If there's one thing Italians do well, it's shoes. And food. And horror films. And furniture. OK, take two: Italians have all sorts of talent. Diemme continue their excellent track record for footwear.

Started in 1992, this family-run business make styles ranging from brightly coloured low-top sneakers to heavy duty high-top hiking boots. The soles are created by another family-run Italian business, Serena, which has been making rubber soles since 1952 (they're rumoured to last a lifetime). Most of Diemme's shoes only use materials made in Italy. This expands our theory to, 'OK, Italians are basically great at everything'. Diemme is available in Australia at Someday.