Shoe Trends for Spring 2008

Prompted by a recent reader inquiry, I went over to Neiman Marcus’ Shoe Trend site, which I haven’t peeked at yet for this season. As per usual, I found plenty of tempting options. So, like any good blogger, I’m now here to spread the word.

Heel Detail

You may recognize a number of these from the runway shows, because they tend to go heavy on the dramatic flare. These Fendi cage heels walked the Great Wall of China and these Prada flowery sandals made an organic statement in Milan back in September. Now they can be yours for $690 and $790, respectively.

Metallics

Personally, I’m of the opinion that a metallic shoe is always a great way to spruce up an outfit. In any season. If you agree, you might want to snap up a pair right now, when there are so many options available. You can get your metallic fix in everything from a classic Kate Spade loafer to a pewter Donald J Pliner t-strap to a Valentino multi-tone platform.

Floral

What says spring more than floral-embellished shoes? Try a pair of cheerful Manolo Blahnik’s with the Marimekko patterns that we mentioned back here, or a pretty and understated Bettye Muller (whose designs we Shoebloggers always love), or–to be kinder on your tootsies–any color of these Costablanca suede thongs.

Woven

Here’s a trend we haven’t seen for a few years now, and I’m glad it’s back. Woven shoes have an earthy, organic sort of look that I always like for the warm weather months. What shoes are here to feel the natural inspiration? Well, there’s this Frye low wedge sandal (in a handful of pretty colors) and this Stella McCartney wedge (also note it covers you for the metallic and decorative heel trends, all in one fell swoop) and the Cole Haan Air Bria (in gold or silver and thereby also hitting the right metallic note), to name a few.

Gladiator Sandals

Nope, they’re not gone. They’ve been the ubiquitous trendy sandal for the past several years, but I’m not complaining. I always like a shoe that mixes elements. Refined and rough. Masculine and feminine. And the gladiator sandal does that, whether it’s a glamazon version by Stuart Weitzman, a buckled and studded strappy one by Claudia Ciuti, or a basic brown leather Dolce & Gabbana.

Safari

The final trend is the one you have to be most careful of. When you start getting anywhere near animal prints, you’ve got to be careful not too go too over the top. I’d recommend sticking with things that are a little more toned down like this Oscar de la Renta mini-wedge. Or get a safari-esque look by sidestepping animal prints in favor of wooden embellishments, like on this t-strap sandal by Shoesense’s guru, Robert Clergerie. Because, while I dearly love Taryn Rose shoes and all they stand for, their take on the safari style is WAY too much in my book.

So go, Shoeblog readers. Find your spring shoes armed with trend awareness. It’s a fine line between trendy for its own sake and trendy in a way that will last into future springs to come. But you can do it. You’re savvy people.

Giuseppe Zanotti Tricolor Patent Slingbacks

Aren’t these absolutely scrumptious? True, impossibly tall, but flirty and feminine, something I’d expect Betty Boop to wear–if she were ever in color. The Giuseppe Zanotti sandals are  $550 at Intermix.

Asos: British goodness

Judging by his brow-raising, heavy sighing, and piercing stares when it comes to my expanded (90+) shoe collection, you’d think my husband is your typical male, impenetrable to the allure of footwear. Not so! He’s a veritable shoe snob of extremely discriminating taste, who knows exactly what he wants, and usually gets it.

And as a rule, he gets it from the UK. There is something about British craftsmanship that is just irresistible to him. Plus, the cost of shipping to the US is usually absorbed by the fact that they deduct the VAT (which can be around 20%, so quite substantial).

I’ve thought of that when browsing the famous Asos shop, a site I don’t usually visit so I don’t feel envious of our British fashionistas for having such cheap, adorable choices at their manicured fingertips.

But you know what? I might consider international shipping charges for these adorable colorblock slingbacks (say that three times in a row, fast):

They’re made by Bertie (anyone know this brand?) and cost $120 (£60).

These Asos cutout snakeskin silver flats are only about $60 (£30):

These adorable Scorah Pattullo ankle laced low heels are now on sale for $184 (£92), more than half off:

And these Swear gold-and-black contrast shoes–only about $62 (£31)–are positively glamorous:

Have you every ordered shoes from abroad? How was your experience? My husband’s experience with British retailers has been stellar (for one thing, Royal Mail is faster than USPS and absolutely reliable, and for another, see the VAT issue, above). I’m seriously tempted by this Asos cuteness!

Cute, comfortable, supportive shoes: Do they exist?

…So ponders our commenter Susan two posts ago. Jitterbugbaby has already addressed some cute choices, and here I am to confirm that yes, the kind of shoes that Susan craves are my kind of shoes–cute, comfy, with some arch support (perhaps a little wedge). And yes, they do exist, amid the sea of flat-as-a-pancake or steep-as-the-Himalayas choices out there.

Apart from brands like Taryn Rose, Anyi Lu, and Cole Haan, which immediately spring to mind, I would recommend also Thierry Rabotin, Arche, Aquatalia, Icon, Paul Green, Sesto Meucci, Donald Pliner (to a limited extend, though!) and Cordani. The Cordani Linea Blu is especially affordable and has plenty of arch support (very comfy in my experience)–check out the Minna model, now 50% off ($112):

I have a pair of black Linea Blue ankle boots, sort of basic, with a 1-inch wedge, and I swear, they’ve been my most practical, comfortable, go-to shoes all winter.

And if you can afford the price tag ($300+), you can’t go wrong with a pair of Thierry Rabotin shoes. They are definitely the most comfortable shoes I own–lightweight, great arch support, great fit overall. While they are not the most stylish, they are definitely classy, elegant, and extremely well made. The Thierry Rabotin Gina is handsome and heavenly comfy ($410 at Arthur Beren Shoes):

Another pleasant surprise I’ve had lately was a pair of Loeffler Randall nude twist-knot peep-toe, which come with a sliver of a wedge–great fit, super-comfortable. I got mine on sale a few months ago, but I think they use the same last for a bunch of their models–like this one, whimsically titled “Celery” ($395 at Plaza Too):

The picture doesn’t really show the wedge, but trust me, it’s there.

One of my favorite luxury brands that does comfort well without compromising on style is Robert Clergerie (and its lower-end sister brand, Espace). I’m currently coveting these gorgeous wedges ($554 at Zappos):

If you need a pair of stylish yet comfortable shoes and don’t know where to start, try looking for one of the brands Jitterbugbaby or I recommended. Try to get shoes with some cushioning and a hint of a (chunky) heel or wedge. A little bit of platform goes a long way, too! Then pay attention to the inside of the shoe: is it flat-as-a-pancake, or is it molded to support your arch (like the Cordani Minna model, the first shoe in this post)? That detail can make all the difference sometimes. Also, go for a comfortable width for the shape of your feet–I take a B (Medium), but some people need A, or AAA, or C. Width is also crucial in the fit of your shoes and is often neglected, as most manufacturers assume that all feet are a medium width. Um….not true.

Susan, your shoes are out there. Good luck finding your perfect fit!

‘Love Marc’ Heels

Sure, it seems rather narcissistic for Marc Jacobs to create a shoe with “love marc” prints but this low heel is quite cute and sure to be a hit with MJ fans everywhere.

Marc by Marc Jacobs “Love Marc” Low Heel available at Eluxury for $275.