Photo illustration by The Globe and Mail. Source images: Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail, Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press, Supplied
In one of Canada’s quirkier political traditions, federal finance ministers have been showing off new shoes ahead of budget day since at least the 1950s, often offering a clue about the country’s fiscal and cultural priorities with their selections.
In 1979, John Crosbie sported sealskin mukluks. In 1994, Paul Martin wore work boots gifted to him by Jean Chrétien (bucking the tradition for the rest of his tenure as a show of austerity). In 2015, Joe Oliver wore New Balance sneakers to celebrate a balanced budget, and Chrystia Freeland became the first finance minister to opt for pumps.
For the 2025 unveiling, François-Philippe Champagne chose black leather dress shoes from Boulet Boots, the Quebec family business that also outfits the RCMP – a nod to the government’s Buy Canadian agenda.
Now, with another budget on the horizon – and economic sovereignty, nation-building and trade diversification on the agenda – we’ve rounded up 16 pairs of Canadian kicks that might help Champagne put his best feet forward.
In a fun bracket leading up to the federal budget release date on Nov. 5, help us pick your favourite footwear (all of which come from Canadian companies) for the finance minister by casting your vote below. Each day, we’ll pare down the previous day’s votes until we have a final winner.
If we didn’t include your personal pick, leave a comment or send us an email at audience@globeandmail.com to make your case for the best pair of Canadian shoes for budget day.
Pairing #1
He Do Ski Boot, Dsquared2
Hudson Williams broke the internet walking the runway in these outrageous après-ski boots at Milan Men’s Fashion Week. Toronto-born twins Dean and Dan Caten have built a global fashion empire on Canadian camp – a reminder that Canada exports more than lumber and steel.
The Gambler, Alberta Boot Company
What better way to recognize Alberta’s resounding vote against separation than these classic kickers, handcrafted in Calgary.
Pairing #2
Canada Sneaker, Vessi
Casual, waterproof and patriotic, sneakers by Vancouver-based Vessi project practicality and national pride.
Ossington High-Top Sneaker, Canada Goose
Chunky high-tops from Canada Goose are named for Toronto’s hippest thoroughfare. Because nothing promotes national unity like giving Canadians another reason to scoff at the Six.
Pairing #3
Tuff Boot, Roots
Tough enough for a trade war and nostalgic enough for a MuchMusic reunion, these chunky leather boots tap into the current nineties mania while celebrating one of Canada’s most recognizable homegrown fashion brands.
Rival Steel-Toed Boot, Bucks by Tatra
Made by Ontario footwear manufacturer Tatra, these steel-toed work boots celebrate the blue-collar workers at the heart of Canada’s manufacturing economy.
Pairing #4
Mikwendam Moccasin, Manitobah
These suede slippers from a Métis-founded footwear company feature beadwork by Anishinaabe artist Jaymie Campbell. A stylish and cozy symbol of how economic reconciliation means investing in Indigenous entrepreneurship and creativity.
Nova Canadian OG Clog, Kamik
From Quebec footwear veteran Kamik, these cherry-red rubber clogs are a playful reminder of the domestic manufacturing industry Ottawa wants to protect.
Pairing #5
Bristol Penny Loafer, Viberg
Every penny counts in these beautifully crafted leather loafers, a refined departure for Victoria, B.C.’s Viberg, which got its start making boots for loggers almost 100 years ago.
Nathaniel Double Wingtip, John Fluevog
Flamboyant double wingtips from Vancouver’s footwear maverick are serving a bold vision, creative thinking and a willingness to break from the status quo.
Pairing #6
Approach Shoe, JJJJound × Diemme
The Montreal cult design studio teamed up with Italian footwear maker Diemme for these minimalist, mountain-inspired shoes that recently got a shoutout from GQ. A stylish example of the international partnerships Canada hopes will reduce its dependence on the American market.
Fitzsimmons Venture, Native Shoes
Ready for Canada’s next great infrastructure project – or at least the groundbreaking photo op – in these lightweight, alpine-inspired boots from Vancouver-based Native Shoes.
Pairing #7
Brown York Oxford, Hartt
Rumour has it the PM is not a fan of brown footwear (after years in England, where the saying goes, “You don’t wear brown to town”). But if the goal is to appeal beyond the Bay Street elite to the working classes, brown could be just the right message.
Rexon Sneaker Boot, Rudsak
From the office to the great outdoors, these gorpcore-inspired boots from Montreal’s outerwear maven say we’re ready for whatever rocky conditions might lie ahead.
Pairing #8
Cush Bootie Slipper, Baffin
Nothing says Arctic sovereignty like these pillowy sea-green booties from Ontario’s Baffin, a company known for making footwear that can withstand the coldest temperatures on earth.
Hockey Socks, Friday Sock Co.
Shoes, in this economy? Forgoing footwear altogether would certainly make a statement, particularly with a subtle nod to Heated Rivalry.