Nothing signals the return of summer quite like a new pair of sandals.
Although one might argue that chilled cocktails sipped in rooftop bars, and long beach days turning into balmy nights rank higher on the list, we still maintain that swapping out our winter boots for a pair of strappy slides is a welcome sign that the cooler weather has finally departed.
And the only thing that makes a much-needed sandal hunt that much more enticing? The chance to shop from local Australian brands, with small and homegrown businesses needing our support more than ever before.
Thankfully, Australia has no shortage when it comes to excellent shoe brands making dreamy sandals, which means there’s plenty for us to choose from.
The Best Sandal Brands To Shop In Australia
Ready to refresh your rotation? Whether you’re after chic lace-ups or classic leather slides, scroll on for the 10 best sandal brands to shop in Australia.
A.Emery
When it comes to undone minimalism and Grecian-inspired lace-ups, no one does it quite like Melbourne-based label, A.Emery. Emphasising elegance with a rustic twist, the brand’s features an array of versatile sandals, focusing on sleek slides with clean lines and strappy designs fit for a summer in Sardinia.
Shop here
St. Agni Studio
From woven slides in warm neutral hues, to elevated takes on the classic ‘thongs’, Byron Bay-based St Agni has your summer shoedrobe covered. Working closely with artisans from the design stage through to the finished product, the ‘slow fashion’ label focuses on a ‘less is more’ philosophy, with each of their handmade sandals taking up to 10 hours to make.
Shop here
Mara & Mine
If you’ve spent any time on Instagram in the last year, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Mara & Mine’s embroidered slippers pop up on your feed. Loved by the likes of Cara Delevingne and Margot Robbie, the Australian label also offers a range of versatile sandal styles from embellished slides to colourful kitten heels.
Shop here
Studio Amelia
Realised between London and Sydney, Studio Amelia boasts a highly curated collection of refined sandals in contemporary silhouettes. Elegantly defined by their crisp, clean lines and soft neutral hues, the label’s collection of slides, mules and strappy heels is perfect for minimalists at heart.
Shop here
Maria Farro
Fusing ancient craftsmanship with a modern sensibility, Maria Farro’s elegantly undone sandals have ‘wanderlust’ written all over them. Born of the desire to support the artisanal community in Crete, each sandal is handmade on the Greek Island while reinterpreting classic Australian styles (like the humble thongs) and contemporary trends.
Shop here
Christopher Esber
Worn by It-girls around the world (CC: Zendaya), the beloved Australian label makes more than just chic clothes. Boasting a luxurious footwear line filled with strappy, heeled sandals and architectural wedges, Christopher Esber’s shoes are just as covetable as their cut-out dresses.
Shop here
Nelson Made
Looking for a sustainable sandal brand? Consider Nelson Made your next go-to. Founded to counter fast fashion and overproduction, the Melbourne-based label is transparent about their entire design and production process, with many pieces made locally in-house. Sure to appeal to minimalists and maximalists alike, their line runs the gamut from simple pastel slides to metallic mules.
Shop here
By Far
Cult-favourite Australian brand By Far has quite the celebrity following, counting Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sienna Miller and Bella Hadid amongst its fans. Nineties-inspired and It-girl approved, the accessory label’s collections focus on modern designs with an old school slant, with kitten heels, warm neutrals and strappy, playful mules reigning supreme.
Shop here
Petit Barcelona
Based out of Brisbane and the Catalan capital, Petit Barcelona is one of the few shoe brands creating and selling authentic Spanish avarca sandals in Australia. Handmade for generations on the island of Menorca by an esteemed family of artisanal shoemakers, the brand offers an array of flat, platform and wedge Menorquinas crafted out of soft, supple leathers in seasonal hues.
Shop here
Sol Sana
From patterned heels to embellished slides, those seeking more playful designs should give Sol Sana a look in. Offering a myriad of on-trend sandals at an affordable price point, there’s something for everyone.