Shoe blog

Super Sneaker Trends for Spring/Summer 2011

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Sneakers

You don’t have to wear heels to like designer shoes; the two are by no means mutually exclusive. The lineup of sneaker trends for Spring/Summer 2011 are so hot, they’re practically dressy anyway – but then, this is coming from the kind of girl who will wear Converse hightops with pinstripes and Doc Martens with a dress. What?

Speaking of which, as you can see in the featured shot, hightops are hot in the coming season. Christian Louboutin is actually working several different trends with his Rantus Orlato Trainer Suede and Metallic Lace-Up Sneakers ($645 at Saks). As stated, hightops are in, the funkier the better. Sneakers in Spring are celebrating colorful, funky ’80s and ’90s fashion – for better or for worse. Louboutin is also paying homage to the metallic madness that’ll be taking everyone by storm.

Jimmy Choo Tokyo Hi-Top Sneakers

Jimmy Choo is all over the hightop trend too, but he’s got a subtler take on it, something more subdued and earthy, as you can see in his Suede/Patent Leather Tokyo Hi-Top Sneakers ($495 at Saks).  In spite of the subtler color palette, these are still quite hip, but they represent something you could wear on a day to day basis with quite a few outfits.

With these, Jimmy Choo is also incorporating several different trends.  In addition to marketing a hot new hightop, these sneakers feature suede, which will play a big part in the sneaker-verse.  It’s a great style, because while you have the comfort and functionality of a sneaker, you also get to wear something fashionable.  These sneakers also have patent leather trim, and you definitely want to pay attention to that.  Take a look:

Prada Cap Toe Patent Sneakers

Prada is taking things a little lower.  Low tops are still the bee’s knees for Spring of 2011, and what they lack in height, they make up for in color and details.  Prada’s Cap Toe Patent Sneakers ($295 at Saks) mimic the styling of iconic favorites like Converse, except for the big trend they showcase: patent leather.  As with suede styling, you’ll be seeing a lot of sneakers dressed up in patent leather.

Again, this allows for the functional and fashionable option.  You might not want to wear your sneakers when you go out for a night of dinner and dancing, obviously, but dinner and a movie?  You’re A-OK with that.  Although, you might like the next option even better…

Cole Haan Air Laurie Patent Leather Sneakers

If you’re more into Nike than Converse, but want a more upscale version of the old favorite, Cole Haan may well be the perfect choice.  These Cole Haan Air Laurie Patent Leather Sneakers ($95 at Saks) continue the patent leather trend, and offer a lot of vibrancy in addition to a ton of comfort.  The shine comes from the colorful varieties as well as the patent leather, of course.  These look just as good with jeans as they do with your favorite workout outfit.

Of course, old favorites such as Nike, Reebok, Converse, and others are offering a lot of hot looks this spring as well.  Vans has some awesome hipster shoes on the market, and if you want a fancier sneaker, take a look at some of the patent leather accented options Burberry has to offer.  You definitely won’t be disappointed!

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Trainer Suede and Metallic Lace-Up Sneakers, $645 at Saks

Jimmy Choo Suede/Patent Leather Tokyo Hi-Top Sneakers, $495 at Saks

Prada Cap Toe Patent Sneakers, $295 at Saks

Cole Haan Air Laurie Patent Leather Sneakers, $98 at Saks