25 Black-Owned Shoe Brands That Are Changing the Fashion Industry
Explore innovative, statement-making, and inclusive Black-owned shoe brands making a mark in global fashion for men and women.
While the world of fashion has always been driven by creativity and innovation, Black-owned shoe brands have emerged as pioneers, fusing cultural legacy, artistic daring, and unyielding excellence in every pair. Whether you’re searching for the season’s most coveted heels, sustainable streetwear sneakers, or timeless classics that complement any wardrobe, these brands prove that supporting Black excellence isn’t a trend—it’s a must for every fashion lover.
Why Shop Black-Owned Shoe Brands?
- Diversity and Inclusion: Many of these brands were created to address gaps in the market—like nude pumps for all skin tones or true gender neutrality in footwear.
- Representation: Showcasing the creative vision of Black designers and entrepreneurs within an industry that has historically lacked diversity.
- Quality Craftsmanship: These brands often combine traditional handcraft techniques with cutting-edge design for unparalleled quality.
- Ethical Production: A strong emphasis on sustainability, fair labor, and responsible sourcing is at the heart of many Black-owned brands.
- Innovation: From bold aesthetics to redefining standards of beauty, these designers are trendsetters shaping the future of footwear.
1. Brother Vellies
Founder: Aurora James
Specialty: Merging traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary luxury.
What to Know: Renowned for ethical practices, unique silhouettes, and bold textures, Brother Vellies draws inspiration from artisan traditions, crafting boots, sandals, and heels that celebrate sustainable luxury.
2. Kahmune
Founder: Jamela Acheampong
Specialty: Shoe styles in 10 distinct nude shades.
What to Know: Born from the founder’s struggle to find shoes that matched her skin tone, Kahmune offers flats, pumps, and sandals for diverse women. Made in Italy, each pair champions both inclusivity and premium craftsmanship.
3. Salone Monet
Founder: Salone Monet
Specialty: Inclusive nude heels and pumps for all skin tones.
What to Know: With a minimalist, elegant approach, Salone Monet’s heels allow all women to find their true ‘nude,’ putting a stamp on the importance of color inclusivity in style.
4. Aminah Abdul Jillil
Founder: Aminah Abdul Jillil
Specialty: Luxury statement shoes with oversized bows.
What to Know: With a background in dance, Aminah’s bold designs exude movement and drama, every style—a showstopper seen on runways globally and in over 50 countries.
5. Jessica Rich
Founder: Jessica Rich
Specialty: Curve-flaunting designs, clear PVC detailing, and elegant stilettos.
What to Know: Combining sex appeal with sophistication, Jessica Rich heels and boots have appeared on red carpets and led to collaborations with major brands like Steve Madden.
6. Armando Cabral
Founder: Armando Cabral
Specialty: Men’s and women’s luxury footwear inspired by African heritage.
What to Know: Melding classic aesthetics with nuanced cultural detail, Armando Cabral’s shoes are celebrated for refined construction and luxurious materials.
7. Kendall Miles Designs
Founder: Kendall Miles
Specialty: Handcrafted luxury shoes ranging from glamorous pumps to casual slides.
What to Know: Known for inventive silhouettes and high-quality materials, Kendall Miles has earned a loyal following of celebrities and style insiders.
8. SIA Collective
Founder: Devlin Carter
Specialty: Boundary-pushing sneakers for men and women.
What to Know: With bold colorways and limited-edition releases, SIA Collective redefines streetwear, infusing every pair with personal storytelling and innovation.
What others are reading
9. Sunni Sunni
Founder: Sunni Dixon
Specialty: Unisex boots and shoes, fusing classic lines with street edge.
What to Know: Self-taught designer Sunni crafts footwear inspired by Black culture and D.C.’s Chocolate City era, challenging fashion’s boundaries with each drop.
10. Keeyahri
Founder: Keya Martin
Specialty: Distinctive, architectural women’s footwear.
What to Know: Known for wavy, sculptural heels in vibrant colors, Keeyahri’s shoes are wearable works of art that have graced countless fashion shoots.
11. Rebecca Allen
Founder: Rebecca Allen
Specialty: Classic, comfortable nude flats and pumps for women of all skin tones.
What to Know: From sleek ballet flats to boardroom-ready heels, Rebecca Allen’s line offers elegant options for everyday professionals tired of ‘one-nude-fits-all’ shoe racks.
12. Good American
Co-founder: Emma Grede (with Khloé Kardashian)
Specialty: Stylish, size-inclusive shoes in up to size 14.
What to Know: Breaking barriers in the mid-priced market, Good American’s shoes are bold, trendy, and made for everyone—proving inclusivity and style can go hand-in-hand.
13. Nalebe
Founder: Amina Means
Specialty: Crystals, luxury materials, and avant-garde embellishments.
What to Know: Nalebe’s stunning mules, boots, and sandals are favorites for parties and statement moments, turning fantasy into footwear!
14. Chelsea Paris
Founder: Theresa Ebagua
Specialty: Sustainable luxury with global inspiration.
What to Know: Named after the founder’s daughters, Chelsea Paris crafts sophisticated, wearable art from eco-conscious, globally sourced materials.
15. Voyetté
Founder: Voyetté Lee
Specialty: Sultry, crystal-embellished statement heels.
