From work boots to oxfords to comfort and casual wear to everything in between there are a few (10 to be exact!) shoe brands that if you don’t already know about, you definitely should.

There are a few classic Italian lines as well as some tried and true Americana and English brands. Prepare for an education in the most iconic brands on the market.

1. Dr. Martens

Of all the brands on this list, Dr. Martens are the most rock-n-roll of the group. What originally started off as a work boot, Dr. Martens quickly transformed into a symbol of working-class pride and rebellious attitudes, especially when Pete Townshend of The Who began wearing them. 

This classic style of boot became a symbol of self-expression amongst the youth culture, both in England and abroad. Today, Dr. Martens come in a variety of styles and leathers (including vegan, if you’re into that sort of thing) and they are always doing limited collaborations that guarantee you will be wearing something special that not everyone has – and let’s be honest, don’t we all like to feel a little special?

2. Oliver Cabell

Started in 2016 as a way to bring luxury leather sneakers, drivers, and boots to the market without the typical markup, the Oliver Cabell brand stands for design, craft, and value. 

They hand-make every pair using high-quality materials such as Margom outsoles and ethically sourced Italian leathers. They also pride themselves on not marking up the prices in the ways that traditional retailers do, therefore, making luxury affordable.

3. Santoni

Santoni is a family-owned, high-end luxury brand based out of Italy. What helps to set them apart from other Italian brands is their bespoke service created to satisfy even the most demanding clients’ desire for exclusivity. 

Based on tradition, Santoni delivers a luxurious, innovative, and personalized experience. Santoni’s made-to-order service allows customers to play an active role in the creative process of designing a pair of shoes, giving you the chance to choose your ideal shape, leather, and finish. If you’re looking for premium quality at a premium price, then head to their website to see their collection of ready-to-wear shoes or to request information on how to get started on personalizing your own pair.