If you were to survey editors, you’d find that everyone has their own favorite aspect of their job. Some love scouring Nordstrom for the best new arrivals, and some love spotting a micro-trend before it blows up. For me, there’s nothing I love more than discovering new brands, especially when they’re Black owned. Don’t get me wrong. I’m always down for digging through a sale section or test-driving a new outfit for date night, but there’s something so magical about supporting Black talent in the fashion industry. It can be daunting for anyone to break into the fashion industry, but to launch your label as a person of color is even more challenging. It has been reported that less than 47% of financing applications filed by African American business owners get approved. Additionally, in the last two years, many major retailers only recently signed onto the Fifteen Percent Pledge to ensure they were buying wholesale ready-to-wear and accessories from Black-owned fashion brands.
Basically, it’s rough out here. And while there are some great organizations, retailers, and leaders paving the way for future Black creatives, the easiest way we can continue to advocate for and support rising talent is by buying their work. Buying a pair of shoes may not solve all the world’s systemic problems, but it’s a start. So ahead, I’ve rounded up 19 Black-owned shoe brands to shop year-round because buying from Black designers never goes out of style.
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