Ankle boot by Vicky Shu. JP/Triwik Kurniasari
We’ve already got an idea of what this year’s fashion and hair trends look like. Now it’s time to take another step and look at our shoes.
It’s a while since fashionistas regarded shoes as something to protect their feet; rather shoes are objects of style and devotion. Last year, gladiator-style sandals reigned for the masses, stealing the attention of shoe-lovers around the globe. But this year, apparently, we have no more need for gladiators in our daily arena.
“Gladiator sandals are a big no-no,” Ulis Darama, fashion and trend manager with Centro Department Store, told Sunday Post recently. Why? “Because bohemian style is not hip anymore.”
Strappy shoes with sky-high heels — at least 10 centimeters — have stepped to the fore. There will be lots of shoes with a combination of a platform and a high heel. So does that mean die-hard fashion lovers are in danger of doing serious damage to their feet, all in the name of style?
“A super-tall heel at the back will be supported by a hidden platform in the front part of the shoe,” Ulis said. “You won’t get too tired wearing this kind of shoe because it doesn’t feel as high as it looks.”
Despite the wide variety of heels, thicker heels will dominate this season, according to prominent shoe designer Yongki Komaladi. “The heels will be bulkier than last year, which displayed a lot of slim high heels,” he said.
So you’d better not waste all those bulky heels you’ve just invested in.
And just as women in four-season countries are busy covering their feet with boots as the chilly winter sets in, Indonesians are expected to join this craze.
“Because it is too hot to wear knee-high boots here, semi-boots or ankle-boots will be the perfect choice,” said Yongki.
Ankle boot by Yongki Komaladi. Courtesy of Yongki Komaladi
The other way of wearing boots in the tropics is to go for strappy boots. What about the color? Bright and bold colors such as purple, fuchsia, yellow and gold will be all the rage.
“Pink, orange and purple will rule for this spring and summer season,” Ulis said. “Black is still a favorite but not in a plain style. There will be more accents like black with studded embellishments or black with a touch of purple.”
There will be more edgy and distinctive shoes, which are accentuated with other fabrics and daring patterns such as animal prints.
“It’s not the time for pretty shoes, because this year is more about individual style, being the one who can make people turn to look at you,” he added.
Shoe designer Vicky Shu, for instance, has created ankle boots in a combination of leather and batik; as for pumps, she has designed purple and yellow strappy heels with alligator-skin-like accents.
Those who can’t handle killer heels have no need to worry — you still can be stylish in flat or ballerina shoes. Yes, this kind of shoe is still on the hot list.
“Many people choose this kind of shoe because it is comfy and can be worn on various occasions,” Yongki said. “The new trend in flat shoes is there will be a combination of metallic colors like gold and silver.”
And of course, men too want to be seen with the trendiest footwear around.
Comfort shoes, especially sneakers, are in the hot seat, representing a younger feel than ever before with more varied mixtures of fabrics — canvas and suede, leather and suede or leather and patent —and accents, such as animal prints.
“For semi-formal events, men used to wear formal shoes. Today, you can even wear sneakers,” said Yongki.
But that doesn’t mean you can wear your jogging shoes to semi-formal occasions.
“Try sneakers with a one-tone color like gray for a semi-formal occasion,” he suggested.
Deck shoes. Courtesy of Centro Department Store
Deck shoes, Ulis said, with a pleated accent on the outer line of the shoes will also be the highlight of menswear this season.
“Since men are now more interested in fashion, the colors will be more varied than in previous years.
Bright colors like light blue, green and orange will rule this year.”
But no matter how stylish your shoes are, don’t neglect the comfort function; choosing good shoes is part of caring properly for your feet.
With such a wide variety of shoes available, be sure to consider factors such as foot type, durability and fit when making your selection. Choosing good materials, soles, insoles and heels is also important.
“Soles and heels should be strong and flexible with a good gripping surface,” Vicky said. “A pair of good high-heeled shoes will also feel comfy even though you wear them most of the day.”
So choose only shoes that feel comfortable, and you are the best judge of that.
How to find the right shoes for you
• Walk several steps with the shoes on and feel how they fit around your heels.
• Keep in mind that shoes should feel comfortable from the start.
• Examine the sole to make sure it is firmly attached to the shoe.
• High-quality heels on high-heeled shoes for women are usually “planted” (not just attached) in the sole of the shoe.
• Choose shoes that suit your personality and the occasion.
How to care for your shoes
• Always clean your shoes after you wear them. Use a flannel cloth or soft shoe brush.
• Keep your shoes in a box with silica gel.
• Put your shoes out to dry in a windy place occasionally to avoid dust and fungus.
• Stuff tissue or soft paper into the shoes to maintain the shape.
• If you are too lazy or busy to care for your shoes, take them to the shoe laundry.
Sources: Ulis Darama, Yongki Komaladi, Vicky Shu
