Carl Scarpa Boots

Carl Scarpa: 50 Years of Italian-Inspired Women’s Footwear

For almost fifty years, Carl Scarpa has been synonymous with timeless style, artisanal craftsmanship, and premium women’s footwear. With its first Irish boutique opening in Sligo in 1974, the brand has grown to be celebrated across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Today, Carl Scarpa continues to set the standard in sophisticated shoes, combining Italian-inspired elegance with contemporary design. Carl Scarpa women's shoes & boots are handmade and crafted in a small artisan factory in Southern Italy, using premium Italian leather.

Why Carl Scarpa Stands Out

• Heritage of Craftsmanship – Nearly 50 years of designing handmade, premium footwear.
• Italian Influence – Timeless designs inspired by Italian artistry and style.
• Global Reach – 24+ stores across Ireland and the UK, plus international e-commerce.
• Customer-Centric Philosophy – Every detail, from product design to boutique service, revolves around the customer.

Carl Scarpa’s story is more than a history of shoes, it is a story of craft, heritage, resilience, and reinvention. For women who value individuality, elegance, and authenticity, Carl Scarpa is not just footwear. It is a statement.

Carl Scarpa - The Origin Story

The first Irish boutique in Sligo was an instant success, particularly with women seeking something more refined than mainstream footwear. Word spread quickly, and the collections became recognised for luxurious Italian styling and distinctive design details. Within a few years, new stores followed across Ireland and the UK, cementing Carl Scarpa as a household name in premium women’s shoes.

Who is Carl Scarpa?

The brand takes its name from Carl Scarpa, cousin of the renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, whose design philosophy was built on detail, innovation, and aesthetic integrity. The brand applies its same philosophy to every pair of Carl Scarpa shoes.

Carl Scarpa - Fifty Years of Craftsmanship

At the heart of Carl Scarpa’s success lies a simple belief: great footwear is the foundation of any stylish outfit. Each shoe is handmade, designed with meticulous care, and finished to exacting standards of comfort and quality. This is not fast fashion, it’s footwear designed to last, to be worn, and to be loved.

From bold heels to refined loafers, elegant boots to everyday flats, every pair reflects the brand’s commitment to eye-catching style and impeccable craftsmanship. Twice yearly, the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections bring new designs inspired by global trends, while limited seasonal drops keep the brand current and exciting.

With a rating of 4.4 on Trustpilot and constant references to the quality and designs its clear to see the brand lives up to its reputation.

"Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers appreciate the high quality and stylish designs of the shoes, often describing them as comfortable and well-made. Many consumers highlight the excellent customer service they received, particularly when dealing with returns or exchanges. The designs have that timeless, Italian-inspired feel, but with little modern details that make them stand out."

Carl Scarpa Today

Now operating 20+ boutiques across the UK and Ireland, along with a thriving global e-commerce store, carlscarpa.com brings its luxury collections to customers worldwide.

Carl Scarpa has also begun expanding into wholesale, working with select independent retailers across Ireland. This strategy is set to broaden its reach while retaining the boutique feel that has always defined the brand.

Challenges and Resilience

Like all premium retailers, Carl Scarpa has faced its share of industry challenges. Brexit reshaped trade between the UK and Ireland, creating new costs and logistical complexities. Yet, instead of being defined by these hurdles, Carl Scarpa has focused on innovation, continuing to serve loyal customers while investing in global growth through digital platforms.

Where can I buy Carl Scarpa?

Galway shoe shop Sheneil shoes is a proud stockist of the Carl Scarpa brand. Shop the collection online or instore now. With free express delivery (on all orders over €99) in Ireland and easy returns. Check out the New collection now.

Who Wears Carl Scarpa?

The brand has strong links to equestrian culture, which is complementary. Equestrian events attract a sophisticated clientele who resonate with Carl Scarpa’s values of quality, elegance, and individuality.

Carl Scarpa has also supported brand ambassadors, including Irish eventing rider Susie Berry, who represented Ireland at the World Championships and European Eventing Championships. This collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to empowering women who embody grace, strength, and individuality.

Leadership and Legacy

Today, Carl Scarpa is co-owned by Keith Moffitt, whose entrepreneurial roots trace back to his great-uncle, Jack Fraser—a pioneering Irish retailer in Canada. Inspired by Fraser’s creativity and business acumen, Moffitt continues to lead Carl Scarpa with a focus on innovation, customer experience, and heritage preservation.

Looking Ahead

Carl Scarpa’s vision for the future is clear: protect the brand’s heritage while embracing innovation. Expansion into wholesale, investment in digital experiences, and a strong e-commerce presence will ensure the brand thrives in a competitive global market. Yet at its core, Carl Scarpa remains what it has always been, a name synonymous with quality, authenticity, and Italian-inspired elegance.