What to Know: Voyetté has quickly made a splash with eye-catching styles worn by Keke Palmer and Tinashe—perfect for when you want to stand out!
16. Titi Adesa
Founder: Titi Adesa
Specialty: Refined luxury shoes with African-inspired design cues.
What to Know: This London-based label specializes in elegant occasionwear and sophisticated sandals, championing craftsmanship and cultural richness.
17. Yvonne Koné
Founder: Yvonne Koné
Specialty: Sleek, minimalist leather shoes and accessories.
What to Know: Channeling Scandinavian simplicity with African heritage, Yvonne Koné’s lines are understated yet luxurious in every detail.
18. Sole Rebels
Founder: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
Specialty: Eco-friendly, fair-trade sandals and sneakers.
What to Know: Based in Ethiopia, Sole Rebels creates comfortable, environmentally friendly shoes using recycled and sustainable materials.
19. Roam Loud
Founder: Toyin Omisore
Specialty: Athletic slides and loungewear-inspired footwear.
What to Know: Designed with performance and style in mind, Roam Loud’s shoes are made for movement and for making a statement.
20. Thrilling
Founder: Shilla Kim-Parker
Specialty: Curated vintage and secondhand Black-owned shoe selections.
What to Know: For those who love retro finds, Thrilling connects shoppers with pre-loved gems from Black-owned stores across the United States.
21. Liudmila
Founder: Najeeba Hayat
Specialty: Fairy-tale-inspired shoes with a bold twist.
What to Know: Liudmila melds fantasy and sophistication in signature heel shapes and whimsical color stories.
22. Heron Preston
Founder: Heron Preston Johnson
Specialty: Streetwear sneakers and conceptual footwear.
What to Know: Blending athletic function with futuristic fashion, Heron Preston’s line is a go-to for sneakerheads and street style aficionados.
23. Telfar
Founder: Telfar Clemens
Specialty: Unisex, fashion-forward shoes.
What to Know: Famous for the “Bushwick Birkin” bag, Telfar’s shoes embody a similar cool, everyday versatility and genderless appeal.
24. Keexs
Founder: Jide Ipaye
Specialty: Ethical, African-made street sneakers.
What to Know: Based in Lagos, Keexs emphasizes Pan-African pride and innovation, creating high-quality sneakers and slides that are as meaningful as they are stylish.
25. Kai Collective
Founder: Fisayo Longe
Specialty: Vibrant sandals and creative collaborations.
What to Know: Known for lively prints and joyful colorways, Kai Collective is a rising star for unique, head-turning shoe collaborations.
Shopper’s Table: Brand, Founder & Most Popular Shoe Category
| Brand | Founder | Popular Category |
|---|---|---|
| Brother Vellies | Aurora James | Boots, Sandals, Heels |
| Kahmune | Jamela Acheampong | Nude Flats & Heels |
| Jessica Rich | Jessica Rich | Heels & Boots |
| Good American | Emma Grede | Size-Inclusive Boots & Mules |
| Keeyahri | Keya Martin | Heels & Mules |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it important to support Black-owned shoe brands?
Supporting these brands increases diversity in fashion, empowers underrepresented designers and communities, and encourages a broader range of voices, ideas, and cultural perspectives in the market.
Are there Black-owned shoe brands for men?
Yes, brands like Armando Cabral, SIA Collective, Keexs, and Brother Vellies offer excellent men’s and unisex styles, from luxury dress shoes to street sneakers and boots.
Do any of these brands offer vegan or sustainable footwear?
Absolutely. Brother Vellies and Sole Rebels feature sustainable practices and materials, while Chelsea Paris and Keexs make sustainability a core part of their mission.
Where can I shop for Black-owned shoe brands?
Most brands sell directly through their official websites, and some, like Rebecca Allen and Jessica Rich, are also available at major retailers. For vintage or pre-loved finds, visit platforms like Thrilling.
Which brands are best known for inclusive “nude” shoes?
Kahmune, Rebecca Allen, and Salone Monet are pioneers in offering “nude” shades for a wide array of skin tones.
How to Discover and Support More Black-Owned Brand Voices
- Follow the brands’ social media to stay informed about collections and exclusive drops.
- Use online directories and curated lists to identify new Black-owned fashion businesses.
- Make shopping Black-owned a regular habit, not just during awareness months.
- Share your purchases and experiences to spotlight these brands within your own networks.
Conclusion
Each of these Black-owned shoe brands is not only redefining industry standards through their unique perspectives, design brilliance, and cultural advocacy, but they are also creating meaningful, stylish footwear for every closet. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe, gifting, or searching for the perfect fit, shopping these brands ensures fashion moves forward for everyone.
References
- https://www.blackenterprise.com/10-black-footwear-brands-shoes-designer/
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/black-owned-shoe-brands
- https://www.elle.com/fashion/g33249037/black-owned-shoe-brands/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g34184661/black-owned-shoe-companies/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g32733776/black-owned-clothing-brands/
- https://fashionista.com/2020/07/keke-palmer-cosmopolitan-july-august-2020
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/fashion/black-owned-fashion-brands
- https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/a32826714/black-owned-shoe-brands/
- https://www.magzter.com/en/stories/fashion/Cosmopolitan-US/BLACKOWNED-IS-FOR-EVERYONE
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
