Proenza Schouler has been one of New York fashion’s defining labels since its launch in 2002, building a reputation for clean lines, unexpected proportions, and accessories that often become as influential as its ready-to-wear collections.
👠 Jump to a Proenza Schouler Guide:
For shoe lovers, the brand is best known for balancing fashion-forward design with everyday wearability. From sculptural sandals and square-toe pumps to chunky lug-sole boots, modern ballet flats, and sought-after collaborations with Birkenstock, Proenza Schouler has helped shape the conversation around contemporary luxury footwear for more than two decades.
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers behind the New York-based label Proenza Schouler, named the label after the maiden names of their mothers (Credit: Kristin Callahan / ACE / INSTARimages)
Founded in New York by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the label continues to evolve while remaining closely associated with the city’s practical yet directional approach to style.
Whether you’re considering your first pair of Proenza Schouler shoes or simply curious about the brand’s influence, here’s a closer look at its history, sizing, pricing, collaborations, and most recognizable footwear designs.
Proenza Schouler Designers: From Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez to Rachel Scott
The brand’s name, Proenza Schouler, is a tribute to the designers’ mothers, combining McCollough’s maternal surname, Proenza, with Hernandez’s, Schouler.
Front side decoration display and design of Proenza Schouler luxury fashion store at Emquartier Bangkok shopping mall (Credit: Saranya Phu Akat / Shutterstock)
The pair met as students at Parsons School of Design, creating their senior thesis, which would become Proenza Schouler’s debut collection.
In 2025, Proenza Schouler entered a new chapter when founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez stepped down as creative directors after more than two decades at the helm, while remaining involved as board members and minority shareholders.
Later that year, the brand appointed Jamaican-American designer Rachel Scott—founder of Diotima and the 2024 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year—as its new creative director, overseeing all categories, including footwear.
Scott’s influence began emerging in the Spring 2026 collections and took full shape with her Fall/Winter 2026 debut, introducing a softer, more dimensional interpretation of Proenza Schouler’s New York aesthetic through deconstruction, artisanal influences, and inventive footwear such as exaggerated square-toe pumps, elongated kitten heels, and satin sandals finished with unexpected shearling footbeds.
Her appointment signals a fresh evolution for the label while preserving the modern luxury identity that made Proenza Schouler a fashion industry favorite.
Anna Wintour is seen arriving at the Proenza Schouler fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 11, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto / John Nacion)
The brand found instant success after having its first collection picked up by Barneys New York. In 2008, Proenza Schouler introduced its first footwear collection in partnership with Giuseppe Zanotti before switching to Onward Luxury Group in 2012.
Proenza Schouler has a flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City, and its products are also sold at several high-end department stores worldwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Amazon, Farfetch, and Mytheresa.
How Much Do Proenza Schouler Shoes Cost?
Proenza Schouler occupies the contemporary luxury segment, with footwear prices typically falling between those of premium designer brands and traditional European fashion houses such as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton.
As of June 2026, current-season styles on Mytheresa range from around $300 for the brand’s Birkenstock collaboration slides to more than $1,600 for statement boots.
Recent examples include the Uma 60 leather over-the-knee boots priced at $1,655, the Bronco leather knee-high boots at $1,425, and the Glove embellished leather ballet flats at $1,390.
At the more accessible end of the range, shoppers can find styles such as the Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock metallic leather slides for $300, Forma leather platform mules for $750, and Glove mesh Mary Jane flats for $690 before seasonal markdowns.
Sale prices can significantly reduce the cost of entry, with discounted sandals, slides, and ballet flats often falling into the $200–$400 range at luxury retailers.
Do Proenza Schouler Shoes Run True to Size?
In general, Proenza Schouler shoes run true to size in Italian sizing, though many styles are known for their structured fit and relatively narrow toe boxes. Pumps, strappy sandals, flats, and Mary Janes typically fit as expected, while shoppers with wider feet often prefer to size up by half a size for added comfort.
The brand’s chunkier footwear—including its popular Stomp boots and lug-sole loafers—also tends to fit true to size, but the substantial leather construction may require a short break-in period.
If you regularly wear thick socks or have wider feet, a half-size increase can provide a more comfortable fit. As with many luxury shoes, the fit often softens over time as the leather molds to the foot. For exact conversions between Italian, US, UK, and European sizing, consult the official Proenza Schouler Size Guide.
Where Proenza Schouler Fits in Contemporary Luxury Fashion
While Proenza Schouler doesn’t sit on the same tier as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, it’s considered a contemporary luxury brand.
The brand has evolved since its founding, moving from the seasonal ready-to-wear calendar to the couture fashion calendar.
Serinda Swan wears a white Proenza Schouler long-sleeved off-the-shoulder waisted dress at the 2017 Summer TCA Tour ‘Disney ABC Television Group’ on August 6, 2017, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Proenza Schouler briefly shifted from New York Fashion Week to the Paris couture calendar in 2017, but the move was temporary.
The label later returned to the official New York Fashion Week schedule, where it has remained closely associated with the city’s contemporary fashion scene.
Proenza Schouler launched a diffusion line called “White Label” in 2017. This diffusion line was created to offer more casual, understated pieces than the mainline collection, making the brand more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Rooney Mara stuns at the New York Film Festival in a striking Proenza Schouler dress, pairing the edgy-meets-elegant look with sleek Brian Atwood sandals on October 14, 2013 (Credit: Joel Ginsburg / WENN)
The PS1 Bag and PS11: Proenza Schouler’s Most Recognizable Accessories
The PS1 was one of the first “blogger bags” to go viral. In the early days of fashion bloggers, the PS1 was the style everyone wanted to be seen carrying.
