A fashionable alternative to slippers, handcrafted Friulane shoes — also known as Furlane — are a Made in Italy staple that has become one of the most sought-after styles worldwide. Their recycled rubber sole, made from repurposed bicycle tires, combined with a luxurious upper fabric delivers an effortless combination of comfort and elegance.
The most traditional Friulana velvet slipper was once simply solid black, adorned with a small embroidered flower bouquet at the center. Over time, colorful velvet, contrasting piping, printed and burnout velvet, and even precious fabrics like silk and brocade transformed each handcrafted pair into a versatile work of art — modern in spirit, yet faithful to its traditional roots.
Whether worn as chic and comfortable house slippers or as a polished accessory to an evening dress, they never go unnoticed.
Discover our TRADIZIONALE and TRADIZIONALE BICOLOR velvet slippers collections, available in over 30 color variations.
But why choose a Friulana over any other flat shoe — and shouldn't we give them the title they truly deserve: the Friulana shoe?
Quality
Originally designed to support a dynamic stride and guarantee all-day comfort, Friulane shoes — also known as Furlana, Papussa, or Venetian shoe — are equally at home during a relaxed afternoon indoors and at an aperitif or candlelit dinner. Their timeless elegance, brought up to date through the use of burnout velvets, brocades, and precious silks, makes them an excellent choice for completing formal looks alongside elegant dresses and fine fabrics.
Comfort
When choosing a flat shoe, comfort over a full day of wear is everything. The Friulana delivers on every count: a precise fit with no uncomfortable seams or rough edges, a well-constructed sole with no exposed stitching or adhesive, and a sturdy yet flexible rubber base paired with a comfortable insole. All of these qualities come as standard in every Friulana, whether in the traditional velvet or a more refined silk version.
The Friulana shoe — known locally as "scarpetz" — originates from the mountain villages of the Friuli region in northeastern Italy. For generations, women handcrafted these shoes from whatever materials were available: jute sacks, old sheets, repurposed fabrics. Their comfort and practicality soon caught on beyond the mountains, and gondoliers in Venice adopted them as their shoe of choice, appreciating that the rubber soles left the delicate lacquered wood of the boats undamaged. That tradition of skilled handmaking has been passed down through families ever since, and to this day no industrial machine has been able to replicate the artisan's touch.
A genuine pair of Friulane can be recognized immediately by their hand-sewn sole and heel and their characteristic hand-stitched seam.
Durability
Friulane shoes were born out of the ingenuity of mountain communities in Friuli Venezia Giulia, where nothing was wasted and creativity turned humble materials — jute coffee sacks, grain-transport cloth — into something beautiful and lasting. That spirit of endurance is built into every pair made today.
Their durability is anchored by the rubber sole made from recycled bicycle tires, making them equally suited for indoor and outdoor wear. Think of it this way: if a bicycle tire can handle the road, your Friulana can handle your day. And they do it softly, thanks to the cotton velvet or fine fabric upper that sits gently against the foot.
The velvet versions may show light signs of wear over time, but they are easy to revive with gentle circular brushing or a quick steam. Because the interior is fully stitched, they are also easy to wash on a delicate machine cycle — a rare convenience in a shoe of this quality. For a full guide, see our velvet flat care and maintenance guide.
For pairs made in silk or more delicate fabrics, we recommend checking the care label or skipping the machine altogether and opting for a gentle hand wash.
Mar Soreli Friulane are available at Marsoreli.com in a wide range of colors, prints, and fabric variations — the perfect solution for both casual dressing and more formal occasions, from a dinner with friends to a romantic weekend away.
Discover our newest collections: INDIA and LIMITED EDITION.
Style
If you are looking for a comfortable shoe that elevates any look, the Friulana is your answer. The perfect hybrid between a slipper and a ballerina flat, it moves effortlessly from casual outfits to elegant evening wear.
Originally designed to support a dynamic stride, these shoes found their way from the mountain villages of Friuli to the canals of Venice, where they became the preferred shoe of gondoliers — prized for their comfort on long shifts and their rubber soles that left the boats' wooden lacquer unscathed. They were equally at home at an evening party, worn with a fine dress and embellished with embroidery or beads.
In recent years, the Friulana has become a must-have in Italian fashion, embraced by celebrities and discerning tastemakers alike. Their casual-chic appeal shows no sign of slowing, and they pair beautifully with virtually any outfit.
Occasions
Known variously as Friulane, Furlane, or Papusse — the name women in the Friuli region gave them — these flat shoes have traveled a remarkable journey: from peasant origins, through the palaces of Venetian nobility, to the front rows of international fashion. They are comfortable, classy, and refined, and they embody the Italian Dolce Vita at its most wearable.
Casual-chic enough for a stroll outdoors, polished enough for a formal dinner — the Friulana adapts to whatever the day calls for. Depending on the color and fabric, they complement everything from jeans to cocktail attire. Traditional cotton velvet versions are machine washable, making them as easy to care for as they are beautiful. Should the velvet show any surface marks or stains, a gentle circular brush or a quick steam is all it takes to restore them. For more detail, visit our velvet flat care and maintenance guide.
Seasonless
Friulane are the ideal transition shoe — the answer to those weeks between summer sandals and winter boots. But their appeal extends well beyond autumn. Picture a cold winter evening or a mountain retreat: slip on a pair of Friulana velvet slippers with our soft, warm InnBamboo socks, settle in front of a fireplace with a Spritz in hand, and you will understand exactly why these shoes have endured for generations. InnBamboo socks are available at Marsoreli.com in a range of playful matching colors.
Some say Venice holds the key to the romantic language of Italy. We say it must be the shoes the gondoliers wear. With their non-slip bicycle-tire rubber soles and a palette of rich colors crafted by the artisans of Friuli, a pair of Friulane is one of the most stylish and comfortable decisions you can make — whatever the season, whatever the occasion.
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