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It’s time for one of my favorite posts to do each season: shoe trends! Although I love clothing shopping, I’m generally very happy with my closet these days and mostly in maintenance mode. While my wishlist is long my purchases are much fewer than they used to be. With not much needed in the way of clothing, accessories are now where most of my purchasing fun comes from! I like to update my necklaces, scarves and hats every so often.
The most fun to update? My shoes! Shoes are a guiltless purchase for me because they wear out regularly and need replacing. Living in NYC I average about 15,000 steps taken every day! (And that’s before my HIIT classes at Orange Theory, where I average another 8,000 steps or so per class.) Even my highest quality shoes that I wear everyday tend to last about 3 years maximum which leaves plenty of opportunity for new shoes, new shoes, new shoes!!
This post is therefore devoted to five pairs of shoes I’m already seeing all over and I predict you will be too. I’ve also got some of my personal favorites in this post, tips on how to find trendy shoes for less and would love to hear your faves and tips in the comments!!
First up: knotted details are something we can expect to see all over this Spring. From the back of sweaters to the front of blouses to shoes, knots are showing up all over the place already! The West Coast Slides ($23-$85, above) retail for $85 normally but thanks to discount sites are available for much less in selected sizes and colors. They come in several colors ranging from the pale blue shown in the image topping this post to metallic gold. Another bonus of these shoes? They’re incredibly comfortable and generally very highly-rated. The leather foot pad is so soft, and the flatform has a flexy-foamy material that feels much like walking on a cloud!
In terms of sizing I found my usual size 9 to be a perfect fit — however, my friends who have tinier feet (below a size 7) noted that they felt better sizing down, so a 6 instead of their usual 7 for example. Below, I’ve provided multiple store and price point options for these shoes — and will do so for all subsequent shoes in this post!
Another trend you can expect to see everywhere in shoes? Ruffles. I’ve noticed many of my fellow bloggers already swooning over the Ruffle Wedge Heels ($98, above in navy) and I totally understand why. As wedges, these heels are comfortable and easy to walk in. The ankle strap and toe straps are both soft, not tough on skin, and the raffia mixed with suede is a soft and lovely combination.
These shoes seem to run true to size and come in three colors: a nude, a navy, and a lovely soft pink.
Booties aren’t going away for Spring or Summer but as everyone knows, as the weather gets warmer ‘boot stank’ can become a problem. That oh so (not) lovely smell of foot sweat and bacteria is a total yucky no-no. How to combat it? Booties with breathability like the Orwell/Cromwell Boots ($175-$208). I provide two product names here because these are basically the same boot; one has metal accents on the soles and one does not. As far as I can tell Anthropologie is the exclusive retailer of the Cromwell version which comes in dark grey, pink, nude and the tan you see above. The Orwell comes in several colors and various finishes including smooth, suede, and faux snakeskin. They’ve restocked these boots a couple of times and I’m told they’ll do so at least once more.
More below after the Orwell metal-sole version…
The cut-in heel is a visually appealing detail that doesn’t affect the overall comfort of these booties. These run true to size and are sure to provide a nice polish to any outfit all year long.
The knots are back! This time, in a cute d’orsay flat. This is a trend that started last year at the high-end boutiques and is now filtering down to midrange retail. I expect it to have at least a couple of years of staying power, so if your concern is whether these shoes will be passé or not next year, I don’t think you’ll have to worry.
I’ve seen lots of takes on this trend but by far my favorite are these Ballet Flat ($70), which come in several colors and textures and have the slightest bit of a heel for comfort. Right now these are available only via limited retail channels so of all the shoes in this post I’d recommend investing in these first, because I doubt they’ll be restocked once the current inventory sells through. Go with your usual shoe size in these, and expect to need to break them in for about an hour around the apartment with thick socks on before you wear them out.
The final trendy shoe I’m sure we’ll see all over the place this Spring and Summer actually came out last year, so I’m a little behind the curve on this one, but is still proving to be quite popular this year. With its thick heel and pointy toe the Zala Pump ($48-$160) certainly makes a statement! As I’ve hit my 30s it’s suddenly harder for me to walk in stilettos so I very much appreciate the current thick-heeled trend very much. These pumps have the added bonus of being comfy, especially if you have narrow feet, and very good arch support.
These tend to come into stock and fly off the sites quickly, probably because they’re so cute and comfy! The good news is that since these are a year-old style now the pump has hit the discount sites too, so depending on your size and color preference you may be able to snag these for a real deal. I’ve shared a bunch of outfits featuring these pumps to my Street Style Pinterest board — follow along for tons of outfit inspiration, updated weekly (or so.)
Let’s talk about a few of my personal favorites.
- Although I’ve picked a new wedge sandal above that I think will rule Instagram this year, last year’s top wedge sandal is still going strong too! You can grab it now at a significant discount and expect to look just as on-trend this year. (So funny how that works, isn’t it?) It comes in both perforated and non-perforated versions. The wedge height on this shoe is no joke though! If you’re already tall like me this may be too much heel for you. More buying options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
- Looking for a timeless classic? Black low-top Converse sneakers never go out of style. Right now there are several great versions of this shoe on sale, here are four of my favorites: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (More in the shoppable boutique below, including more colors!)
