From the heart of our story to every hand-stitched sole, Piedàterre is the name that defines Venice. We are the original artisan specialists of venetian slippers: the custodians of the authentic Friulane that transformed a regional tradition into a global style icon. Into every creation we pour decades of Italian ingenuity and the nobility of our artisanal velvet, preserving an identity that transcends passing trends. For those who seek the original, the compass has always pointed in one direction: the Piedàterre workshop on the Rialto Bridge.
Since the 19th Century
The traditional venetian slipper traces its origins to the 19th century, in the northern reaches of the Veneto. In Friuli, during the difficult post-war years, Italian ingenuity performed a quiet daily miracle, transforming necessity into a timeless art form. With remarkable creativity, families began repurposing sumptuous velvet curtains from theatres and reclaimed bicycle tyres to craft new footwear, born from an inspired balance of style and pragmatism.
Though born of hardship, the original Friulane proved from the outset to be splendid works of craftsmanship. They were handmade with passion and skill by the women of the region, driven by the desire to offer dignity and comfort to their loved ones. It is precisely this heritage of talent that continues to pulse today in every pair of handcrafted venetian slippers by Piedàterre: an unbreakable bond linking the history of a territory to the excellence of a truly unique product.
A Cart on the Rialto Bridge
It all began with the vision of a businessman and dreamer. In 1952, his cart laden with handmade Friulane took its place on the legendary Rialto Bridge, quickly captivating a cosmopolitan Venice and its stream of international visitors.
Versatile, chic and perfectly suited for navigating the calli thanks to their non-slip nature, these venetian slippers became an instant object of desire. That cart remained faithfully at its post for 40 years, sustained by the enthusiasm of enchanted customers, before the doors of the Piedàterre Rialto shop officially opened, becoming the first dedicated outpost in Venice devoted exclusively to the historic venetian shoe.
Since then, we are the only ones who can claim an unbroken lineage connecting 19th-century ingenuity to the present day. We have chosen never to change: we use natural fabrics and the same meticulous handcraft as always, because we know that excellence need not be reinvented — only protected.
Not the Gondoliers’ Shoes
It is often said that Friulane were created for gondoliers. The truth is even more fascinating: they arose as an expression of post-war ingenuity in the households of Friuli.
Their comfort and elegance won admirers across every social stratum, from nobles in patrician palaces to international drawing rooms, becoming the democratic symbol of style and of an Italy that knows how to elevate necessity into art. Choosing Piedàterre means rejecting tourist imitations in favour of a piece of genuine history — crafted with distinction and a style that defies the passage of time.
A Heritage That Lives in the Present
Remaining faithful to the tradition inaugurated in 1952 means, for us, honouring a method that refuses the pace of the modern world. Every creation is made entirely in Italy, preserving the manual production process that defines the grandeur and quality of our history. We have never resorted to outsourcing, because the soul of an authentic venetian slipper resides in the direct care of its maker.
Every pair of original Friulane by Piedàterre is born from a supply chain unchanged for decades: we use the same natural cotton velvet and the same mastery in hand-stitching that distinguished the very first creations. From the choice of fabric to the crafting of artisanal soles, every detail is a fragment of the heritage we guard with the same devotion as on our first day on the Rialto Bridge. To choose Piedàterre today is to wear over 70 years of Venetian pride, handed down intact for those who still recognise the value of excellence.
Explore our women’s and men’s collections to discover the original Friulane that embody over 70 years of Venetian tradition.
