Clothing shapes how we move through everyday life — it reflects our mood, our mindset, even the place we are in. But here in the Arab world, where outfits are often layered or hidden under an abaya, clothing isn’t always the main focus. That is where shoes come in.

And not just the everyday, mainstream ones (which we also love and wear). I am talking about something different — more authentic, more personal, more reflective of local soul. Footwear that is designed and made locally, and doesn’t look like the standard pairs you can find anywhere in the world.

So here we go — exploring five locally made UAE shoe brands worth knowing.

Founded in the UAE over 20 years ago, Nicoli has since grown beyond the Emirates, building a strong presence across Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The brand was launched with a clear influence from Italian craftsmanship, but over time it found its own voice — one increasingly rooted in the region itself. That evolution shows in many ways, but its clearest expression is the Jewels of Arabia collection, created as an ode to the beauty and strength of Emirati women.

Nicoli strikes a thoughtful balance between Arabic authenticity and contemporary design. And then there are the details — sparkle, jewelry-like embellishments, glitter and stones that feel less like decoration and more like adornments for your feet. These are shoes made to shine: whether as a subtle accent peeking out from beneath an abaya, or as the final statement that completes a bold, dressed-up look.

If the previous brand looks (even partially) outward for inspiration, this one stays firmly at home. Tamashee is entirely local — from its roots to its name, which comes from two Arabic words meaning “to walk” and “to be compatible.” It is a small detail, but one that immediately grounds the brand in regional language and culture.

And while the name matters, the real story is in the design.

Tamashee reinterprets traditional Gulf sandal styles such as zbairiya, madaas, and other regional silhouettes. These designs were originally created to handle intense heat, and that sense of practicality still runs through everything the brand makes. Each pair is crafted from hand-cut leather and finished with natural dyes. Classic tans form the foundation, but the founders aren’t afraid to go a little further, introducing extra colours as a subtle personal touch.

Their motto, “keeping the culture alive through footwear,” doesn’t read like a slogan here. It is something Tamashee genuinely lives up to, one carefully made pair at a time.

ZAIA is an Emirati footwear brand, designed and made right here in the UAE. While founder and designer Zainab Abdulla set out to reflect a local perspective on modern footwear, these shoes travel beautifully beyond borders — just as at home on the streets of Dubai as they would be in Paris, casually styled for a shoot in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The brand’s defining feature is its focus on a single silhouette: the loafer. Reimagined with an open heel for a local touch, it is a design that puts comfort front and centre — simple, thoughtful, and quietly different. What really sets ZAIA apart, though, is colour. Rather than playing it safe, Zainab embraces bold, eye-catching shades that instantly bring character and turn the shoes into the statement piece of the entire look — lavender, soft pink, and a very specific, hard-to-name orange. Just wow.

We have already covered options for everyday coffee runs in the Design District, Paris-inspired moments à la Emily in Paris, and even statement pieces worthy of a red-carpet appearance. What is still missing is something more sporty-casual — the kind of footwear you can easily wear to the airport, a round of golf, or even a light workout. That is where Al Mandoos comes in.

While this Emirati brand also produces traditional Arabic sandals, our focus here is on its sneakers and casual shoes — the silhouettes it highlights most across its social media. Al Mandoos does a great job of balancing comfort and style with subtle local references. The sneakers feature knitted fabrics and cushioned soles, while the sandals stay true to leather-first craftsmanship. It is a combination that works — blending global fashion sensibility with everyday practicality.

Viranico is a brand crafted right in the heart of Dubai, based in Alserkal Avenue — our favourite hub for everything creative happening in the city. What the brand is particularly proud of is its craftsmanship: every pair of shoes is meticulously handmade by artisans with over 30 years of experience, using premium Italian materials.

While we have explored footwear for every possible occasion, this is one of those brands where a single pair truly does it all. The designs are timeless and elegant, with nothing overly showy or extravagant — just clean lines and thoughtful details. Combined with high-quality, sustainably minded materials, Viranico has positioned itself as a go-to premium label. From classic sneakers to loafers — paired with accessories like handbags (which are also part of the brand’s offering) — it is the kind of label you invest in once and return to for years to come.