Zenoyise Madikwa

Zenoyise Madikwa

Spring is nearly on us and if you're getting anxious about updating your shoe closet, you'll want to make sure you pick pairs that are in line with the season's trends.

It's time to take a few notes from Cinderella. She not only wore nice footwear, she also landed herself a rich man.

What's hot this coming spring?

Sindiswa Ngubeni, a buyer at the Foschini clothing store, says it is harder to predict shoe trends than clothing trends.

"Shoes are difficult," Ngubeni says. "Buyers should not be trend crazy but look for shoes that won't go out of fashion soon.

"It is more fun to cultivate your own style over a lifetime than just tear out the latest 'What's Hot' list and head for the nearest department store.

"If a trend happens to fit into your own personal style then it's your opportunity to go crazy."

Iko Mash, a Johannesburg stylist, says women's shoes this season are all about colour - and also about making a statement.

"According to weather forecasters, this summer will be the hottest in a long time.

"So the season calls for nude-coloured pumps and flats, as well as white T-strap sandals with super high heels that will not only make a statement but keep women cool on hot days."

Mash says we will also see shoes saturated with colour, rich variations in purples, oranges, yellows, greens, blues and reds.

What's in?

Trend forecaster Adam Budhram says the hottest styles in shoes include menswear-inspired heels, ombre shoes, and the colour purple, open-toes, cutaway sides, two-toned uppers and most excitingly, some non-neutral colours such as golden yellow.

"Everything from booties to evening shoes can be had in the royal shade."

Budhram says the peep-toe bootie is the new must-have. He says the wedge shoe is back and is higher than ever and a pair of gladiator boots is a must-have.

Heeled Mary Janes will also feature prominently with pointy-toed and round-toed styles available in both high heels and flats.

Another hottie is shoes that gradually shift from one shade or colour to another with reds and earth tones being especially common.

Shoe tips

Choose shoes that fit the shape of your foot with adequate width and enough room in the toe for movement.

Leave a half-inch between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Avoid pointed toes since they can lead to corns, calluses and bunions.

Avoid shoes with more than two-inch heel, which might cause your toes to be uncomfortably crammed into the toe area of the shoe.

Choose shoes that feel light and comfortable when you first try them on. Try on both shoes since one foot might be a different size than the other.

It is best to try on shoes in the afternoon or at the end of the day when feet tend to be larger than they are when you begin your day.

Never buy shoes that you have to "break in". - Additional info from www.seidenhealth.com