3 Emerging NYC Shoe Brands You Didn’t Know About–Until Now
A luxury heel that actually supports your feet? A high-tech pump that feels as cushioned as a sneaker? A vegan shoe brand that proves sustainability can still be chic? These three NYC-based brands are redefining what it means to walk in comfort and confidence.
Finding the right shoes shouldn’t feel like an impossible trade-off. You either get cheap, uncomfortable options that leave your feet aching, or you splurge on designer heels that still aren’t built for real life. But what if there was a middle ground?
That’s exactly what we’re here to uncover. At Stylishly Grounded, we believe in mid-tier luxury footwear—brands that invest in quality materials, thoughtful design, and real comfort without the eye-watering price tags of high-end designers. These aren’t mass-produced shoes that fall apart after one season, and they aren’t status-symbol stilettos that still leave you wincing.
These brands are the sweet spot—elevated, well-crafted, and designed for women who actually wear their shoes.
Today, we’re introducing three emerging NYC-based brands that have been around for less than a decade, each redefining comfort and luxury in their own way. Whether you’re after pain-free heels, high-tech support, or sustainable luxury, these brands prove you don’t have to choose between style and comfort—or break the bank to get both.
Let’s get into it.
Daniella Shevel: Luxury Heels Designed for Real Life
Founder: Daniella Shevel
Founded: 2019, New York City
Manufactured In: Italy & Brazil
Best For: Elegant heels that support your on-the-go lifestyle
Daniella Shevel started her career in finance, but her real passion was always design. After years of navigating New York City’s fast-paced lifestyle, she became frustrated with the options available—luxury heels were beautiful but painful, and comfortable shoes never looked elevated enough. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, she decided to reinvent heels from the inside out.
She spent years deconstructing high-end footwear and working alongside Italian and Brazilian artisans to engineer heels with hidden comfort features—plush insoles, better weight distribution, and subtle arch support. The result? A collection of timeless, small-batch heels that don’t punish your feet. So check out this NYC based brand!
What Sets It Apart
Hidden Comfort Technology – No one should suffer for style. Every pair is designed with discreet cushioning and ergonomic support.
Handcrafted Quality – Small-batch production ensures meticulous attention to detail and long-lasting wear.
Versatile Elegance – Modern, minimalist designs that transition effortlessly from work to dinner.
Stylishly Grounded Perspective
Daniella Shevel is for women who want to look put-together without dreading the walk home. If you’ve ever questioned why luxury brands charge so much for heels that still hurt, this brand proves it doesn’t have to be that way.
Antonia Saint NY: High-Tech Heels That Work as Hard as You Do
Founder: Antonia Saint Dunbar
Founded: 2017, New York City
Manufactured In: Spain
Best For: Women seeking confidence-boosting heels with sneaker-like comfort
Antonia Saint Dunbar has always been a problem solver. As the co-founder of THINX, she helped change the way women think about period products. But there was another daily frustration she couldn’t ignore—why were women still expected to endure painful, unsupportive shoes?
She knew that women, especially in cities like New York, need footwear that keeps up with them—something that could handle long commutes, unpredictable weather, and endless days on their feet. Her solution? Completely re-engineering heels and flats with built-in technology that prioritizes both comfort and confidence.
What Sets It Apart
- SoftSurround System™ – A patented sneaker-inspired insole with memory foam, shock absorption, and a stabilizing heel cup.
- Confidence-Boosting Fit – Designed to support posture and alignment, so women feel as strong as they look.
- Durability & Sustainability – Made with high-quality, eco-conscious materials that are built to last.
Stylishly Grounded Perspective
If you’ve ever ditched your heels halfway through the day or carried a backup pair of flats just to survive the commute, this brand gets it. Antonia Saint NY creates shoes for women who move—women who want to feel powerful, stylish, and unstoppable. We are so excited that another NYC-based shoe brand shares our mission.
AERA: Redefining Luxury with Conscious Craftsmanship
Founders: Tina Bhojwani, Jean-Michel Cazabat, Alvertos Revach
Founded: 2018, New York City
Manufactured In: Italy
Best For: Ethically-minded individuals seeking luxury vegan footwear
The Story That Matters
Luxury fashion loves to talk about sustainability, but very few brands actually build it into their foundation. That’s what makes AERA different.
With backgrounds at Dolce & Gabbana and Donna Karan, AERA’s founders saw firsthand how much waste the industry produces. Instead of following the same outdated model, they set out to redefine luxury with a focus on sustainability and ethics—without compromising on craftsmanship.
What Sets It Apart
- 100% Vegan Materials – Crafted to mimic the feel of high-end leather, without the environmental toll.
- Carbon-Negative Commitment – AERA offsets 110% of its emissions, ensuring every step forward leaves a positive impact.
- Italian Artistry – Every pair is handcrafted in Veneto, Italy, maintaining the quality and heritage of traditional shoemaking.
Stylishly Grounded Perspective
AERA is proof that luxury can evolve. For women who care about where their shoes come from—and where the industry is headed—this is the brand that’s leading the way.
Why These Brands Deserve Your Attention
At Stylishly Grounded, we know how easy it is to stick to familiar brands. It’s convenient. It’s predictable. But if those brands aren’t delivering the comfort, style, and longevity you deserve, why keep settling?
These three NYC-based brands are redefining what footwear should be—designed for real women with real lives. Whether you need heels that actually support you, technology-backed comfort, or a more sustainable approach to luxury, these brands are setting new standards.
We’re here to help you discover better options, and this is just the start.
Want more NYC-based brands worth knowing? Read our 4 NYC-Based High-Quality Shoe Brands You Must Shop article next.
Looking beyond NYC? Check out our article on 3 High-Quality US Shoe Brands You Must Know About guide for more game-changing footwear finds.
Because great shoes start from the ground up, and we’ll always help you find them.
Why Trust Stylishly Grounded
Stylishly Grounded is dedicated to providing honest, well-researched recommendations for footwear that blends comfort and style. Our editorial choices are guided by our mission to help readers find high-quality, wearable shoes that truly fit their needs. We are committed to curating content that prioritizes thoughtful insight and practical value, ensuring every selection aligns with the preferences and lifestyles of our audience. Transparency and trust are at the core of everything we do, and any future collaborations will always be clearly disclosed.
Polished Comfort, Perfectly Curated.
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