Why friulane are the spring 2026 shoe everyone’s obsessed with — and where to buy them
This spring, a charming little shoe has quietly taken over Milan’s fashion quarters, inspired Instagram feeds and Vinted carts alike: the friulana. Born in the Friuli‑Venezia Giulia countryside as a humble Sunday shoe, the friulana — velvet upper, braided rope sole and a flat, uncomplicated silhouette — has evolved into a radical‑chic staple for city dressing. If you’ve seen them on shoppers in Brera or celebrities stepping out in them and wondered how to style them (and where to buy the right pair), here’s everything you need to know.
From farmhouse necessity to city chic
The story of the friulana is delightfully down‑to‑earth. Originally handcrafted from fabric scraps with soles sometimes recycled from bicycle tyres, these shoes were made within a culture of reuse where nothing was wasted. They were practical, quiet and comfortable — qualities that led to their adoption by Venetian gondoliers once rubber soles were introduced. Over decades, the shoe migrated from local craft to interior shoe in palazzos, and gradually into the wardrobes of Milanese tastemakers.
Why the friulana is back now
There’s no single PR campaign behind the revival — instead it’s a grassroots trend driven by markets, handcraft lovers and social media. The shoe’s comeback intersects beautifully with a few modern currents:
an appetite for authentic, artisanal pieces that tell a story;
the desire for stylish, lower‑impact footwear that prioritises longevity and repairability;
and a fashion moment that favours understated, comfortable flats over constant high heels.
Top brands to shop — from traditional to trendy
The market today offers friulane across a range of price points and philosophies. Here’s a quick guide:
Heritage & Craft: Families like Parutto in Venice and legacy makers like Pellizzari and Gallon preserve traditional techniques — perfect if you want genuine artisanal roots.
Made in Italy Luxury: ViBi Venezia and Gallo 1927 elevate the friulana with refined materials and careful finishes — think velvet, luxe linings and expert construction.
Contemporary Labels: Brands such as Les Meneghine, born from Milan’s lockdown creativity, offer playful bicolour designs and a modern take on the silhouette.
Accessible Trend: High street retailers like Zara, Mango and OVS bring trend‑led colourways and seasonal variations — great for experimenting without a big investment.
How to wear friulane without looking costume‑like
The secret to wearing friulane in 2026 is balance. The richer the shoe (ornate velvet, embroidery, appliqués), the simpler the outfit should be. To avoid any folkloric vibes, follow these rules:
Keep the outfit clean: Straight‑leg jeans, a crisp white tee and a blazer or trench create a modern, elevated backdrop.
Mind proportions: Because friulane are flat and low, pair them with cropped or straight‑leg trousers to keep lines neat and elongate the silhouette.
Neutral palette: If you’re uncertain, choose neutral colours for the outfit and let the shoes be the focal point — think navy, camel, black or muted pastels.
Contrast textures: Velvet or embroidered friulane pop beautifully against structured fabrics like denim or wool — use texture to create interest rather than extra ornament.
3 stylish outfit ideas to copy now
The City Edit: Dark straight jeans + oversized camel blazer + velvet friulane + minimalist leather crossbody.
The Office Refresh: Tailored cigarette trousers + crisp shirt tucked in + monochrome friulane + slim leather tote.
The Weekend Look: Midi floral dress + denim jacket + pastel friulane + straw shopper for a touch of seasonal ease.
Care tips — make them last
Keep them dry: The braided rope sole prefers dry conditions; if they get damp, let them air dry naturally away from direct heat.
Velvet care: Use a soft brush to remove dust and revive nap; spot‑clean carefully with gentle products designed for velvet.
Protective spray: A light protective spray suitable for textile uppers will help repel stains and increase wearability.
Why the friulana suits modern wardrobes
More than a trend, the friulana represents a shift in taste: a move toward pieces that blend heritage, comfort and a quiet chic. They fit perfectly into a capsule wardrobe ethos — wearable, story‑filled and versatile. Whether you invest in a refined pair from ViBi Venezia or try a colourful fast‑fashion version, friulane can be your go‑to flat for spring walks, cafe dates and effortless city dressing.
Final shopping pointers
Try them on with the trousers or skirt length you plan to wear most; sizing can feel different from regular flats due to the sole construction.
Consider a second pair in a neutral colour for everyday wear and a decorated pair for moments when you want to make a style statement.
Support local artisans where possible — traditional workshops offer repair and advice that extends the life of your shoes.
Friulane are a rare case where comfort, craft and chic align. If you’re updating your spring rotation, they’re worth a spot in the edit — just remember to style them with restraint and let their quiet charm do the talking.
