We're all about supporting local talent and those who love shoes. So here's our list of the best Singapore shoe brands you need to know, and will want to buy...
They say one can never have too many shoes and we completely stand by this notion, no questions asked. And with many locals thriving in the footwear industry, we can’t help but add more to our collection of shoes. We’ve already given you a handy list of the Singapore fashion brands you need to know about, and the local beauty brands to try, so we decided to help you out with a list of the best Singapore shoe brands as well. Knock yourselves out.
Local shoe brands in Singapore
Palola
You know it’s serious business when your shoes are founded by a bespoke shoemaker (Josh Leong) and a leather artisan (Jeremiah Ang). The result? Stylish and beautifully crafted footwear for days. Palola carries ballet flats, pumps and loafers. You can also have them customised by selecting your preferred leather, colour, style and size. Rushed for time? Just order the 24-hour fitting kit, which comes with leather swatches and four pairs of fitting shoes in different sizes and width options.
Palola, #B1-33, CityLink Mall, 1 Raffles Link, Singapore 039393, also available online.
Klarra
We’ve raved about them in our local designers hit list. We’re thrilled to know they carry a small collection of footwear too! Bathed in sultry earthy hues and muted tones, the mules, sandals and heels are classy AF. Safe to say we’re in love!
Klarra, available online.
Play Mei
Play Mei’s shoes are truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, the brand takes pride in the attention to detail – right down to every single bead and sequin – that goes into the design and execution of each footwear. The result? Wearable gems that add a touch of pizazz to your ensemble. It’s no surprise there are limited pieces for each design. Get ‘em quick!
Play Mei, available online.
Oleah
Comfort is serious business at Oleah, a shoe brand in Singapore that takes pride in the construction of every single piece. The key elements? Extra thick plush memory foam insoles that cushion the balls of the feet and a wider toe box so your poor toes do not have to suffer from blisters. Plus, comfy kid leather lining that’s equally durable and breathable, and fine grade leather sourced from Italy and Spain. The collection centres on high heels and ballerina flats, which are so darned versatile.
Oleah, available online.
Maeso
Turn to Maeso for the most comfy, cushy loafers in classic designs. Handcrafted by craftsmen from artisanal factories in Italy, you can expect charming footwear on the radar. The use of quality raw materials like Italian full grain vegetable tanned leather means you have a sustainable and eco-friendly option too! Pair charming colours like nude, soft pink, khaki green and black with any style from formal to casual.
Maeso, available online.
Toufie
Carrying sizes from EU34 to 44, you’re sure to have your Cinderella moment at Toufie. Aside from offering half-sizes with a comfortable width, the handcrafted shoes come in chic designs and colours to pair with your look. Oh, and did we mention the sustainable approach? Premium materials are sourced in small quantities to reduce and minimise wastage.
Toufie, available online or book a fitting appointment.
The Tui Collection
A label with a zero-waste philosophy is just the kind we love raving about and The Tui Collection hits the mark. Crafted by artisans in Java, the shoes are mostly made from organically dyed skins. See those pom poms, tassels, flowers and weaving details on the heels? They are created by communities of at-home mothers and widows through workshops organised by the brand.
The Tui Collection, #03-44, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116 (by appointment only).
Anothersole
Anothersole is a Singapore shoe brand that creates soft, comfortable shoes – a bit like tap or dance shoes – but also has a community responsibility angle. Part of the money for each pair of Anothersole shoes goes towards feeding a child who would otherwise go hungry. The brand also uses 100% natural materials for their shoes so as to be a bit more environmentally friendly. Plus, Anothersole also makes kids’ shoes.
Anothersole, available online and various locations including Funan, Great World City and TANGS stores.
Emblem
Comfort and style are hallmarks of Emblem, the shoe brand that remembers the fundamental reason for shoes – protecting our precious feet. And its collections are anything but boring. With a range of heels, wedges, sandals and flats in classic colours like black and nude to the out-there purple, green and red, you’ll be spending more time picking the right pair of shoes rather than your outfit.
