Sky-high heels and dainty ballet flats have long been symbols of femininity, yet the luxury shoe game seems to be dominated by men.
No one can deny the genius of legendary shoe designers like Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, but the industry’s unsung heroes are definitely female designers. No one knows what a woman wants better than, well, a woman.
From black designers finally nailing inclusive nude pumps to a new wave of European designers combining fantasy with traditional craftsmanship, we’re sharing the trailblazing women who are dominating the shoe industry. Discover the top 9 female shoe designers you need to know below!
1. Sandra Choi: The Visionary Leading Jimmy Choo’s Luxury Empire
The niece and long-time partner of brand founder Jimmy Choo, Sandra Choi, has been continuing the glamorous shoe label’s legacy since taking its reins in 2013.
Although Sandra didn’t establish the brand, she has been a vital part of transforming it into a global luxury shoe empire.
Sandra became the label’s first employee in 1989. She moved in with her aunt and uncle to pursue a career in fashion at just 17 years old. She’s been in charge of curating Jimmy Choo’s swoon-worthy collections ever since.
Sandra Choi, the niece of Jimmy Choo’s wife, has been the creative director of Jimmy Choo since 1996 (Credit: Julie Shea / Cover Images)
The label has become famous for its fairytale-like shoes, which have graced the feet of everyone from Princess Diana to Beyonce.
But it’s Sandra who knew that Jimmy Choo could diversify beyond stilettos. The brand’s biker boots and sneakers are still highly coveted. For her flawless style and business prowess, Sandra has proved herself one of the world’s best shoe designers.
Jimmy Choo Youth II Biker Boots, $995; Jimmy Choo Azia Glitter Sandals, $895; Jimmy Choo Diamond Light Sneakers, $550
Sandra Choi’s innovative leadership at Jimmy Choo has led to numerous notable collaborations and designs. For instance, the partnership with Mugler resulted in a collection that redefined sexy footwear, as detailed in our article on the Jimmy Choo x Mugler collaboration.
The creative alliance with Jean Paul Gaultier, featuring Kylie Minogue, showcased a fusion of iconic styles, which we explored in our coverage of the Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration. These collaborations highlight Sandra Choi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury footwear design.
2. Sophia Webster: The Whimsical Designer Behind Supermodel-Favorite Shoes
Often dubbed the ‘shoe designer for the supermodels,’ Sophia Webster’s eponymous label has skyrocketed into success over the past decade.
The British shoe designer is known for her whimsical and feminine designs—think endless butterfly motifs, fluffy accents, and rainbows of color.
British shoe and accessories designer Sophia Webster worked as an apprentice with Nicholas Kirkwood before creating her eponymous footwear label in 2012 (Credit: ACE / INFphoto)
Sophia Webster’s whimsical designs have captivated numerous celebrities. For instance, Nicole Scherzinger donned the ‘Chiara’ sandals during the X Factor Boot Camp, pairing them with a ruffled Emilio de la Morena dress. Similarly, Sophia Bush showcased the ‘Lilico’ floral sandals at a New York event.
Beyond her striking designs, Sophia Webster’s success is also a testament to her innovative and inclusive approach. In 2020, she became the first luxury shoe designer to expand her size range up to UK 13/US 16, breaking barriers in an industry often limited by traditional standards.
This bold move highlights her commitment to reimagining luxury footwear, not only in aesthetics but also in accessibility, proving herself a true pioneer in both creativity and inclusivity.
Sophia Webster Chiara Sandals, $850; Sophia Webster Boss Lady Mid Sandals, $560; Sophia Webster Flo Flamingo Sandals, $700
3. Nina and Gvantsa Macharashvili: Sisters Redefining Party Shoes with Mach & Mach
The two sisters from Tbilisi have been making heads turn with their opulent party shoes. Nina and Gvantsa Macharashvili are the masterminds behind Mach & Mach’s already iconic crystal bow front shoes.
