Before we know it, spring will be upon us – birds chirping, sunshine and all that. Once the weather is warmer, you will need to get on board with this season’s trends in men’s shoes. Not markedly different from Spring 2006, this spring the trend continues to be smaller, sleeker and less “chunky” men’s shoes. Heals are smaller, soles are rubber and near invisible and black and brown remain the colours of choice.
Here are the perfect options for your feet this season.
Boots
Black ankle boots are great for office wear. Wear them with your best black or gray slacks and you’ve got an awesome business look for spring. They also double as a terrific transitional item as well if you go out after work on occasion. They tend to add just the right touch of sophistication to an otherwise dressed down outfit.
Look for a nice square tow, a sleek profile and a small heel. Also, avoid lace up boots and, instead, look for one piece with elasticized entry or a zipper. Kenneth Cole and Hugo Boss both have perfect pairs available this spring.
Sneakers
Thanks to the high-end designers, sneakers are finally back from their exile to the gym. This time their intended game is fashion, so stay clear of running shoes and similar athletic shoes. Choose a pair that is either neutral in colour (be careful with all-white though) or subtly multi-coloured. You will be surprised how much wear you can get out of these too. Opt for a virtually flat-soled pair and wear them with vintage tees, modern washed jeans or cargo pants.
Car Shoe by Prada, Diesel and Steve Madden have some of the most stylish options in sneakers this season.
Casual Shoes
Avoid confusing these from the trendy new sneakers and this is easy to do. However, the key point is that, unlike sneakers, casual shoes will not be nearly as functional for various weather conditions or as comfortable for different activities. They can look similar but usually err on the side of slightly dressier than a sneaker. Again, Car Shoe by Prada offers casual shoes with combination soles in suede and rubber and, while incredibly comfortable for an afternoon at the movies or the mall, terribly unpractical for long walks and wet weather. Gucci also has some cool selections in casual shoes with their logo line.
Loafers
The loafer is back big time (although personally it has always been a staple in my shoe wardrobe). This year, sleek, soft and curvy is the look coupled with smaller rubber soles working exceptionally well to bring this popular shoe style in line with most casual and corporate outfits. Try to steer clear of any loafer with chunky heels or profiles and, avoid shiny leathers in this style this year.
Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, Gucci, Tods, Prada, Hugo Boss are among the leaders of this style of shoe.
Oxfords
The oxford is the stereotypical men’s dress shoe. This year they take the form of a slightly elongated profile, squared off but pointed toe (capped or uncapped) and are equally fashionable in low or high sheen leather.
Versace and Dolce and Gabbana both have incredible oxford variations this year.
Whatever your lifestyle, you can easily spruce up your spring shoe wardrobe and walk into any situation with fun and sophistication.
