Are you looking to freshen your shoe game? Want to explore more brands? Check out these Black-owned footwear labels that are reshaping the fashion world. ARCH NYC offers modern designs with a mix of classic elements. Armando Cabral combines West African heritage with contemporary styles, creating footwear that honors cultural history. Brother Vellies provides sustainable, vegan options, adding a touch of eco-conscious luxury. Chelsea Paris blends European craftsmanship with African influences, offering unique, cultural footwear.

Jo-Anne Vernay focuses on eco-friendly designs that emphasize style and sustainability. Keeyahri, founded by Keya Martin, delivers footwear that celebrates individuality and self-expression. Kendall Miles Design, which started as a passion project in a USC apartment, has become a recognized luxury brand known for its quality pieces. Each of these brands provides something unique, giving you fresh options to enhance your shoe collection.

ARCH NYC

ARCH NYC was born in the heart of Jazmin Veney's Harlem apartment, inspired by the power and presence of Black women who blend quality, style, and affordability seamlessly. With a strong foundation in fashion marketing for prestigious brands, Jazmin launched ARCH in 2018, driven by her desire to make her mark in the industry. Despite not having a traditional design background, Jazmin's vision has led to a brand known for its innovative, conversation-starting pieces. ARCH NYC showcases the creativity and determination of its founder, catering to bold, influential women. Here's a taste of her collection:

Lovestruck - Butter
Moscow Mule - Tropic
A-Line Lace Up - Zebra
A-Line Lace Up - Bow Pink

Armando Cabral

Armando Cabral, a West African fashion model born in Guinea-Bissau and raised in Portugal, began his journey in modeling, representing many luxurious houses such as Louis Vuitton, Balmain, and Dries Van Noten. The birth of his brand, ARMANDO CABRAL, came in 2009 as a luxury lifestyle brand specializing in footwear. He was no longer just a model but had become an exquisite entrepreneur. Here's a taste of his collection:

QUEBO Zip-Pouch Slipper
BISSAU Slip-on Loafer
BALANTA Slip-on Espadrille
OBA Lace-up Lug Derby

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies, founded in 2013 by Aurora James, has as its goal of preserving traditional African design practices and creating sustainable artisanal jobs. Now handmade across the globe, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design. James started the brand to promote traditional African techniques, create jobs, and empower local artisans. Here's a taste of her collection:

Aquarius Clog
Stell Mule in Ivory
Shoreline Flat Sandal in Ivory
Picnic Shoe in Midnight

Chelsea Paris

In 2012, Chelsea Paris emerged from Theresa Ebagua’s vision of blending luxury footwear with her African roots. Named after her daughters, the brand combines innovative design with deep cultural resonance. Chelsea Paris distinguishes itself by fusing elegant European craftsmanship with striking African patterns, resulting in footwear that is both unique and refined. Designed for those who value style and social responsibility, the brand is committed to exceptional quality, sustainability, and making a positive impact. Each pair is crafted with care in Italy, following designs created in London. Here's a taste of her collection:

SASHA, Bronze Crystal
TEMS, Black Sequin
JARVIS, Black
ACE, Gold

Jo-Anne Vernay

Jo-Anne Vernay fuses luxury and sustainability with vegan footwear crafted from pineapple leaf fibers. Founded by Dyandra Raye, the brand combines refined Italian craftsmanship with eco-conscious materials, celebrating her family’s legacy of inspiration and support. Each exclusive design reflects a commitment to high-quality, unique, and environmentally friendly fashion. Here's a taste of her collection:

The Mel Heel - Mulberry
The Mel Heel - Cognac
The Lynda Lace Up - Cognac
The Mel Heel - Paprika

Keeyahri

Keeyahri is more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of empowerment and individuality through stunning footwear. Founded by Keya Martin in 2018, Keeyahri crafts designs that make women feel confident and express their unique style. Each piece is a tribute to the woman we aspire to be, inspired by Keya’s travels, landscapes, nature, textiles, and architecture. Here's a taste of her collection:

Zerina - Silver Heel
TAMU
Sarah
Zerina - Gold Heel

Kendall Miles Design

Since 2015, Kendall Miles has specialized in high-quality luxury footwear crafted in Florence, Italy. What started as a passion project in a USC apartment has grown into a family-run business, collaborating with family-owned vendors to produce shoes from ethically sourced, sustainable materials. Featuring custom-dyed leathers, exotic skins, and semi-precious hardware, Kendall Miles emphasizes durability, versatility, and timeless design. Here's a taste of her collection:

Posh Pump
Capri Sandal
Posh Pump
Ibiza 70

In conclusion, now that you've had a glimpse into these amazing Black-owned footwear brands, you're all set to explore their unique styles and make a statement with your next pair of shoes. Each brand offers fresh designs that will elevate your collection. Happy shoe shopping!

Article by Shawna Small, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Bradley Duley, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
WANT! Created by Ayoka Lucas

WANT! Iconic Black-Owned Footwear