In 2015, a new Australian shoe and accessories brand Izoa launched with a familiar designer on board: Nikki Hager, the founder of defunct brand PeepToe Shoes was the label’s creative designer.
PeepToe collapsed in early 2014 reportedly owing over $A1,000,000 and it remains to be seen whether Izoa can make a success of business.
As at 2022, Izoa Australia seems to be alive and well as a business but it doesn’t seem to be selling shoes any more – just accessories. Any heels remaining on the brand’s website are in the sale category.
This might be a good business move. One concern we raised about PeepToe was whether $200 was too much to pay for a pair of mass-produced, Chinese-made shoes.
Izoa’s heel from its first range were around that price-point too (we couldn’t find a mention of where they’re made but China is a fair bet). The market has only got more competitive since the new business launched.
On the other hand, it is a little sad that Izoa doesn’t seem to be selling shoes any more. Some of their first range designed by Nikki Hager did really stand out and “pop” (PeepToe became a bit boring in the end).
It’s a shame because if Izoa could get Australian women obsessed about a locally designed shoe brand (remember the queues at the PeepToe sales back in the day?) then it could have been on a winner. Let’s hope they go back to adding high heels to their store in time.
More pictures of the funky lime green range designed by Nikki Hager for Izoa’s first season are below.