- Dressy sneakers are in general becoming a major trend. You basically want to look for sneakers that have either sleek tones of the same color, or neutral tones with a pop of one color. One of my favorite ‘trendy’ sneakers just so happens to be my favorite half-marathon sneaker, and here are some more options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
- Loafer slides aren’t going anywhere either. You could spend $600+ on the Gucci version…or get one of these cute interpretations instead: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (there’s the knot trend again! run small)
This Spring I’m on the hunt for a pair of bright red d’orsay flats with a slight heel for arch support. What shoes are you loving for Spring? Below, my Spring 2018 shoe trend shopping boutique!
I love trend posts like this! Good to know that I am on track for this Season 😉 I love all the ruffles and bows on shoes for the Spring!
Author
I can't get enough ruffles in my life, ever.
I’ll take one of each please! I love the platform trend!
xo!
Taylor | styleiseverythingblog.com
Author
I do too, when they're not too high at least. At 5'8" I don't really need any extra height, but I'll take the comfort for sure!
I love the flats and the espadrilles – I need a new pair of both for spring! Thanks for sharing lovely
Author
You're so welcome Taylor!
I am all about the espadrille wedge life! They’re my favorites.
xo Laura Leigh louellareese.com
Author
Totally, me too. Wedges are such an easy way to show off my legs without worrying about getting a heel caught in Soho cobblestones.
I need all of these shoes. The wedges are really cute and I love the ones with the simple ruffles by the toes. So many fun options!
Author
Yes those wedges are giving me life!! The ruffles are just the right size to be cute but not overpowering.
I love the knotted detailing and yesss to chunky heels- so much more comfy! Just ordered a couple pairs.
Author
Amazing! I completely agree, chunky heels are a girl's best friend.
These are all so cute!! Love Spring fashion, especially excited to see all of the cute Spring wedges!
Kileen
cute & little
Author
Me too! Bring on the warmer weather and my pasty white legs that need a tan, lol. And cute shoes of course. 🙂
So many great pairs here! I love this round up!! Anything with the knots I want!!
Author
I feel the same way Ruth!
Obsessed with all of these shoes! You have some great picks, my faves are the very first pair though! So Cute!
XO-Lisa thatssodarling.com
Author
Thank you Lisa! Those are probably my favorite too.
Some fun options here Roxy. I’m in Utah & we’re still getting snow but Ibam SO ready for spring! OT but does anyone here have any experience with pop backs at Sundance? I got a catalog in the mail & found a dress I really want for my upcoming beach trip to Mexico but when I got online to order it, it’s already sold out. I used the online chat feature & was told there are no plans to restock. Boo! Has anyone had any luck stalking Sundance’s site for returns?
Author
I have seen popbacks happen at Sundance! Last year around this time there was a leather jacket I loved, and it sold out almost immediately, but over the following few weeks I'd see sizes pop back as people returned what they decided not to keep.
Thank you Roxy! That gives me hope. I will stalk because I really NEED (no, just really want) this dress for the beach.
Be sure to check eBay and Poshmark. I buy tons from Sundance, and when I tire of something/change sizes/change my mind I always resell. Some people buy everything up from the clearance sales specifically to list for sale online. 🙂
Author
Good point Sara! And WOW that people buy with the intent to resell. It kind of boggles the mind!
I have a job that is my primary income but seriously Roxy, SO MANY women out there are full time resellers on eBay and Poshmark. I think it’s the latest trend in stay-at-home mom business, or even just self employment. I don’t make any money, I rarely even break even on what I sell but it doesn’t bother me since I’m just cleaning out my personal closet. Ladies I know diligently shop clearance sales, thrift shops, etc. to flip clothes and keep spreadsheets, have weekly goals, pay taxes lol! It’s a thing!
Cute shoes!
OT, does anyone know what happened to the floral colorway printed denim pencil skirt? https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/denim-pencil-s…
All sizes seem to have disappeared online. Has Anyone see it in a store? I am looking for a size 2. TIA
Author
It looks as though in true Anthropologie-as-of-late fashion, they have temporarily pulled it from their website. What sometimes happens is that a new item will show up a few days, disappear for a few days and then come back. Considering they prominently feature the skirt on their homepage too, I'm sure it's not sold through yet. Expect it to be back in a day or three!
So many great options … I love comfy sporty footwear. I also love the ankle booties.
❥ tanvii.com
Author
Same! So glad sneakers are trendy because that overlaps perfectly with me wanting to wear them all the time.
Can't go wrong with pink and anything bows for spring! I am so ready for warm weather so I can wear all of my spring shoes!
Author
Me too! In fact I'm probably not going to be able to wait, lol.
I bought the Seychelles coast slides. great tip
Author
Awesome sylvs! Please let us know what you think of them when they arrive. =)
LOVE all of your picks! 🙂
Author
Thanks so much Lynn!!