10 Iconic Italian Shoe Styles: Can You Pick A Favorite?

Ciao, and thank you for joining me for this Italian shoe discussion. 

Your presence here clearly indicates you appreciate Italian shoes for their quality and timeless style. That’s understandable.

They complement elegant, polished, and even minimalist aesthetics perfectly. For those looking to dress with Italian flair, Italian shoes are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. 

Italy’s shoe fame has no borders, particularly the leather creations handmade in small artisan shoe shops throughout the country.

Yet, identifying authentic Italian shoe styles can be challenging, especially for those outside Italy. 

I am here to help you with that. In this article, I will share 10 Iconic Italian Shoe styles, their origins, and a few more tips and resources. If that sounds interesting to you, please keep reading.

Walking Through Time: The Story of Italian Shoes

Before we dive into our list of iconic Italian shoe styles, let’s take a quick look at how Italian shoes became so famous.

Did you know that one of the earliest shoe discoveries was made right between Austria and Italy?

Archaeologists found a 5,300-year-old traveler wearing shoes made of bear leather and straw. While Italians might not have invented the very first shoes, they’ve certainly been influencing footwear from the start!

Over time, Italian shoemaking became an art. In ancient Rome, your shoes could tell people how important you were. Fast forward to medieval Venice, and you’d find groups of skilled shoemakers, each specializing in different parts of the shoe. One such group was the “Solarii”, who crafted only soles.

But it was really after World War II that Italian shoes took center stage in the fashion world. Italian designers didn’t just change how Italians dressed – they influenced style all over the globe. Names like Valentino, Versace, and Armani became synonymous with elegance and quality, not just in shoes, but in all of fashion.

Today, Italy’s shoe legacy lives on. From big-name designers setting trends on international runways to small, family-run workshops crafting handmade shoes, Italian footwear continues capturing the world’s attention.

This rich history of creativity and craftsmanship makes Italian shoes so special. Now, let’s step into our list of 10 iconic Italian shoe styles that have stood the test of time!

The 10 Most Iconic Italian Shoe Styles

I have listed them below with the English name first, followed by the shoe style name in Italian.

1. The Tod’s Gommino Loafer (Gommino Mocassino)

In the 1970s, Diego Della Valle stumbled upon an old pilot’s loafer in a Manhattan antique shop. This chance encounter inspired him to create the Gommino – a casual yet chic shoe that would become an Italian icon. The Gommino is super light, flat, and soft. It’s hand-stitched and has 133 little rubber studs on the sole. Talk about attention to detail!

2. Fratelli Rossetti’s Brera Loafer (Mocassino Brera)

The swinging sixties brought us more than just great music. Renzo Rossetti decided to shake things up in the shoe world by adding decorative tassels to loafers. This was pretty revolutionary at a time when minimalism was all the rage. He named it after Milan’s trendy Brera district, known for its artistic flair.

Originally for men, the Brera got a feminine makeover in the early 70s.

3. Berluti’s “Alessandro” Oxford (Scarpa Alessandro)

Talk about a shoe with history! The Alessandro dates back to 1895 when Alessandro Berluti crafted this Oxford from a single piece of leather – without a single stitch!

This unique construction makes it stand out in the world of dress shoes. It’s the go-to for those who love understated elegance.

4. Ferragamo Wedge Sandal (Zeppa di Sughero)

In the 1930s, Salvatore Ferragamo revolutionized women’s footwear by introducing the cork wedge. This innovation provided both height and comfort, changing the game for women’s shoes.

It’s a perfect example of how Italian design combines style with practicality.

5. Ferragamo’s Invisible Sandal (Invisibile)

Salvatore Ferragamo was on a roll. In the 1940s, he created the “Invisible” sandal using nylon thread, giving the illusion that the wearer was walking on air. This creative design won him the prestigious Neiman Marcus Award in 1947.

Talk about thinking outside the shoebox!

6. The Bejeweled Sandal (Sandalo Gioiello)

In the early 1950s, Amedeo Canfora turned sandals into jewels for the feet. His grandson, Costanzo Canfora, says Amedeo created the first jeweled sandal in their Capri workshop.

These sparkling creations soon became favorites of the rich and famous visiting the island.

7. The Car Shoe (Scarpe da Guida)

In 1963, Gianni Mostile combined his love for race cars and handmade shoes to create something special. He made an unstructured loafer with a rubber-studded sole, perfect for driving.