Kate Bosworth carries a Proenza Schouler PS1 clutch at the official launch of the first Topshop LA store on February 14, 2013 (Credit: Brian To / WENN)
The PS1 was Proenza Schouler’s debut handbag, launched in 2008. The laidback unisex nature of the bag – inspired by the classic satchel silhouette – made it an instant hit.
Nicky Hilton kept her off-duty style effortlessly polished while shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills on April 8, 2010, pairing a striped romper with black Repetto BB flats, a black Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, and Dsquared aviator sunglasses as she strolled alongside then-boyfriend David Katzenberg (Credit: Agent 47 / WENN)
It remains the brand’s best seller and was named by Vogue the ultimate ‘back to work’ bag in 2021.
Proenza Schouler has introduced newer versions of its ‘PS’ line of purses, but the classic black ‘PS11’ remains a perennial favorite among bag enthusiasts. Introduced in the early 2010s, the PS11 gained popularity for its distinctive design and has maintained a dedicated following over the years.
Anna Kendrick nails effortless airport style in an edgy black leather jacket, sleek Proenza Schouler PS11 bag, and chic loafers while leaving her NYC hotel on October 28, 2016 (Credit: WENN)
Proenza Schouler’s Most Important Fashion and Footwear Collaborations
Proenza Schouler’s popularity means it collaborates with some of the most recognizable brands in the fashion and beauty industry, including MAC Cosmetics and J Brand. In 2020, the brand partnered with Birkenstock to create the must-have sandal of the year.
A reimagined pair of Birkenstock’s classic Arizona sandals made in collaboration with Proenza Schouler
Following its success, the collection was re-released in 2021 to meet the high demand for these stylish yet comfortable shoes.
This striking pair of two-band Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler slides combines glossy patent leather with contrast topstitching and a legendarily comfortable footbed
Birkenstock described their collaboration with Proenza Schouler as “inspired by utilitarian workwear and athletic footwear,” and emphasized that Proenza Schouler retained the integrity of Birkenstock’s iconic design while infusing elements of urbanism and luxury into the collection.
Olivia Palermo exudes effortless elegance at the Tibi Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, wearing a chic Tibi ‘Byzantine’ embroidery dress, Proenza Schouler suede booties, and an exotic Hermès ‘Jige’ croc-embossed clutch (Credit: MEINRADphotography / WENN)
Beyond Birkenstock: Proenza Schouler’s Modern Footwear Partnerships
While Proenza Schouler’s partnership with Birkenstock remains one of its most recognizable footwear collaborations, the brand has continued to explore new interpretations of comfort-driven luxury.
In October 2024, Proenza Schouler teamed up with Sorel to reimagine several of the heritage footwear company’s signature styles, including the Caribou Mule, adding contrast stitching, custom branding, and refined details that blended winter-ready functionality with the label’s contemporary aesthetic.
The same year, Proenza Schouler collaborated with Vans on a collection of elevated puffy slip-ons crafted from premium leather, featuring oversized proportions, co-branded footbeds, and fashion-forward updates to the California skate brand’s classic silhouettes.
Together with the Birkenstock partnership, these collaborations highlight Proenza Schouler’s ability to translate its design language across categories, creating shoes that feel modern and directional while remaining comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Celebrities Who Love Proenza Schouler Shoes and Fashion
Proenza Schouler has become a favorite among celebrities, with many showcasing the brand’s distinctive designs on various occasions.
Here are some of the most stylish moments featuring Proenza Schouler:
👠 Explore Proenza Schouler Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 👡 Bella Thorne’s Proenza Schouler square-buckle slide sandals added metallic polish to her pale blue Bottega Veneta mini dress in Taormina.
- 🦎 Jessica Alba’s reptilian Proenza Schouler dress and sculptural wedges turned a Tribeca Film Festival party into one of her boldest fashion moments.
- 👢 Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2014 shoes transformed domestic inspiration into artful runway footwear with the label’s experimental edge.
- ✨ Kirsten Dunst’s Proenza Schouler dress and bi-color pumps showed the brand’s sharper, more minimalist side on the red carpet.
- 🎬 Emma Watson’s lace-up Proenza Schouler sandals brought sculpted heels and cutout detail to her 2013 MTV Movie Awards look.
- 🩴 Hilary Duff’s Proenza Schouler Puffy slides gave skinny jeans and a Louis Vuitton backpack a relaxed, off-duty finish.
Another celebrity fan is Solange Knowles, who showcased her flair for fashion in a bright orange Proenza Schouler coat and a vibrant yellow dress. These moments highlight Proenza Schouler’s appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.
Kirsten Dunst stuns in a chic black lace Emilio Pucci dress, paired elegantly with Proenza Schouler d’Orsay pumps and a black satin headband, at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at JW Marriott in Los Angeles on April 23, 2013 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Brian To)
At the 2013 CFDA Fashion Awards, Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez won the Designer of the Year for Womenswear award.
At the CFDA Fashion Awards on June 3, 2013, Miranda Kerr showcased an elegant look in a Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2013 dress, paired with a Stuart Weitzman Keeping clutch and Stuart Weitzman Privacy ankle-strap pumps (Credit: PNP / WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image)
Proenza Schouler’s influence feels especially relevant in 2026 as fashion continues to embrace statement shoes that remain practical enough for everyday wear.
Several of the styles highlighted in our guide to the most wearable shoe trends of 2026—including elevated fisherman sandals, refined flat shoes, and fashion-forward comfort footwear—reflect design directions the New York label has helped popularize through its sculptural sandals, modern flats, and acclaimed Birkenstock collaborations.
Rather than chasing trends, Proenza Schouler has consistently anticipated them, which is why the brand remains a reference point for designers and shoppers looking for shoes that feel distinctive, contemporary, and genuinely wearable.