SPRING 2014 TRENDS: Women’s Footwear
Shoes, shoes and more shoes, that’s the word for this spring and summer season at The Shoe Spa. The question is, what should you be looking for that is the right style for this year? At The Shoe Spa we buy with our customer in mind, and she demands two things above all else – fashion and comfort. We provide the most complete selection of fashionable comfort shoes found anywhere; our mix of designers, prices and styles is simply exceptional. We have been shopping for next seasons greatest comfort shoes. Innovation and advances in materials and construction make discovering new brands and styles exciting and satisfying. We strive to bring you the best from Europe, South America, Asia and the USA. The Shoe Spa is your ticket for a trip around the world in fashion for your feet. The mood that the footwear industry is establishing includes Individuality, Change, Creativity, Timelessness, Sophisticated Simplicity, Exoticism, and above all – Excitement! It’s obvious the shoe designers are saying goodbye to the hard times of the recent past and hello to glamour..
When thinking about fashion trends one must consider many things: Heel height and type – Wedge or platform – Sandal, shoe or boot – Thong, mule or pump – Casual or dressy – Lace up or slip on – Leather, patent or suede – Support and cushioning or flat and hard – Flexible sole or rigid – Pistachio, lavender or salmon – Black, brown or navy – and much, much more.
The Spring 2014 trends are the most exciting we have seen since 2007 or just before the recession. It seems most of the collections are exciting and are full of new silhouettes and color; they are saying, ‘The recession is over”. To simplify what we see as Spring 2014 trends in women’s footwear, we have highlighted categories that all have their own trends in the marketplace. They are shape, fabrication, color, heels, flats, strap detailing, and ornamentation.
SHAPE – The market reflects a lot of geometric or architectural form. There are pleasing lines on the foot to make it look longer and leaner. New styling and detail on the sides of platform wedges add to the dimension of many styles. We also see many variations of T straps and ankle straps that also add style as well as function for fit and security while beautifying the foot. Don’t miss the return of the pointed toe; it will have its place even in comfort footwear.
FABRICATION – Of course, leather always dominates and it includes suede, patent and embossed or printed motifs and textures. We believe that suede is extremely rich and sensual, and that it is suitable for all times of the year. Also look for new stretch micro fibers, elastic strapping, jutes and canvas. Perhaps most important is all the new methods of printing or embossing color and texture onto soft and supple leathers and especially suede’s to create a plethora of interesting looks; suede’s become nearly nonrecognizable;. More woven techniques have been used than we’ve ever seen; look for them as straps, inserts and as all over fabrications. Skins are more important than ever; look for all types of snake and lizard whether real or not and you’re bound to see them in great colors that may seem unnatural to the jungle, but are lots of fun.
COLOR – As always, black and brown lead the way, but don’t you have enough of these already. This season is the time to get more daring and have some excitement on your feet. Lots of color is being shown, and we’re buying into it for you. The market for 2014 is showing an amazing amount of reds, greens, blues and oranges in all types of shades and combinations, and navy will be huge. Don’t think for a minute that metallic’s are passé; they come alive in the newest of shades and styles. 
HEELS – Being a comfort store we don’t usually select heels that are over 2¾ inches unless there is a platform under the toe box that keeps the pitch or angle of the footbed in the comfort category. There are many unique heel types from which to choose. For 2014 we like these the best: chunky, square, tapered and the platform wedge with a multitude of variations. Don’t be afraid of height as long as the pitch or angle of decent is not severe.
FLATS – The must haves for travel and day wear are all the new shapes encompassed into flats or very low heels and wedges. They can be ballets. moccasins, loafers or sandals. They can be closed up or open with peep toes and sling back straps, and don’t miss the side cut outs that add the most new interest. Don’t forget to look for foot support and cushioning which really make comfort shoes what they are supposed to be. 
STRAP DETAILING – Straps are everywhere, especially at or around the ankle. They buckle, wrap and tie or use Velcro closures, and, for newness, they are most prominent above the instep and below the ankle – just about in the area in between. They embrace metal, patent inserts, and often cross over the foot with stretch or have adjustable features to provide for a secure fit.
ORNAMENTATION – Flowers of all shapes and sizes are utilized everywhere, and they appear as contrasting or self color of many different materials. Appliqués are used to create unique trims on toes, heels and straps. Beading creates interest by changing colors or shades of color that add to shoe design. Metal is being used to trim many parts of the new shoes, especially straps and highlights on the instep of many styles. Jewels shoe up often as trim ornamentation on new shoes; they are used to set off unique shapes as well as add ornamentation to basic styles. Laser cutouts are everywhere; they began several seasons ago and are now popular in most brands where they not only add patterns to otherwise plain leather but also create breathability for cooler wearability.
So what do you think? We love all feedback. Did we miss anything that you feel is coming? We can’t possibly fit all of the amazing things that are coming into one blog article. Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter to see what comes in and when or you can always take a look at our New Arrivals page. Don’t miss out on the Spring 2014 Trends!