With locations in Toronto and Kingston, Heel Boy has been proudly Canadian owned and operated since 1998. We care deeply about our communities—through the brands we thoughtfully choose, the connections we build with our customers, and the everyday moments that make shopping local feel meaningful. That same care drives our passion for supporting fellow Canadians, from our neighbours across the street to the homegrown brands we admire and genuinely love.
With Canada Day just around the corner, we’re shining a spotlight on five homegrown brands that go beyond simply making great products—they embody the creativity, innovation, and spirit that make Canadian design something to be proud of.
TKEES
Founded in Toronto by husband-and-wife duo Carly and Jesse Burnett, TKEES began with a simple question: What if your sandals felt like the next best thing to barefoot? At just 29, Carly launched the brand while balancing new motherhood—attending trade shows with her three-month-old in tow. That same grit and passion still define the heart of TKEES today.
Inspired by the principles of essentialism, TKEES designs timeless pieces that go beyond trends. Their collections are season-less by design, prioritizing longevity, simplicity, and quality over excess. The result? Understated staples that seamlessly blend into your everyday wardrobe—and never feel overdone.
Their best-selling Lily flip-flop has become a modern classic, and for good reason. It comes in an inclusive range of nude shades, intentionally created to complement a wide variety of skin tones—a subtle but meaningful nod to representation in fashion.
Each pair is designed in Canada and made from fine Brazilian leather, marrying thoughtful design with elevated craftsmanship. Heads up: TKEES flip-flops tend to run small, so if you’re between sizes, it’s best to size up.
Quietly confident and endlessly wearable, TKEES reminds us that less really can be more—especially when it's this well made.
TKEES Women's Glitters in Pink Pearl
BRAVE LEATHER
BRAVE Leather was born in Toronto in 1992, when founder Scott Irvine turned a creative spark into a small belt business on Queen West. What began as a passion project quickly gained momentum, and over three decades later, BRAVE has become an iconic Canadian brand, stocked in more than 1,000 specialty stores across 14 countries. Despite its global reach, the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, transparency, and ethical production remains proudly local.
All BRAVE Leather goods are handcrafted in-house at their Toronto workshop, blending traditional hand-stitching with modern techniques like laser cutting. It’s a rare combination in North America—and it shows. From premium Italian vegetable-tanned leather to custom hardware, every piece is made with care, built to last, and designed to age beautifully over time.
What truly sets BRAVE apart is its dedication to people and process. On their website, the brand introduces the skilled makers behind each piece—a personal touch that highlights the value of craftsmanship and honours the community behind it. They also take sourcing seriously, working only with suppliers who meet strict standards for environmental and social responsibility. All materials are non-toxic, with vegetable tanning and water-based treatments used throughout.
BRAVE’s slow fashion ethos means prioritising longevity over trends. There’s no mass production here—just timeless design, high-quality materials, and products made with purpose. With proper care (gentle cleaning and BRAVE’s recommended leather products), these pieces can last a lifetime.
Proudly Canadian and uncompromising in its values, BRAVE Leather is a bold celebration of what it means to make things well—and to make them matter.
LA CANADIENNE
La Canadienne is more than just a footwear brand—it’s a family legacy built on craftsmanship, resilience, and serious love for Canadian winters. The brand officially launched in 1987, but its roots run even deeper. Founder Penny Shuster grew up immersed in the world of shoemaking—her father opened their Montréal factory in the 1960s to craft boots for other brands. Years later, Penny and her husband, Gianni Lamanuzzi, took that foundation and made it their own, launching La Canadienne with a clear mission: to create boots that blend fashion and function without compromise.
Today, that mission still drives everything they do. Based in the heart of Montréal, La Canadienne operates one of the few remaining shoe factories in the city. Every pair is handcrafted in-house by skilled artisans, keeping local craftsmanship alive and well.
What truly sets them apart? Their City Dry™ technology. Made with Italian leather and suede that’s treated all the way through—not just on the surface—these materials repel water instantly and stay looking sleek. Combined with seam-sealed construction, their shoes are built to handle just about anything the Canadian climate can throw your way. No extra sprays or treatments required.
La Canadienne doesn’t chase trends—they focus on timeless silhouettes, durable materials, and small-batch production that puts quality first. Designed to be worn season after season, their shoes fit true to size and feel just as good as they look.
From its family-run beginnings to its proudly local production, La Canadienne is proof that style, substance, and staying dry can absolutely go hand in hand.
La Canadienne Women's Grey in Black
NATIVE SHOES
Founded in Vancouver in 2009 by Scott Hawthorn and Thomas Claypool, Native Shoes is one of those proudly Canadian brands that reminds us just how innovative and community-minded local businesses can be. With a mission to Live Lightly, they’re all about creating footwear that’s lightweight, animal-free, and designed with sustainability at every step.
Their secret? Next-gen materials like Wanderfoam™, Sugarlite™, and Bloom™ algae-based foam—each one developed to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing comfort or style. The result is a collection of shoes that are easy on your feet and the planet, whether you're running errands or chasing sunshine. Keep in mind that their shoes tend to run small, so we suggest sizing up if you're unsure about your size.
Rooted in West Coast values, Native is also committed to keeping its environmental footprint as small as possible. Through their Remix™ Project, they recycle old Native shoes into materials used for things like playground flooring and community installations—giving back to the very places that support them. It’s circular fashion, with a local-first mindset.
They’ve also set big climate goals: reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, in line with global sustainability targets. Even better? They’re transparent about their progress—sharing detailed reports that show just how seriously they take the work.
As a Canadian brand that blends style, innovation, and a real commitment to the communities they serve, Native Shoes proves that local can be both responsible and really, really cool.
Native Shoes Unisex Jefferson in Shell White
GRAHAME JAMES
Rooted in the creative energy of Toronto’s Queen Street West, Grahame James is a brand that captures the spirit of the city: confident, fashion-forward, and grounded in ease. Designed by a talented team of women, the label is a true reflection of Toronto’s distinct street style—where polished meets practical and individuality always shines through.
Grahame James is all about building your wardrobe from the ground up, starting with stylish, reliable staples. Their collections focus on fashion-first core pieces that are made to be worn on repeat—timeless enough to anchor your closet, yet contemporary enough to feel fresh each time you reach for them.
One of the brand’s standout features? Simplicity in function. Many of their designs incorporate a clever hook buckle closure, making them incredibly easy to slip on and off without sacrificing style. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that speaks to the brand’s commitment to making everyday dressing just a little bit smoother.
By blending practical functionality with clean, minimalist design, Grahame James proves that fashion doesn’t have to be complicated to feel elevated. It’s local, it’s effortless, and it’s distinctly Toronto—just the way we like it. One thing to keep in mind: their full European sizing runs slightly small, so if you're between sizes, it's best to size up.
Grahame James Women's Everly in Sage
Whether you're slipping into minimalist sandals, weatherproof boots, or sustainably made everyday staples, each of these Canadian brands brings a distinct blend of style, purpose, and craftsmanship. What they share is a commitment to doing things thoughtfully, whether that’s through intentional design, small-scale production, or staying rooted in the communities that shaped them.
At Heel Boy, we’re proud to carry brands that reflect the values we care about—brands with stories, substance, and staying power. These brands remind us that shopping local doesn’t have to mean limiting your options—it can mean discovering your new favourites, built right here at home.
Wherever your Canada Day takes you, we hope it’s filled with good company, great style, and hometown pride!
Leave a comment