Nelson Made

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 1 November 2026

Finding the best sandals in Australia depends heavily on whether you need everyday style, orthotic-level arch support, or rugged outdoor performance.

### Top Picks by Category

- Best for All-Day Comfort & Support: FRANKIE4 AU and Bared Footwear lead the market with podiatrist-designed designs featuring hidden contours and serious arch support (priced around $149-$289 AUD). - Best Iconic Casual / Beach Sandal: Birkenstock Arizona (available in classic cork/leather around $177-$198 AUD via Myer or waterproof EVA versions around $93-$100 AUD via Birkenstock Australia ) remain unmatched for slip-on ease and foot-forming comfort. - Best Everyday Leather & Work Sandals: Hush Puppies (such as the Nigella PL around $112-$160 AUD at David Jones ) and Nelson Made offer refined, stylish leather options that bridge the gap between office wear and casual outings. - Best Water & Adventure Sandals: Teva (such as the Original Universal ) and Keen (like the Newport H2 ) provide durable, fast-drying straps and reliable traction for coastal walks and light trails. - Best Recovery & Thongs: Archies and Oofos (available through The Athlete's Foot ) deliver high-bounce arch support for sore feet after a long day on your feet.

To help narrow down the best pair for you, let me know:

- What is your primary use (walking all day, the beach, work/office, or hiking)? - Do you need specific support (like high arches or orthotic compatibility)? - What is your target budget?

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 1 November 2026

Australia has some excellent homegrown footwear brands, ranging from premium leather shoes and minimalist sandals to comfortable everyday sneakers and classic boots.

Here are my picks for the best Australian shoe brands in 2026, based on design, quality, reputation and craftsmanship.

## 15 Australian shoe brands worth knowing

![The Remly Sandal - A.EMERY](

1\. A.EMERY

(Best minimalist luxury)

Melbourne-designed, understated leather sandals, flats and boots. Beautiful clean lines and timeless styling.

Premium · Minimalist · Contemporary

Shop A.EMERY

---

!Whooper Black Leather & Hardware Loafers - Bared Footwear

2\. Bared Footwear

(Best for comfort)

Podiatrist-founded, with supportive footbeds and stylish boots, loafers, heels and sandals.

Comfort · Quality · Everyday wear

Shop Bared

---

!Craftsman, the original. | R.M.Williams®️

3\. R.M.Williams

(Best heritage footwear)

Iconic Australian leather boots, particularly the Craftsman. A great investment for classic footwear.

Heritage · Leather · Premium boots

Shop R.M.Williams

---

!All The Best Low To High End Sandals To Buy This Summer - Marisa Remond

4\. Nelson Made Melbourne-made footwear with sculptural shapes, beautiful materials and thoughtful production.

Artisan · Locally made · Unique

Shop Nelson Made

---

!ST. AGNI Twist leather slingback sandals | NET-A-PORTER

5\. St. Agni Beautiful understated footwear with a contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.

Quiet luxury · Minimalist · Fashion

Shop St. Agni

---

!Jack Heritage Gusset Boot | Wootten

6\. Wootten Traditional craftsmanship, handmade leather footwear and made-to-order options.

Handmade · Heritage · Craftsmanship

Shop Wootten

---

![Knee-High Boots

- Tony Bianco](

7\. Tony Bianco Fashion-forward heels, boots, sandals and statement shoes.

Fashion · Occasionwear · Contemporary

Shop Tony Bianco

---

![Alias Mae Remy Boot | SHOP ALIAS MAE - Hyde Boutique](

8\. Alias Mae Trend-led leather sandals, boots and everyday statement shoes.

Fashion-forward · Versatile

Shop Alias Mae

---

!DOF Studios | Emilia Loafer - Tan Suede

9\. Dof Studios Interesting silhouettes, leather loafers, boots and contemporary sandals.

Modern · Fashion · Elevated basics

Shop Dof Studios

---

!Piera Black Leather Knee High Boot

10\. Wittner Established Australian footwear label with a broad selection of work shoes, boots and heels.