Emblem, available online.
Bamboo Lane
We’re going gaga over these leather sandals from Bamboo Lane. Handmade in Bali, its designs are inspired by the island and Singapore (some with fringe details and snakeskin textures). The sandals complement Singapore’s perennial summer style and take you effortlessly from day to night. We’re packing one of these for our next beach vacation.
Bamboo Lane, available online.
Charles & Keith
Not everyone knows, or remembers, that shoe, bag and accessory brand Charles & Keith is from Singapore. Two brothers – Charles and Keith Wong – opened the first namesake store in 1996, there are now over 350 stores around the world. If there’s a shoe trend out there, you’ll be able to find an affordable version in a Charles & Keith store or online. Prices are very affordable and the shoes last better than you’d expect from a chain store brand.
Charles & Keith, various locations in Singapore including Ion Orchard, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and VivoCity.
ORSQ
A product of Singaporean entrepreneur-designer Orsqr, ORSQ is a contemporary shoe label that focuses on the latest sneaker trends. ORSQ’s sneakers are highly sought after in Singapore; just check out the massive queues at its launches on its Instagram page! ORSQ’s signature white slip-on shoes are not only easy to wear, but match well with all sorts of outfits – which is perfect if you’re looking for athleisure-footwear with both comfort and versatility!
ORSQ, available online.
Pedro
Not many people are aware that Pedro is actually an offshoot of Charles & Keith. It’s the classic, slightly more luxe version of the original brand and offers the types of shoes that are great for non-fashion minded traditionalists. The prices are quite affordable, and Pedro does really great timeless shoe styles for women, men and kids. Like Charles & Keith, Pedro has also spread around the world in countries like China and Indonesia, but also as far away as Qatar and Morocco.
Pedro, various locations including Jewel Changi Airport, JEM, Wisma Atria.
Gripz
If you’re a major shoe addict, we suggest bringing a friend to control the spending. With over five must-have styles (sandals, heels, flats, wedges, boots and even bridal heels) to choose from, there’s going to be massive shoe storm in your shoe rack.
Gripz, The Little Flower At The End Of The Rainbow, #04-122, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road Singapore 228213
Bespoke shoes in Singapore
Josh Leong
Josh Leong is a craftsman who trained in Italy with Italian master shoemaker Angelo Imperatrice in Florence in over 100 different techniques to create classic, bespoke handmade shoes. You can have him create you a pair of shoes from his ‘made-to-order’ catalogue, or if you want something different, you can enjoy the entire experience of having a pair of shoes specially made for you. You will need to visit Josh’s studio at Circular Road to get your shoes made, but make an appointment; the first fitting will take about an hour.
Josh Leong Shoemaker Studio, 16 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069696 (by appointment only)
Custom Made
Founded by Singapore shoe lover, Donovan, Custom Made bespoke shoes offer classic dress shoes for a very reasonable price. It’s all about cutting out the ‘middle-men’ apparently. This is the place to find a really wide variety of coloured leathers and other customisations if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd in your handmade shoes. The brand also has a comprehensive step-by-step customisation guide to help you understand the process before committing to it. You will need to make an appointment to get your hands on a pair of custom-made shoes.
Custom Made, #03-04, 101 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068574
Ed Et Al
Singapore designer Edwin Neo’s brand Ed Et Al started out only creating bespoke shoes in 2010. Since then, the brand has developed into a made-to-order brand that provides a customisation service so you can choose the design, colours, toe shape, width and sizes. Although all the design work is done in Singapore, the shoes are made by master craftsmen in Vietnam. You can also get your precious shoes repaired at Ed Et Al – it specialises in Goodyear Welted repairs too.
Ed Et Al Shoemaker, 120A Telok Ayer Street (second floor), Singapore 068589, appointments are preferred.