Wanting a little style refresh [1] doesn't always mean that you have to painstakingly update every single thing you own. Sure, there's something to be said about buying a couple of new pieces every now and then, but if you're simply looking to make your favourite looks feel fresh and ready for a new season, there's no need to completely overhaul your closet [2]. In fact, all you really need to do is to throw a new pair of shoes [3] into the mix.
Over the past few years, a number of exciting shoe brands have been bubbling up both on the street style scene and on social media, and whether you consider your aesthetic to be more minimalistic, sexy, or sporty, their footwear definitely deserves a spot in your collection. From classics that will serve you for many years to come [4] to '90s-inspired shoes you'll love styling with your summer staples, these brands all offer something special and different.
So, ahead, take a closer look at the shoe brands that you'll love wearing in 2020. Plus, shop our favourite styles, which range from simple, pared-back sandals that will go with everything you own to statement-making mules, embellished clogs, and sexy stilettos.
Brother Vellies
Aurora James is one of the most renowned accessory designers in fashion and is also the face behind the call to action [6] for brands to buy at least 15 percent of products from Black-owned businesses. With her Brother Vellies shoes [7] in particular (especially those furry slides) making waves at first, the brand was founded on the purpose of keeping traditional African design processes alive.
Our Brother Vellies Picks
Brother Vellies Abbi Flatform Sandals [8] ($358, originally $715)
Brother Vellies Burkina Striped Sandal
Brother Vellies Burkina Striped Sandal Blue/ Orange [9] ($285)
Brother Vellies Paloma Sandals
Brother Vellies Paloma Sandals [10] ($274, originally $685)
Arizona Love
Launched in 2018 by French designer Leslie Halfon, Arizona Love's summery footwear range is a modern take on the traditional hiking sandal, and it's easy to see why they've already earned a place of choice in many an influencer's shoe closet.
Our Arizona Love Picks
Arizona Love Trekky Pearls [11] ($174)
Arizona Love Trekky Platform TDY Bandana
Arizona Love Trekky Platform TDY Bandana [12] ($129)
Arizona Love Trekky Lace Crochet
Arizona Love Trekky Lace Crochet [13] ($152)
Miista
Based in London and launched in 2010, contemporary shoe label Miista plays with shapes, colours, and materials without sacrificing quality, wearability, or price.
Our Miista Picks
Miista Caroline Woven Leather Boots [14] ($455)
Miista Carissa Towel Sandals
Miista Carissa Towel Sandals [15] ($238)
Miista Karolina Patent Leather Mules
Miista Karolina Patent Leather Mules [16] ($350)
Amina Muaddi
Renowned for her signature flare heels, Amina Muaddi has been taking the industry by storm since the launch of her namesake label, and her playful yet sexy stilettos have since been worn by Rihanna [17], Dua Lipa, and Kendal Jenner — among many, many others.
Our Amina Muaddi Picks
Amina Muaddi Lupita PVC Mules [18] ($615)
Amina Muaddi Gilda Crystal-embellished Sandals
Amina Muaddi Gilda Crystal-embellished Sandals [19] ($1,000)
Amina Muaddi Adowa Embellished Feather Satin Sandals
Amina Muaddi Adowa Embellished Feather Satin Sandals [20] ($865)
Neous
Inspired by the clean lines of midcentury architecture, London-based Neous offers a modern take on shoes with unexpected colour combinations and fabric contrasts.
Our Neous Picks
Neous Phinia Ballerina Shoes [21] ($532)
Neous Calpa Sandals
Neous Calpa Sandals [22] ($582)
Neous Bophy Mules
Neous Bophy Mules [23] ($563)
Nicole Saldaña
Launched in Fall 2017, Nicole Saldaña's footwear brand didn't take long to charm the fashion industry with her cute yet practical footwear. Fans of her embellished clogs and leather Mary Janes already include Bella Hadid and Jorja Smith.
Our Nicole Saldaña Picks
Nicole Saldaña Bibi Clogs [24] ($425)
Nicole Saldaña Fabiana Mary Janes
Nicole Saldaña Fabiana Mary Janes [25] ($390)
Nicole Saldaña Karina Sandals
Nicole Saldaña Karina Sandals [26] ($285, originally $420)
Kalda
Launched in 2016 by Icelandic designer Katrín Alder and loved by Eva Chen, Kalda's mission is to offer quality shoes without the hefty price tag. The result? Fun accessories that will make a serious fashion statement.
Our Kalda Picks
Kalda Fory Boot [27] ($477)
Kalda Cyland Mule
Kalda Cyland Mule [28] ($188)
Kala Simon Mini Sandal
Kala Simon Mini Sandal [29] ($362)
Mercedes Castillo
After working at DKNY and Tory Burch, Spanish designer Mercedes Castillo launched her eponymous shoe line in 2017, which draws inspiration from modern, geometrical shapes.
Our Mercedes Castillo Picks
Mercedes Castillo Kelise Crystal-embellished Sandals [30] ($425)
Mercedes Castillo renah Leather Combat Boots
Mercedes Castillo renah Leather Combat Boots [31] ($595)
Mercedes Castillo Kuri Transparent Slide Sandals
Mercedes Castillo Kuri Transparent Slide Sandals [32] ($350)
M.Gemi
Based in Boston, M.Gemi works with Italian factories to make luxury footwear more accessible, with prices starting at $148. In addition to its usual Spring and Fall collections, M.Gemi also drops new limited-edition styles every Monday, which is a nice way to start the week!
Our M.Gemi Picks
M.Gemi The Gabriana Sandal [33] ($228)
M.Gemi The Lilliana Sandal
M.Gemi The Lilliana Sandal [34] ($248)
M.Gemi The Volata Sneaker
M.Gemi The Volata Sneaker [35] ($248)