Harper’s Bazaar called the contemporary Cinderella shoes the year’s “unofficial party shoes.” The brand has become the go-to shoe choice for A-listers like Nicky Hilton, Elle Fanning, and Sydney Sweeney.
Sisters Nina and Gvantsa Macharashvili, pictured with Nicky Hilton, founded the Georgia footwear brand Mach & Mach in 2012 (Credit: @machandmach / Instagram)
The sisters have grown a cult following for their futuristically feminine designs since the brand’s launch in 2012.
Their popularity has slowly expanded from their home country of Georgia into Europe. With their recent introduction stateside, the sisters’ dream of global domination is slowly but surely coming true.
Mach & Mach Glitter Double Crystal Bow Pointed Toe Pump, $1,079; Mach & Mach Hearts Crystal Double Bow Square Toe Slide Sandal, $1,035; Mach & Mach Camille Crystal Bow Strappy Sandal, $1,120
4. Jessie Loeffler Randall: The Pioneer of Chic, Practical Shoes for Women by Women
Loeffler Randall has been one of the leading American contemporary accessory labels since its launch in 2005. Founder Jessie Loeffler Randall is proud of her female-led team operating out of her Soho studio.
The brand’s ethos has always been to create on-trend products for women, by women.
Loeffler Randall is pronounced as “LEF-ler RAN-dəl.” The first part, “Loeffler,” is typically pronounced with an emphasis on the first syllable, and “Randall” is pronounced with an emphasis on the first syllable as well. The “oe” in “Loeffler” is pronounced like the “u” in “fluff,” and the “a” in “Randall” is pronounced like the “a” in “cat.”
Jessie Loeffler Randall founded the family-owned Loeffler Randall footwear label with her husband in 2005 (Credit: @jessie_loeffler_randall / Instagram)
Jessie’s inspiration largely stems from her own work wardrobe. Her designs are chic yet practical. Playfully printed party shoes are made comfortable with sturdy block heels and adorned with eye-catching fabrics and textures.
If there ever was a brand for those who love dressing from the ground up, it’s Loeffler Randall.
Loeffler Randall Camellia Nova Floral Bow Heel, $395; Loeffler Randall Mikel Dune Bow Mid-Heel Sandal, $295; Loeffler Randall Reed Beauty Pleated Twist Heel, $395
5. Amina Muaddi: New Age Glamour Queen and Star-Approved Shoe Designer
The Jordanian-Romanian designer is the queen of new age glamor. Amina’s designs are a striking blend of avant-garde elegance and sleek minimalism. She’s famous for her use of bold colors, sculptural heels, and subtle yet dazzling embellishments.
In just four short years, she has become the shoe stylist of the stars. Her bold French-designed, Italian-made shoes have been spotted on Vanessa Hudgens, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner.
Amina Muaddi co-founded the luxury label Oscar Tiye and worked with Alexandre Vauthier as a shoe designer before launching her eponymous label in 2018 (Credit: Abaca / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Amina’s passion for groundbreaking style translates through her designs, which is likely why her brand has found such fast success.
She worked as a stylist for prestigious publications L’Uomo Vogue and GQ, studied shoemaking in Italy’s illustrious Riviera del Brenta region, and helped French couturier Alexandre Vauthier before branching out on her own. Talk about doing your due diligence!
Amina Muaddi Gilda Sandals, $926; Amina Muaddi Ami Leather Pumps, $775; Amina Muaddi Holli Glass PVC Slingback Pumps, $775
6. Rebecca Allen: The Innovator Bringing Inclusivity to Nude Heels
Rebecca Allen is among the many talented black women making waves in the fashion industry. The former financier left behind her corporate career to launch her label of inclusive nude shoes.
Rebecca Allen launched her eponymous footwear brand after a decade-long search for functional yet stylish nude pumps (@rebeccaallenny / Instagram)
After a decade of searching for the perfect nude heel and failing, Rebecca knew it was time to take matters into her own hands.
Her eponymous label was launched to bring some much-needed representation for women of color into the shoewear world. Fans agree that Rebecca has succeeded in her goal. Her nude shoes are inclusive, timeless, comfortable, and versatile.
