The fashion industry predicts seasonal footwear trends way in advance. You may still be rocking your cosy chunky boots and last year’s nail varnish, but Spring is here and its time to think about your own SS19 look. Here is what is trending on the footwear runway and the pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire:
Feathers
A highly impractical look, great for adding to any summer time allergies. A chiq look for the chicks out there! Create your own look with a few dropped pigeon feathers and a Prit stick.
Platforms
The 70’s vibe is back, although it never really went away. A good platform can be very comfortable like a Superga platform sneaker, but not for the unstable ankle. Falling in a platform can be as dangerous as falling off a kerb. Go for a smaller platform to keep feet on form, not to deform!
Mules and the ‘barely there’ sandal
So feminine, a really girly care-free look, but hardly up to the rigours of a busy active life. Watch-out for cracks in pavements, rogue children, shopping trolleys and excitable dogs. Save for the evening and parties, but avoid dancing with men with size 16 left feet and avoid the cocktails slippages on the floor! A good pedicure is a must for this look and a trip to the podiatrist to get rid of any hard skin and corns. Tip: Rough the sole up any new sandal with sandpaper before wearing out to reduce slipping. Vionic have a lovely barely there sandal for summer with built in orthotic support.
Animal Prints
Animal prints are great fun and can add a sassy touch to any outfit, but don’t go for the full animal print look or you could be the pantomime dame. Subtle is definitely more with animal prints. There are snakeskin, leopard print, zebra and tiger, but never go for the real thing. Fake is best, shame to the rest!
Boots For All Seasons
If you can’t quite let go of your Winter boots then carry on wearing them, but ankle is best. Ankle boots go great with cut down denim shorts, short skirts and will go great with this year’s ‘Prairie’ look. Boots are great for the more unstable ankle, but keep to a low chunky heel. You may want to insert a pair of odour eaters for sweeter smelling feet, or you could chop the toebox off to be completely in Vogue. Note: Any closed in footwear is a fungal nail risk in warmer, muggy weather.
Buckles
Buckle are great for the edgy look. Podiatrists love them in offering good a good shoe fit and accommodating for swollen puffy feet when the weather gets hot or on long haul flights. Birkenstock own and have been rocking this look for years. They know how to keep feet comfortable and supported during the long hazy days of summer, when having fun at home or abroad. They have shed the original hippy perception of flower power. They are now power for your feet.
Nautical
You thought this would be boat shoes, but its the rope, slip-snot look, putting a spin on the espadrille. Not built to last, a bit basic, but a simple laid back summer look. Maybe you could pop to the haberdasher shop and buy some cotton piping braid, then replace your sneaker laces or glue around your sole to be bag on trend ? Only a suggestion. Leave it to Superga to style this look with their great hessian platform sole.
Teva Style Sandals
This is the podiatrist’s dream sandal and socks are optional. Got good supportive and contoured soles, fully adjustable. Will not let you down trekking or pottering around town. The ultimate Teva sandal is the Joya ID Casual for serious Teva fashionistas. The rocker sole absorbs all that the ground will throw and maximise the bounce in one’s step. Superlative comfort to energise the foot.
Women are spoilt for choice and there is something for everyone, but at the end of the day there has to be a element of sensibility and practicality. Save the feathers for evenings, look great on slipper kitten heels with the negligee, but shopping! Have fun, but play safe. Words from a podiatist who would love to wear a 6″ heel.
