were cobblers and the craft was passed down from them. What helped propelled the brand to be one of the best in terms of Italian shoemakers is the fact that these shoes were designed for everyday wear and offer a level of comfort that is simply unmatched. Along with that, these are also one of the most affordable genuine Italian shoes that you can get your hands on. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Italian Shoemakers

There is no place on Earth like Italy. When it comes to culture, history, and overall artistic wealth, Italy is the place to be. It is no wonder why Italy has become the symbol of some of the world’s most exquisite fashion. With this, you can expect to find the birth of many of some of the worlds greatest Italian shoemakers. 

Italian expertise, panache, and craftsmanship are evident in the technical skills of the above-mentioned premier shoemakers. If you are looking to splurge on yourself or perhaps are shopping for the perfect gift for someone, a pair of leather shoes can always be a great option. If you do not know what leather shoes to purchase, than a gift card to any of these companies can work just find. You will also find that many of these italian shoemakers offer neat perks like free shipping as well. We hope you have enjoyed our list of the top ten. Who are some of your favorite Italian shoemakers on our list? Be sure to comment below. Here’s to happy shopping the world best Italian shoemakers.