Workwear · Everyday · Accessible

Shop Wittner

---

!Women's Shoes | Rollie Australia

11\. Rollie Nation Lightweight, colourful shoes designed for walking, travelling and everyday comfort.

Travel · Lightweight · Casual

Shop Rollie

---

!Blundstone Classic 585 Chelsea Boot (Unisex) - Rustic Brown - The Heel Shoe Fitters

12\. Blundstone Iconic elastic-sided boots that are practical, versatile and durable. Most current production is overseas.

Casual · Durable · Heritage

Shop Blundstone

---

!Shop The OG+ in Lavender | Platform Sandals | TWOOBS

13\. Twoobs Fun vegan sandals, slides and casual shoes.

Vegan · Casual · Affordable

Shop Twoobs

---

!Merry People Women's Bobbi Waterproof Ankle Rain Boot

14\. Merry People Colourful waterproof boots, great for wet weather and everyday practical wear.

Practical · Waterproof · Casual

Shop Merry People

---

!Lou Lou Stitch Toe: Ballet Flat in Marigold

15\. Kuwaii Distinctive Melbourne-made footwear, including loafers, flats and boots.

Independent design · Locally made

Shop Kuwaii

Brand selections informed by Concrete Playground, Broadsheet and Fashion Journal's 2026 footwear roundups. concreteplayground.comwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

## My top picks by category

| What you're looking for | My pick | |--------|--------| | Best overall premium | A.EMERY | | Best comfortable shoes | Bared | | Best investment boots | R.M.Williams | | Best minimalist aesthetic | St. Agni | | Best Australian-made | Nelson Made | | Best fashion heels | Tony Bianco | | Best handmade shoes | Wootten | | Best casual sneakers | Rollie |

One important distinction\: Australian-owned, Australian-designed and Australian-made are three different things. Some of these brands manufacture overseas, so check individual product details if buying locally made is important.

## A question to narrow it down

Are you mainly interested in\:

1\. What style of shoes?

---

2\. Women's or men's?

Women's

Men's

Both

---

3\. Budget per pair?

Under \$150

\$150-\$400

\$400-\$700

\$700+

[Find my best brands]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 1 November 2026

Australia has excellent footwear brands across boots, comfort shoes, minimalist sandals, sneakers, and fashion footwear. The best choices are:

- R.M.Williams - Iconic leather Chelsea boots, handcrafted in Adelaide; best for durable, timeless boots. - Blundstone - Practical, comfortable Australian-origin elastic-sided boots for everyday wear. - Redback - Hard-wearing Australian-made work and everyday boots. - Bared Footwear - Stylish women's shoes with built-in biomechanical support; a strong choice for comfort. - St Agni - Minimalist, contemporary shoes, sandals, flats, and boots in refined neutral designs. - A.Emery - Elegant, understated leather sandals and increasingly winter footwear. - Rollie - Lightweight, colorful sneakers and derby shoes with functional, comfort-oriented soles. - Twoobs - Comfortable, lightweight Velcro sandals in bright colors. - Jo Mercer - Versatile leather and suede footwear with a polished everyday aesthetic. - Aquila - Men's leather dress shoes, loafers, sneakers, and casual footwear. - Windsor Smith - Trend-led boots, heels, flats, and grunge-influenced styles. - Tony Bianco - Fashion-forward women's footwear, especially heels, boots, and occasion styles. - Nelson Made - Small-batch, minimalist footwear with an emphasis on transparency and sustainability. - LMS - Statement shoes combining classic silhouettes with unusual colors and materials. - Christian Kimber - Premium men's shoes blending Australian design with European manufacturing.

### Quick picks

- Best overall boots: R.M.Williams - Best comfort: Bared - Best minimalist sandals: A.Emery or St Agni - Best casual sneakers: Rollie - Best men's dress shoes: Aquila or Christian Kimber - Best fashion footwear: Tony Bianco or LMS - Best work boots: Redback, Rossi, or Steel Blue