It caught on quickly – in 1965, race car driver Ignazio Giunti asked Mostile to make him a pair for racing. Today, this iconic style is part of the Prada Group.

8. The Gladiator Sandal (Sandalo Gladiatore)

While gladiator sandals have ancient Roman roots, Italian designers like Emilio Pucci and Valentino brought them back into fashion in the 1960s.

These strappy sandals, inspired by the footwear of Roman soldiers and gladiators, became a summer staple. They’re proof that good design truly stands the test of time!

9. The Mule (Sabot)

The mule has a long history, with roots tracing back to ancient Rome. But it was in the 20th century that this backless style really took off in Italy.

While the modern revival is often credited to Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik, Italian designers have embraced the mule, adding their own flair to this comfortable and chic style.

If you want a true Italian style, then opt for the loafer mule style with tassels.

10. The Friulane

Ever heard of a shoe that’s part recycling project, part luxury item? Meet the Friulane! These comfy slippers have a fascinating history dating back to 19th century Friuli, Italy. Originally, they were the “Sunday best” for humble women, crafted from whatever materials were on hand – bicycle tires for soles, grain sacks for lining, and fabric scraps for uppers. Talk about sustainable fashion before it was cool!

Fast forward to 1952, when a clever craftsman set up shop on Venice’s Rialto Bridge, selling handmade versions of these traditional slippers. This was the birth of Piedàterre, the first store to bring Friulane to the commercial market. Today, Piedàterre still sells these colorful, velvet beauties online and in their Venice shops, including one right on that famous bridge where it all began.

What started as a local tradition has become an international sensation. Gondoliers love them because they don’t damage their boats, and celebrities can’t get enough of them. From Kate Moss to Tom Ford, the Friulane has won hearts worldwide with its blend of comfort, style, and rich Italian heritage. Who knew recycled materials could look so chic?

Which Italian Shoe Style Should You Buy?

No matter how iconic those 10 Italian shoe styles are, that doesn’t make them suitable for everyone.

As I always say, fashion style should be personal. Of course, you can get inspired by Italian style and how Italians dress. However, you should always curate pieces that make sense for your lifestyle and personality, and address your likes and dislikes.

That’s no different for shoes!

So which of those styles is best for you?

If you have a clearly defined style, you’ve likely already ruled out a few of them. For me, and many other women, who love a minimalist and elegant style, the gladiator sandal will be a hard no. That, of course, can change if we find a less extravagant version, maybe with a higher heel and softer tones, like pastels or metallics.

The same holds for men. Those who prefer a more refined, elegant, and less decorated shoe option, might rule out the Mocassino Brera with the tassels. Instead, they will likely opt for the Alessandro Berluti Oxford-style shoe.

If you like open-back shoes, you’ll appreciate the Italian-style mule. Instead, if you, like me, prefer to have the support and security of an ankle tie, you’d go for a sandal instead.

If you are a woman who loves creativity and uniqueness, and don’t mind a little flashy, you should explore Ferragamo’s invisible sandals.

How to assess if a style is for you?

The easiest way to decide is to look at different examples of those styles; you can Google them. And see if there’s an option that could feel comfortable, suit your outfits, and be versatile enough to be worn multiple times within a season. If the answer is no, then skip that Italian shoe style. There’s nothing wrong with that.

For those who want an extra helping hand, I suggest starting with these classic styles.

For Women: 

Tod’s Gommino Loafer – available in different materials, styles, and colors.

Ferragamo Wedge Sandal – available in different styles, heights, materials, and colors.

Bejeweled Sandals – a great option for beach holidays, date nights, and special occasions. It comes in different styles, heights, and colors.

For Men: 

Tod’s Gommino Loafer – the perfect casual smart option for those men who love Italian style.

Berluti’s Alessandro Oxford – it’s the most elegant shoe to wear both for occasions but also dress down with everyday smart casual outfits.

Browse Italian Shoe Styles Brands

Now that you know which are the most iconic Italian shoe styles, you can go ahead and pick your favorites.

After that, you’ll likely want to shop for them.

When you do, here’s a resource to help you buy true Italian designs that are high quality, and can stand the test of time. 

Read the Best Italian Shoe Brands You Can Buy Online.

That list includes both luxury designers and more affordable options.

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A presto.