Eight African Footwear Brands You Need in These Streets
From casual streetwear to elegant statement pieces, each of these brands brings its own unique vision to the footwear industry.
Mila cork sandals by Kenyan brand, Ikwetta.
From slippers to mules, boots, and sneakers, these African footwear brands are elevating style with designs that not only complement your outfit, but also stand out on their own. Each brand is uniquely traditional, freshly modern, or seamlessly combines both, creating shoes that fit their distinctive missions, while delivering on comfort and originality.
Whether you’re looking for something simple for the streets or a statement piece for a special occasion, these brands offer footwear that stands out with every design.
SAWA
Algeria-born shoe designer Mehdi Slimani launched SAWA as an activist fashion project to produce Made in Africa footwear from start to finish. The company finally settled and developed its business model in Ethiopia after initially setting up shop in Cameroon. For Slimani, SAWA shoes are for socially-conscious buyers, and seek to benefit the continent while challenging the narrative that it needs “saving.”
Nio Far
Nio Far should be your go-to brand for sleek sneakers made out of mudcloth fabric. Founded by Milcos Badji, a young Senegalese designer, the handmade footwear fuses casual chic and Senegalese tradition in a trendy way.
TAAG
Founded in Accra, Ghana, TAAG is creating footwear that are as versatile as they are elegant. Their designs — sandals, slippers and heels — are inspired by African women, with each piece named after iconic figures like Samira and Adobea. The brand emphasizes quality and simplicity and has built a strong following in Ghana, with shoes that transition effortlessly between corporate, casual, chic and everything in between.
Bathu
This brand’s signature mesh sneakers have become a staple in South African streetwear, with their marriage of style and comfort. Founded by Theo Baloyi in 2015, Bathu has grown to over 30 stores in cities like Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria, and solidified itself as a cultural staple in South Africa.
T.T.DALK
Founded in 2012 by Temilade Osinfade, T.T.DALK focuses on producing stylish leather footwear, including loafers, sandals and slippers for men and women. The brand’s designs are simple, elegant, and appeal to a range of tastes from casual to formal. The brand has also been showcased on international runways and made a reputation for itself as a leading name in Nigerian footwear.
ikwetta
Rooted in Kenya’s artisan traditions, ikwetta has been crafting leather sandals and other footwear since 2013. With intricate beadwork and bold colors, their shoes are notable for both their craftsmanship and cultural significance. They’re also dedicated to supporting East African artisans while delivering products that balance tradition and modernity.
Maliko
Nigerian self-taught designer Ebuka Omaliko founded Maliko, a Lagos-based brand that stretches the boundaries of artisanal shoemaking. Since 2015, the brand has been known for its handcrafted sandals, slip-ons and heels, made from locally sourced materials like recycled leather and the iconic Nigerian fabric aso oke. Omaliko works closely with local artisans with an aim to not only create beautiful and timeless footwear, but also preserve traditional Nigerian craft techniques.
RAMLA
Founded by Reem Hamed in 2017, RAMLA is an Egyptian footwear brand that draws heavily from the founder’s background in architecture. From leather mules to loafers and sandals, RAMLA incorporates unique touches like serma embroidery from Upper Egypt. The brand’s designs reflect Hamed’s vision of creating shoes that are both comfortable and elegant, inspired by her experiences in Florence and her deep ties to Egypt.
- 11 Women-Led African Fashion Brands Making a Global Impact - OkayAfrica ›
- #BuyBlack: The 8 Black-Owned Brands To Shop For On Black Friday 2019 - Okayplayer ›
- 9 Headwraps and Hats That Will Keep you Cute and Cozy This Winter - Okayplayer ›
- From Converse All-Star to Bathu: Inside South Africa’s Sneaker Mania - Okayplayer ›
Kiano Moju on ‘Africali’ and Redefining African Cuisine Globally
The chef and food media star shares how her debut cookbook celebrates her Kenyan and Nigerian roots–as well as her California upbringing–through accessible, globally inspired recipes.
How to Holiday in North Africa This December
Mild and sunny December days are the perfect companion to exploring the Sahara’s oases and cities.