Opened in 2010 by Jenny and Jorge Rodriguez, Ella Shoes brings handcrafted luxe labels from world-class European designers in Spain, Portugal, France and Germany to Vancouver, with an emphasis on style and comfort. You may have seen brands like Hispanitas, Pikolinos, Chie Mihara, Gadea and Wonders from travelling abroad, but these exotic brands are found few and far in between in Vancouver.
The majority of footwear curated at Ella Shoes are made of high-quality European leather, with many of the shoes having unique features like being handmade, or eco-friendly, or having an ultra-comfy in-sole.
With Jenny Rodriguez, the owner of Ella Shoes
This December, when Modern Mix Vancouver visited Ella Shoes’ Granville Street location in Downtown Vancouver, I asked owner Jenny Rodriguez all about European booties, one of my favourite footwear trends of the season, and their selection and availability at Ella Shoes.
The Classic Bootie
If you’re looking for a basic pair of ankle booties, here are three brands to consider: El Naturalista which are an eco-friendly Spanish footwear brand with a dedication to sustainability. Many of their soles are made from recycled rubber, which is better for the environment, and especially durable for winter footwear. Meanwhile, Pikolinos and Wonders booties have ultra-comfy in-soles made from memory foam and memory gel.
In terms of colour, pick from timeless, versatile colours like black, brown or grey, or if you’re feeling a bit bolder, try something in a beautiful burgundy, fall’s hottest colour.
Booties With a Sparkle
A step up in glamour from our classic picks, are these pieces by Doraking which have studs and gemstones to add some sparkle to your feet. The colours are neutral enough for daily wear, but the embellishments add some fun and personality to your daily footwear.
Booties for a Night Out
These suede Gadea ankle boots (in black) are sleek and sexy with a stiletto-inspired heel, and perfect for a night out. Meanwhile, Spanish brand Hispanitas are a bit more ‘out there’ in terms of style and specialize in artisan footwear, offering quality both inside and out.
Although the price points at Ella Shoes tend to be higher that your typical national footwear chains – most pairs of shoes begin at $100+, the quality is much better – you’re investing in a shoe that’ll last. If you’re looking for a high-quality, European shoe, that’s ‘something different’ with a bit of character, Ella Shoes is a great place to begin your search.
To see these styles for yourself, visit Ella Shoes at 640 Granville Street in Downtown Vancouver, or at Metropolis at Metrotown.