Rebecca Allen The New Pump in Nude III, $265; Rebecca Allen The Two Strap Sandal in Nude IV, $275; Rebecca Allen The Skim in Nude IV, $265
7. Emme Parsons: Master of Minimalism with Timeless, Sustainable Shoe Designs
In a sea of extravagant princess heels, Emme Parsons is proving that less is often so much more. Her line of elegant minimalist shoes has been well-received by celebrities and slow fashion enthusiasts alike.
Emme launched her line in 2017 after becoming a mother. She wanted to inspire her son to follow his dreams when he grew up, so she took the plunge of creating her own brand after years of working as an art director and graphic designer for Theory and Lucky magazine.
Emme Parsons is known for her ultra-light interpretations of classic minimalist silhouettes (Credit: @emmeparsons / Instagram)
Emme’s timeless shoes are designed to be worn year-round and are specially made with thicker soles for enhanced durability. Emme values quality and function, which is why all of her shoes are handmade in Tuscany.
Her growing fanbase includes sophisticated celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Gabrielle Union, and Chrissy Teigen.
Emme Parsons Susan in Tobacco Nappa, $395; Emme Parsons Ernest in Hazelnut Calfskin, $475
8. Mary Alice Malone: From Equestrian Roots to Malone Souliers’ Feminine Elegance
Mary Alice Malone is the unexpected hero of the shoe design world. The Pennsylvania-born designer grew up on a farm and spent her childhood riding horses instead of paying attention to fashion trends.
Her favorite shoes growing up were her male cousin’s hand-me-down boots. A move to London to attend the Cordwainers school changed that.
Mary Alice Malone launched the UK-based shoe brand in 2014, offering “a range of shoes and accessories, with a focus on an elevated style, a perfect fit, and beautiful silhouettes that celebrate the shape of the foot” (Credit: Anthony Devlin / PA Images / startraksphoto)
She now crafts sophisticated yet whimsical shoes that exude femininity. She takes classic shapes, such as pointed toe pumps, and embellishes them with vibrant colors, rich textures, and metallic finishes.
Malone Souliers’ designs have been spotted on fashion darlings such as Blake Lively, Solange Knowles, and Kylie Jenner.
Malone Souliers Avis White Leather Ankle Boot, $835; Malone Souliers Maureen Stiletto Mules, $625; Malone Souliers Marion Slingback Heels, $625
9. Charlotte Stone: California-Inspired Designer Turning Playfulness into Art
The new go-to shoe designer for LA cool girls, Charlotte Stone’s playful designs epitomize laidback West Coast style.
Her easy silhouettes are enhanced by bold, bright colors and embellished with playful accents. The designer describes her shoes as fun but functional.
Charlotte Stone graduated from FIDM and designed for Steve Madden and Joie before launching her eponymous footwear brand in 2014 (Credit: Cleverla)
Although Charlotte’s shoes seem to be dripping with California sunshine, the designer herself is a Ventura transplant. The Ontario, Canada native moved to sunny California to launch her eponymous label.
Her background is impressive – Charlotte studied shoe craftsmanship in Tuscany before working for industry leader Steve Madden. Now, her own designs are being flaunted around the nation by trendsetters such as Solange Knowles and Brie Larson.
Charlotte Stone Raf Chunky Platform Sandals, $258; Charlotte Stone Rio Open-Toe Mules, $224; Charlotte Stone Marlo Chunky Wooden Platform Clogs, $228
As we celebrate the trailblazing women reshaping the shoe industry, it’s impossible not to acknowledge Stella McCartney’s influence in championing sustainability in fashion.
While not primarily a footwear designer, McCartney’s groundbreaking work with eco-friendly materials and cruelty-free practices, as explored in our article on sustainable and vegan shoe brands, sets a gold standard for conscious luxury. Her innovative use of plant-based leathers and commitment to reducing the industry’s environmental impact serve as a reminder that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a better future.