BLACK-OWNED SHOE BRANDS

Photograph: Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies

@brothervellies

Creative Director and Founder Aurora James started Brother Vellies as a way of keeping traditional African design practices alive. Fast forward 7 years and Brother Vellies is one of the leading footwear brands, seen on everyone from Beyonce to Solange. Named Footwear News 'Person of the Year", Aurora and Brother Vellies keep sustainability at the core of their practice, working with artisans, tanneries, farmers from across the globe.

Photograph: Keeyahri

Keeyahri

@keeyahri

Architectural designs and sculptural elements set Keeyahri shoes apart. Her iconic "swirl" heel was inspired by Hiroshi’s Nakamura & NAP architects “Ribbon Chapel" in Japan. With global and aesthetic inspirations, Keeyahri shoes are a trendsetter must-have and even feature a leather thigh boot collab with Beyonce's stylist Zerina Akers. Founded by Keya Martin, Keeyahri shoes are for the woman who walks with confidence.

Photograph: Kendall Miles

Kendall Miles Designs

@thekendallmiles

A passion for luxury footwear led Kendall Miles to start Kendall Miles Designs in 2015. Hailing from the Southside of Chicago and a USC alum, Kendall Miles was formally trained in Milan, Italy. Using opulent materials like exotic furs, fine leathers and skins and luxe hardware, Kendall Miles Designs feature stylish high-heeled sandals, pumps, boots and flats.

Photograph: Salone Monet

Salone Monet

@salonemonet

Every shoe closet needs a perfect nude shoe. Salone Monet offers stylish nude pumps, sandals and flats in leather and satin. Founded by Salone Monet, a former public relations expert, Salone turned her passion for shoes and shoemaking into her first pair of nudes. Her color inclusive line has been worn by Beyoncé Knowles, Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer and more.

Photograph: Chelsea Paris

Chelsea Paris

@chelseaparisint

Step in style with Chelsea Paris shoes. With a global aesthetic and superior craftsmanship, Chelsea Paris boots, mules, sandals and flats spice up the everyday. Founded in 2012 by Theresa Ebagua, the brand seeks to combine timeless luxury, European craftsmanship and Ebagua's African roots in designs, colors and prints. Chelsea Paris shoes are available online.

Photograph: Aminah Abdul Jillil

Aminah Abdul Jillil

@aminahjillil

AMINAH ABDUL JILLIL is a luxury shoe brand launched in August 2012. Best known for her bold yet feminine designs, AMINAH ABDUL JILLIL shoes are carried in over 50 countries and in 2019, Aminah was named Essence Magazine's "Accessory Designer of the Year." AMINAH ABDUL JILLIL shoes are carried in Harvey Nichols and Level Shoes.

Photograph: Becki Coakley

Becki Coakley

@beckicoakley

A childhood love of shoes is the driving force and passion behind Becki Coakley shoes. The eponymous line features gorgeous designs to uplift, strengthen and encourage women. Handmade by Italian artisans, Becki Coakley shoes are adorned with satin ruffles, jewel stones and leather flaps and bows. Stars like Demi Lovato, Ryan Destiny and Yara Shahidi have donned these beautiful shoes.

Photograph: Kahmune

Kahmune

@kahmune

Black and brown girls need true nudes. Kahmune shoes saw a lack of realistic nude shades and launched their signature nude colorway that features skin tones to match ALL women. They currently offer 10 colors ranging from fair to the darkest of browns. Shoes are made from premium leather and shoppers can order leather swatches, do virtual Shade Match appointments to find their true shade.