The Fashion Week runways have brought some pretty interesting shoe trends for spring 2016. From stilettos to sneakers, statement heels, classic oxfords, and, of course, sandals in breath-taking transformations (yes, it’s true…designers from Paris to New York decided to get a bit wild with their footwear) that are bound to steal your heart. No matter what your favourite style is, you’ll get plenty of shoes to wear. If, for example, you take a practical (and minimal) approach to your footwear, sneakers are uber sporty and comprise excellent options to accompany you from day to night. The same applies to simple boots and flat sandals that were also fashioned strongly in all four cities. However, the ones that stole our attention were the “statement” shoes. From the intricately embellished options shown at Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci to mixed-media rocker metallic boots we saw sashaying at Miu Miu and Rodarte, one thing is for sure: they are NOT for the faint of heart!
What we also noticed is that the very chunky heels from Fall/Winter 2015 have given their place to more elegant designs. Also, there was a significant divide between whimsical and extraordinarily fun shoes (see Givenchy and Marc Jacobs) to more understated architectural designs (i.e. Proenza Schouler).
But enough with the intros…
We present you the best of the best shoe trends that, we believe, will monopolize your interest next year! Here is your cheat sheet to what is to be worn 3 months from now! Enjoy!
The 9 Dominating Shoe Trends for Spring 2016:
1. 3D Embroidery – shoes with various adornments and beading
2. Straps and flat laces with corsetry detailing on every single type of shoes.
3. Espadrilles-style shoes
4. Victorian booties
5. Athletic footwear (après-workout sandals and sneakers, many of which with thick outsoles).
6. Pointed toe shapes
7. Floral prints
8. Western inspired ankle boots
9. Kitten Heels
Shoe Trends as Presented in NYFW:
1. Oscar De la Renta
Image: allfashiontrends
Doused with colourful uppers and embellishments that pop, the mostly simple espadrille and pump shapes are to die for. If I had to choose, I’d definitely pick the pale turquoise pumps with the lovely crimson red flower and the partial outsole. They are just so feminine that I can’t resist (although runways have fashioned gender-neutral and androgynous elements)!
2. Tamara Mellon
Image: qunel
We are used to seeing footwear-heavy collections from the Show Queen! Her latest collection is, once again, ultra-wearable and fresh, and attracts the eye with the divine blends of greens and blues!
3. BOSS
Image: tokyofashioguide
Minimal? Yes. Simple? Absolutely not! Of course, plexiglass hybrid heels are still dominant figures in 2016. How couldn’t they? They are totally wearable. However, I can’t help but wondering how we could wear BOSS’ mules and their crazy high heels. Well, maybe they decide to scale them down a bit before they make available for retail.
And, since Jason Wu designed BOSS’ Spring/Summer shoe collection, his namesake label also left clean and linear aesthetics. That said, both collections were fantastic, although I think that Wu’s own collection has shoes that are slightly easier to wear.
4. Marc Jacobs
Image: footwearnews
The craziest designer shoe collection that we laid eyes on the Spring/Summer 2016 runways without a doubt! Perhaps, the tamest of their shoes and throwbacks was the Converse-inspired pointed-toe sneaker. Other than that, the 70s disco and Victorian era reigned. As for those ankle booties with the baby doll hands sewn on them, there are no words. If you want a showstopper, you just found one! Expect the ultimate love-hate relationship that will certainly sparkle things up!
5. Alive+Olivia
Image: shoe-tease
Heavily embroidered slip-on flats, caged high-heel, lace-up gladiator sandals, and patterned heels are distinct features that left us in awe. One thing is for sure; there is nothing tame here! However, we must say that they did resemble last season’s gladiators we saw sported by Sophia Webster quite a bit.
6. Alexander Wang
Image: pinterest
You are either going to love them or totally hate them. Models sashayed with Alexander Wang’s studded shoes and the crowds went nuts. Full of glam and sassy in nature, the “studs” made an impression. As for the cage slip ons and chain detail sandals, they were tremendous, although some said they studs were nothing but snap buttons. If one thing still puzzles us is in regards the stiletto heels that adorned enormous platforms. Anyways, admittedly, the Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2016 shoe collection was a definite improvement from last season.
7. Givenchy
Image: slffashion
We fall head over heels with Givenchy’s take on the Victorian era bootie. Creative ingenuity, backless designs, and mixed materials were at play. Although every single piece was fab, the silver lace up mule will become my personal statement pair of shoes, paired with a white shirt dress!
8. Cynthia Rowley
Image: shoe-tease
Having a pair of Cynthia Rowley’s shoe collection for this spring is an absolute must. What’s not to love? The large hardware, the color blocking, the enormous studded heels on Rowley’s sandals, everything is just stellar. Although I am a huge fan of sneakers, this shoe collection is definitely among the most favorite ones of the New York Fashion Week.
9. M Missoni
Image: pinterest
These ones are a riot. Colorful, less crazy than Marc Jacobs, and more casual to fit all occasions from day to night. Besides easily wearable, they are also flirty and so much fun, especially the pink printed wedges with the little red baubles and green accent!
10. Calvin Klein Collection
Image: pinterest
Adored the fab floral print and pulled raffia uppers and found the chain detail an interesting and fun touch adorning the ankle!
Note: We also saw stunning prints and gorgeous fabrics at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s show collection, although not a personal fave.
11. RED Valentino
Image: laiamagazine
It is obvious that RED Valentino is into pastels for this spring. The shoes? Pretty and feminine as can be! We may dare to add that the patterns on the lace up booties and the socks with the kitten heels are every girlie girl’s dream come true!
