Browsing the latest footwear collections at the trade shows each August and February is always a delight. Perhaps you read my report from last season featuring spring and fall 2015 footwear trends. Shoes happen to be my all-time favorite fashion item, so it's with much excitement that I report on some of the best trends that I spotted for fall 2015 and spring 2016.
After visiting as many footwear booths as I could fit into my schedule and ogling hundreds of shoes, several themes seemed to reappear quite frequently. Here are the four trends that I feel are key as we move into fall 2015 and spring 2016.
1. Western Movement
The Wild West served as inspiration for a variety of ankle boots for fall. Embroidery, buckles, and fringe provide plenty of embellishment for exploring new territory. Clockwise, from top left: Grazie Footwear, Diba True, Luichiny, and Michael Antonio.
See more Western styles:
2. That '70s Show
With the proliferation of style influences from the '70s this fall, footwear follows suit with the height-boosting platform. I spotted all kinds of styles ranging from espadrille wedges and clogs to earthy neutrals and snake print stunners. Clockwise, from top left: Stephanie Classic, Schutz, Luichiny, and Carrano.
See more platforms:
3. Gladiators fit for a Goddess
The gladiator sandal continues to be a strong item moving into spring 2016 with key updates including metallic finishes, colorful suede styles, and even high-heeled versions. Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Very Volatile, Diba True, and Mas Artisan.
See more gladiator sandals:
4. Block Party
Pumps and sandals got a more demure treatment with the '60s inspired block heel silhouette. Clockwise, from top left: Ukies, Capodarte, Schutz, and Steps on Green.
See more block heels:
For more trend forecasts, see my spring and fall 2016 shoe trend report, my fall/winter 2016/2017 trend forecast, my spring/summer 2016 trend forecast, and my fall 2015 back-to-school fashion trend reports.
Want even more shoe inspiration? Browse the newest from Carrano, Topshop, Ukies, Michael Antonio, Schutz, Luichiny, and Boohoo for the latest trend direction.
Catch up with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram and Snapchat @thekeytochic.
Shop shoe trends for 2016:
After visiting as many footwear booths as I could fit into my schedule and ogling hundreds of shoes, several themes seemed to reappear quite frequently. Here are the four trends that I feel are key as we move into fall 2015 and spring 2016.
1. Western Movement
The Wild West served as inspiration for a variety of ankle boots for fall. Embroidery, buckles, and fringe provide plenty of embellishment for exploring new territory. Clockwise, from top left: Grazie Footwear, Diba True, Luichiny, and Michael Antonio.
See more Western styles:
2. That '70s Show
With the proliferation of style influences from the '70s this fall, footwear follows suit with the height-boosting platform. I spotted all kinds of styles ranging from espadrille wedges and clogs to earthy neutrals and snake print stunners. Clockwise, from top left: Stephanie Classic, Schutz, Luichiny, and Carrano.
See more platforms:
3. Gladiators fit for a Goddess
The gladiator sandal continues to be a strong item moving into spring 2016 with key updates including metallic finishes, colorful suede styles, and even high-heeled versions. Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Very Volatile, Diba True, and Mas Artisan.
See more gladiator sandals:
4. Block Party
Pumps and sandals got a more demure treatment with the '60s inspired block heel silhouette. Clockwise, from top left: Ukies, Capodarte, Schutz, and Steps on Green.
See more block heels:
For more trend forecasts, see my spring and fall 2016 shoe trend report, my fall/winter 2016/2017 trend forecast, my spring/summer 2016 trend forecast, and my fall 2015 back-to-school fashion trend reports.
Want even more shoe inspiration? Browse the newest from Carrano, Topshop, Ukies, Michael Antonio, Schutz, Luichiny, and Boohoo for the latest trend direction.
Catch up with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram and Snapchat @thekeytochic.
Shop shoe trends for 2016:
