When it comes to trendy footwear, Seattle is stepping it up with homegrown talent. Check out these local shoe manufacturers who are making that old “sandals and socks” joke sound as outdated as a pair of Buster Browns

Report Footwear

With its on-trend, everyday looks at accessible price points, Report and its more fashion-forward sister, Report Signature, are the veterans of the local scene after more than 20 years in business. Despite having been bought by Steve Madden in 2011, the Factoria-based company has worked hard to stay true to its roots by remaining active in the community, with events such as its monthly Ronald McDonald House dinners at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Report president Jeff Powers says it has been great to witness Seattle come into its own style-wise. Women here, he says, are “more educated and confident to step out and wear the styles than they were in the past.” And Report’s spring collection embraces the evolution fully with fringed sandals, animal print wedges and edgy knee-high gladiator sandals. reportshoes.com

Dolce Vita

The Jodi sandal, $180; Photo Credit: Dolce Vita Shoes

Dolce Vita launched in New York City in 2001, but has had a corporate office in Seattle’s Smith Tower for two years—and had a storefront on Ballard Avenue from 2008 to 2011. With two house brands (Dolce Vita and Dolce Vita Kids), the brand’s appeal comes from a cool insouciance and a youthful, effortless style. Each season brings a selection of strappy heels, chunky booties and modern wedges, and spring 2015 is no different—with a focus on basics including flatform sandals, updated gladiators and jewel tones as a new neutral. dolcevita.com

Grey City

The Wilma bootie in cognac, $210; Photo Credit: Trevor Way Photography

There’s no question of what inspired the name of this 2-year-old Eastlake-based startup. But for cofounders Vikki Andrews and Kyle Grant, who grew up together in the northern border town of Blaine, Washington, the shoe designs themselves draw on influences from art and music. The spring 2015 collection is inspired by a festival vibe—think Coachella—yet its designers are ever mindful of wearability. “We always try to push the boundaries a little bit,” Grant says. And push it they do—often sky-high with chunky platform heels that appeal to a more alternative dresser. But the majority of their styles are a twist on classics. With a mantra of “personal lifestyle over finite categorization,” they’re encouraging their customers to go against the grain and define their own individual style. greycityshoes.com