This list covers 22 shoe brands, starting with “Hoka” and ending with “Hylo Athletics.” You’ll find everything from cushioned running shoes and rugged hiking boots to rain boots, slippers, and playful wheeled sneakers. Some names on this list chase performance on trails and tracks, while others focus on everyday comfort, work safety, or simple style. Together, they show just how varied footwear can be once you look past the big, obvious names.
Shoe brands are companies that design, manufacture, and sell footwear under a distinct name and identity. Many started small, like Hunter Boots, which began as the North British Rubber Company in 1856 before its green wellingtons became an unlikely fashion icon at music festivals. Others, like Hoka, grew out of a simple idea from two trail runners who wanted softer landings on long runs.
Below you’ll find the table with the brand, country of origin, specialty, founding year, and description.
Brand: The name of the shoe company, so you can quickly spot the one you’re curious about or already recognize.
Country of Origin: Where the brand was founded, giving you a sense of its heritage and the footwear traditions it grew from.
Specialty: The type of shoes each brand is best known for, helping you find options that match what you actually need.
Founding Year: The year the brand launched, so you can see how established or new it is in the footwear world.
Description: A short overview of what makes the brand unique, including its history, reputation, and standout qualities.
Shoe brands
Brand
Country of Origin
Specialty
Founding Year
Hoka
France
Running and recovery shoes
2009
Havaianas
Brazil
Flip-flops and sandals
1962
Hush Puppies
United States
Casual and comfort shoes
1958
Hi-Tec
United Kingdom
Outdoor and hiking footwear
1974
Heelys
United States
Wheeled shoes
2000
Hunter Boots
United Kingdom
Rain boots (wellingtons)
1856
Hogan
Italy
Luxury casual shoes and sneakers
1986
Helly Hansen
Norway
Outdoor and work boots
1877
Haflinger
Austria
Wool felt slippers
1953
Hudson London
United Kingdom
Men’s fashion footwear
2007
Hotter Shoes
United Kingdom
Comfort footwear
1959
Heschung
France
Leather boots and shoes
1934
Hanwag
Germany
Hiking and mountaineering boots
1921
Haix
Germany
Work, tactical, and firefighter boots
1948
Hey Dude
Italy
Lightweight casual shoes
2008
Heyraud
France
Family footwear
1908
Hispanitas
Spain
Women’s footwear
1989
Hummel
Denmark
Sportswear and sneakers
1923
Hoggs of Fife
Scotland
Country and work footwear
1888
H.H. Brown Shoe Company
United States
Work boots
1883
Harley-Davidson Footwear
United States
Motorcycle boots
1994
Hylo Athletics
United Kingdom
Eco-friendly running shoes
2018
Descriptions
Hoka
Founded by two trail runners in France, Hoka is famous for its thick, cushioned midsoles that soften impact. Now owned by Deckers Brands, it’s a favorite among long-distance runners and walkers seeking extra comfort.
Havaianas
Brazil’s iconic rubber flip-flop brand, inspired by Japanese zori sandals. Known for colorful, affordable designs, Havaianas has grown into a global casual footwear staple.
Hush Puppies
Named after its basset hound mascot, Hush Puppies popularized soft suede casual shoes in America and remains synonymous with laid-back, easygoing comfort footwear.
Hi-Tec
A British outdoor brand best known for affordable hiking boots and trail shoes, built on a reputation for rugged, budget-friendly gear for adventurers.
Heelys
Heelys created the sneaker-with-a-wheel-in-the-heel craze, letting kids glide by shifting weight onto their heel. The novelty shoes became a global pop-culture phenomenon in the 2000s.
Hunter Boots
Originally the North British Rubber Company, Hunter is famous for its glossy green wellington boots, which became a fashion staple after celebrities and festival-goers embraced them.
Hogan
An Italian luxury footwear label under the Tod’s Group, Hogan blends craftsmanship with sporty, casual design, especially popular for its understated, upscale sneakers.
Helly Hansen
Founded by a Norwegian sea captain, Helly Hansen built its name on durable weatherproof gear, including sailing and work boots designed for harsh conditions.
Haflinger
An Austrian brand renowned for cozy, handcrafted wool-felt slippers and clogs, prized for their natural materials and old-world comfort.
Hudson London
A British label specializing in stylish leather boots and shoes for men, blending classic craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Hotter Shoes
A British brand focused on cushioned, orthopedic-friendly comfort shoes, especially popular among older adults seeking style without sacrificing support.
Heschung
A French family-owned shoemaker from Alsace known for handcrafted leather boots using traditional Goodyear-welt construction techniques.
Hanwag
A German bootmaker with roots in Bavaria, respected among hikers and mountaineers for its durable, precision-crafted trekking boots.
Haix
A German brand specializing in high-performance boots for firefighters, police, and outdoor workers, valued for safety and durability in demanding jobs.
Hey Dude
An Italian-founded brand known for ultra-light, slip-on casual shoes, gaining massive popularity in the US for its feather-light comfort and laid-back style.
Heyraud
A long-running French shoemaker offering classic, well-made shoes for men, women, and children through its own retail boutiques across France.
Hispanitas
A Spanish brand known for trendy, colorful women’s shoes and sandals, blending Mediterranean style with comfortable everyday wear.
Hummel
A Danish sports brand recognized by its chevron logo, Hummel makes retro-inspired sneakers and athletic footwear popular in European handball and football culture.
Hoggs of Fife
A Scottish heritage brand producing sturdy boots and shoes for country life, farming, and outdoor work, blending tradition with practicality.
H.H. Brown Shoe Company
An American shoe manufacturer, now part of Berkshire Hathaway, known for producing durable work and safety boots under several sub-brands.
Harley-Davidson Footwear
A licensed extension of the motorcycle brand, making rugged leather boots and casual shoes for riders and fans alike.
Hylo Athletics
A British startup making running shoes from recycled and bio-based materials, aiming to cut plastic waste in the sneaker industry.
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