Spring has finally sprung here on the East Coast, but rain is on the way for this weekend.

And thus is inaugurated this year’s discussion of warm weather rain shoes.

Until now, I’ve been partial to the Kelly from Kate Spade, especially in this pretty chocolate/lemon color combo (which is only $116 at Zappos).

But another solution has just presented itself. SWIMS. Yes, that’s right. Like the watery sport. But these aren’t your typical water shoes.

No. SWIMS are Norwegian-designed galoshes like your grandpa used to wear in old man fuddy duddy fashion. But don’t think you’ll look like gramps when you slip these on over your cute but non-water-resistant footwear, because these are CUTE.

The women’s style comes in 5 colors (liquorish, pearl, bubble gum, chocolate, and lemon), and will keep your own shoes protected snugly and safely in the rain.

Of course, they won’t help with high heels, and they recommend going up a size if your shoes are super long and pointy in the toe. But this makes a great deal of sense, if you ask me. Instead of hunting down one pair of shoes to wear with your rainy day outfits, you can just slip these on and keep your shoes matched nicely with your outfit.

Pricewise, they’re not that terrible. The site (which ships internationally) has them for 75 Euro (at the moment, just under $120), which is about what you’d be paying for those cute Kate Spades up top. Only these can go with all your other shoes, too.

Seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it.

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This Kate Spade “Hera” pump has enough saccharine to sweeten the coffee supply of an army of Microsoft programmers on deadline. They’re sugar and spice and everything nice, with sugar on top, and a cherry. You think you’ve mastered girlie style? Not really–not until you’ve walked in these shoes. They’re $318 at Nordstrom.

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Yellow is a hard color to pull off, especially when it’s on your shoes. I never owned yellow shoes, and I’m pretty sure that since the time I turned 12 I never wore anything yellow.

This spring, however, things are going to change. Yellow is big, and some of yellow shoes proposed by the designers are positively delightful. Every year I make one big shoe resolution–a couple of years ago it was throwing out my high heels; last year was buying more peep-toes; and this year, I think I’m going to make the leap to yellow.

I’m not sure what to choose though, especially when the choices are so varied!

Cynthia Vincent Sophie in black and yellow, 270 at Piperlime.

Kenneth Cole Button Up yellow suede flat, $120 at Piperlime.

Rafe Irina bow flat, $220 at Piperlime.

Dolce Vita Moritz peep-toe Mary Jane, $100 at Piperlime.

Frye Cameron skimmer, $148 at Piperlime.

AK Anne Klein Foxie, $89 at Piperlime.

Paul Green Vienna thong sandal, $219 at Zappos.

Kate Spade satin and crystals sandal, $299 at Zappos.

Gabriella Rocha Studio Cota, $109 at Zappos.

Franco Sarto Fancy, $89 at Piperlime.

Tory Burch Reva2, $195 at Plaza Too.

Chie Mihara Quake flat, $310 at Nordstrom.

…I’ll tell you what, I’m going to go and mull over this for a while…

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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.

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Today is the first day of spring.  The Kate Spade ‘Puzzle’ flat welcomes the new season with a burst of sunflower and sunshine yellow.  Can’t tell which shoe goes on the left or right feet?  No matter, the pair fit perfectly together.

Kate Spade puzzle flats; $295 at KateSpade.com

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