2009 Shoe Trends

Spring is an exciting time for fashion, especially shoe trends. Warm spring rains bring out beautiful colors not only in nature, but in fashion as well. This spring’s trends are no exception, with shoes that are functional and flashy. Booties and flats are being embellished with floral designs, bright colors, and stylish buckles to give a hip kick to 2009.

Color is key to spring trends, and in 2009 the hot hues of the season are orange and pink. Often used in fall lines, orange is popping up this spring as the perfect shade for shoes. Too much orange in an outfit can be disastrous, so sporting the color on your feet is the perfect way to incorporate it into a look without looking like the Great Pumpkin.

Pink is another hot color this spring, and not just for Easter. A full spectrum of pink, from pastel to fuchsia to regular ol’ rose, is being featured this year. This versatile color pairs nicely with other soft, bright shades and can also act as an attractive offset to a darker grey or brown outfit.

The hot spring shoe styles for 2009 are actually an extension of a lot of 2008 spring and winter styles, but with bolder embellishments. Booties were popular this winter and designers want to carry that trend as far into 2009 as possible. Open-toes, cut-away sides, and cut-out heels are all hot spring shoe alterations this year.

Sandals are a late spring shoe staple that are getting a major overhaul this year. Prints, especially floral ones, are going to be all over the sandal lines. Heavy metal hardware is also going to kick 2009 sandals up a notch. Expect buckles, zippers, and snaps to be all over your favorite lines this year. Roman-inspired gladiator sandals, such as Nine West’s Jobilyn, are also a big hit this spring. This controversial multi-strapped sandal style is finally finding a place in big name lines in 2009.

While winter trends were toward flats, spring is going to be all about the heel. Designers such as Prada, Hermes, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabanna, Jimmy Choo, and others are all embracing the heel in a variety of ways. T-straps are the hot heel design this year, but other ankle straps are popular, too, including belts, snaps, and ones that tie.

One major designer is still offering flats, though. The BCBG 2009 spring line is hoping to pair the free-flowing fabrics of winter and early spring with their line’s thick-soled, chunky shoes. Low, wide heels and steady flats are being paired with asymmetrical bows, buckles and straps. Softly pointed toes and floral designs are also popular this year in the BCBG spring line.

With the economy still in an unbelievable slump, many people can’t afford the hot 2009 spring styles from choice designers. Luckily, there are a number of designers offering staggering discounts that are dropping prices to as low as $50 a pair. Lumiani offers a cute t-strap heel for just over $40, and funky, functional Naughty Monkey pumps and boots are being discounted by several fashion shoe retailers. The Pleaser USA Bliss is sleeker than some of the other popular styles this year. With its 4 inch heel and sleek red or black Prada-style design, this shoe is priced on a number of online shoe retailers at only $45. Gabriella Rocha is featuring the Brianne shoe in gold satin, silver, turquoise and black. At a remarkable $23, the Brianne is another stylish spring heel that won’t make you break the bank. And Jessica Simpson is offering a flashy sequined pump called the Dover for around $43.

Men’s footwear fashion trends this spring are similar to women’s. Bright and soft blues, polished browns and floral patterns are very popular this year, with such names as Gucci and Louis Vuitton jumping on the bandwagon.

Nike has an interesting, eco-friendly twist on its spring line for 2009. The Nike Considered Design products combine sustainable production methods with the latest trends in sport shoe design. Many of these shoe lines feature environmentally preferred materials, high recycled content and smaller pattern designs that use less material. Though a Nike Considered Design shoe might not turn any heads at the club, they definitely help reduce your carbon footprint.

Shoe trends for spring 2009 are all about color, flair and functionality. This season, remember just a few things; go big, go bold, and go floral. Follow these simple mantras and your strut will turn more than a few heads.

~Ben Anton, 2009