There’s no shortage of shoes out there, but finding genuinely interesting new designers is harder to come by. We’re always paying attention to the names that feel thoughtful, well-made, and a little different from what’s already everywhere. Right now, it’s the designers operating just outside the mainstream that are setting the tone: thoughtful silhouettes, unexpected details, and a point of view that feels personal rather than trend-chasing. These are the shoe brands quietly earning space in 2026 closets, bridal wardrobes, and Instagram saves alike. Ahead, here are the ten cool new shoe designers on our radar, and why they’re worth knowing now (before everyone else does).
Christen
Founded just last year by Nina Christen, Christen is the kind of label that feels instantly considered. The designs sit at the intersection of classic femininity and modern restraint—sleek silhouettes, sharp lines, and subtle twists that keep things feeling fresh rather than nostalgic. A simple mule becomes more directional with a pointed toe, a sandal plays with texture or proportion, and wraparound details reveal just enough skin to feel intentional. Crafted in Italy, the shoes strike that rare balance between sculptural and wearable, making them as compelling for everyday dressing as they are for bridal looks that lean fashion-forward.
Izie
Izie is one of those brands that feels instantly recognizable once you spot it. Founded in London by Isabella Bowie, the label is known for its distinctive I-shaped heel—a sculptural take on the stiletto that keeps the silhouette sleek while offering a more grounded, confident feel underfoot. The designs stand apart for their individuality, feeling chic, modern, and genuinely wearable. With a growing presence in bridal wardrobes and a recent collaboration with Moda Operandi, IZIE is quickly becoming a go-to for brides drawn to a cooler, more fashion-forward take on wedding shoes.
Jude
Jude is a newer label, one that comes with the confidence of a heritage brand that knows exactly what it’s doing. Founded by designers Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova, their collections focus on beautifully pared-back shapes; classic pumps and elegant silhouettes rendered with an especially refined hand. What sets them apart is the balance: proportions feel precise, lines are crisp, and every detail is considered without calling attention to itself. Offered in rich, saturated tones and elevated materials, including leather and an unexpectedly chic silk finish, JUDE’s shoes feel timeless but never boring. They’re the kind of designs that quietly elevate a look, whether worn for a wedding or well beyond it.
Ottange
Ottange shoes feel playful without ever tipping into novelty. There’s an ease to the designs—chunkier heels that invite you to actually move, slingbacks and mules that feel effortless, and woven flats that strike a perfect balance between charm and polish. The collection moves fluidly between sexier sandal heels and textured, almost artisanal styles that feel made for an editorial setting. Based in Antwerp and founded by Evie Reddy and Arthur Beerens, Ottange leans into contrast, pairing softness with edge and creativity with wearability. The result is footwear that feels expressive, grounded, and refreshingly unpolished in the best way.
Herbert Levine
Herbert Levine is proof that great design doesn’t disappear—it just waits for the right moment to return. Once known for pushing footwear forward in the mid-20th century, the label is now being reintroduced under the creative direction of Trevor Houson, whose influence can be felt across some of fashion’s most recognizable shoes of the last decade. The new collection takes cues from the brand’s original elegance but sharpens it for today, with silhouettes that feel sculptural, refined, and quietly confident rather than overtly retro. With the relaunch already landing at retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Moda Operandi, and Mytheresa, Herbert Levine is quickly stepping back into the spotlight as a heritage name made relevant again.
Lucasheva
Some shoes blend in. Lucasheva does the opposite. Defined by bold silhouettes and unexpected heel shapes, the label leans into form in a way that feels confident rather than experimental. Saturated colors and striking textures—including animal prints—give the designs their personality, while the overall effect remains refined and wearable. Founded by Vancouver-based architect Tina Lucasheva, the brand brings a considered, design-driven perspective to footwear that feels both expressive and modern. With a recent debut at Moda Operandi and growing visibility among fashion insiders, Lucasheva is quickly emerging as a name to know.
Maguire
Maguire may not be that new of a brand brand, but it’s recently caught our (and the internet's) attention. The appeal is in the range: polished slingbacks, ballet flats, kitten-heel mules, even sneakers that still feel thoughtfully designed rather than purely functional. Founded by sisters Myriam and Romy in Montreal, the label takes a refreshingly transparent approach to footwear—prioritizing quality materials, contemporary design, and fair pricing without sacrificing style. The result is a collection that feels current, versatile, and genuinely wearable—fashion-forward shoes that slip easily into real wardrobes.
Nou
Nou feels like a brand that’s been quietly circulating—and suddenly everywhere. Known for its vintage-leaning sensibility, the label has built a following around shoes that feel timeless rather than tied to a moment, with slip-on mules emerging as a clear standout. The silhouettes are understated but distinctive, designed to look lived-in in the best way, as if they’ve always belonged in your wardrobe. Spotted across Instagram and increasingly worn by style-set celebrities, Nou’s appeal lies in its ease and transparency: shoes that feel intentional, enduring, and effortlessly cool.
Poeve
Poeve is rooted in the kind of shoemaking that prioritizes longevity over novelty. The brand works closely with Italian artisans, producing styles that feel thoughtful, tactile, and designed to be worn often rather than saved for just special occasions. Soft leathers, clean silhouettes, and an emphasis on comfort give the collection its quiet confidence, while subtle refinements keep everything feeling modern. Recently introduced under a streamlined new name, Poeve carries forward a strong sense of heritage while looking firmly ahead—offering well-made shoes that feel intentional, enduring, and refreshingly honest.
Ypres
Ypres arrives with a sense of quiet resolve, not as a trend-led newcomer but as a brand built on lived experience. Founded in 2024 by Rachael Armstrong and named after the Belgian region connected to her heritage, the Australian label channels a distinctly European point of view that feels thoughtful and grounded. The collections lean into permanence over novelty, favoring modern staples that evolve through considered color and texture updates instead of seasonal resets. But what truly sets Ypres apart is its made-to-order model and extended sizing, making it inclusive by design and refreshingly intentional with shoes created to be equally comfortable and quietly confident.
