Furlane, also known as friulane, scarpet, or papusse, are Venetian slippers that date to the 19th century. They’re the quintessential shoe of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of northern Italy, and originate from Friulian peasant tradition. Today, the slipper is a symbol for Italian elegance and style, a versatile shoe that can add a pop of color to a casual outfit, or complement a more elevated look. Traditionally made out of velvet in almost every shade of color found under the sun, they’re a staple in every Italian woman’s closet.
Once a shoe for the poor, they’re now highly sought-after slippers that have experienced a Renaissance in Italian fashion in recent years. Although also worn by men, they are primarily worn by women in Italy. It’s common to see Italian women sporting them with all kinds of outfits, ranging from casual jeans to upscale slacks, laidback sundresses, and elevated gowns. Their versatility and simple yet playful design are what define them as one of the best secrets to dressing like an Italian woman.
America Domani has compiled a brief list of the best Italian furlane brands to shop from. The furlane sold by all three companies is either crafted in Venice or in the Friuli-Venezia region by local artisans skilled in the craft. Their shoes range in price from $96 to $137 and offer numerous color combinations that are sure to satisfy regardless of budgets and personal preferences. All three companies ship to the United States.
ViBi VENEZiA
Founded in 2015 by Venetian sisters Viola and Vera Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga,ViBi VENEZiA is a love letter to their fond childhood memories of being dressed in furlane by their mother. The company sells classic furlane in a rainbow of colors as well as stylish gym loafers that retain a velvet exterior but have a thicker sole and a canvas or leather interior. Their shoes are handmade by local Venetian artisans to ensure a premium made in Italy quality.
ViBi VENEZiA makes shoes for men, women, and children. The brand ships internationally to the United States and Canada with a shipping fee of €36 ($38). Products are expected to arrive within 5 to 7 business days. ViBi VENEZiA also sells at two stores in the United States: at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City and at Desert Vintage in Tucson, Arizona.
Classic furlane cost €90, or $96.
Piedaterre
Piedaterre has been a Veneice institution since 1952. The company was founded by what the website describes as a “dreaming businessman” who in 1952 set up shop on the city’s historic Rialto Bridge with a cart full of his handmade slippers. For 40 years, the man and his cart sold furlane, until a brick-and-mortar shop opened on the Rialto bridge, becoming the first store in Venice dedicated solely to the slipper.
Today, Piedaterre sells classic versions of their hand-stitched furlane in a variety of velvet colors, as well as special editions like cashmere, crochet, and canvas slippers. Classic furlane cost $110.
Le Orsine
Le Orsine is a shoe brand designed in Milan and handcrafted by local artisans in the Friuli region. It sells furlane for men, women, and children in more than 20 colors. The company also sells espadrilles, maryjanes, socks, and shoulder straps.
Le Orisine offers free shipping to the United States, with orders arriving within 5 to 7 business days via a UPS carrier. Classic furlane cost $137.
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.