Street Trends: Put Your Best Foot Forward

1 Strappy sandals and thongs The top choices of the season, the weather maybe prone to the odd downpour but feet are exposed to the max in a range of flip-flops, leather thongs and strappy sandals. Even the boys are at it – in slides that focus on toe loops, summer in the city has never looked more like a beach holiday from the ankle down. Popular brands include: Office, Shellys, Top Man and Muji.

          

2 Scholl’s & Birkenstocks Once again the comfy and sensible Birkenstock reappears as a summer favourite. Now available in several shades, the Birkenstock leather slide is a hit with both men and women hot-footing it around town. The other sensible option of choice arrives from Dr Scholl; the 1970’s clunky buckle strapped classic has been revamped in a variety of hues and heel sizes. Out on the streets of London it’s the classic flat heel with leather strap that proves to be the most universal.

        

3 Ballet Pumps Practical, feminine and cute – ballet pumps are still making the grade, in classic black, polka dots and colourful prints. They offer a daintier look than the trainer – with just a touch more coverage than the flip-flop, just the ticket for those dodgy grey days.

4 Trainers Not the best for sweaty feet but the boys can’t seem to get enough of them. In particular, vintage Adidas are still selling well, along with Puma Uke, Nike, canvas Converse style baseball boots & trainers, plus Onitsuka Tiger.

    

5 Moccasins On the rise this season is the embellished moccasin. Noted on the very fashionable feet of those who live, breathe and work in the rag trade, it’s one of those quirky looks that could possibly gain momentum if caught on camera enough times. On the High Street versions are now available at Russell & Bromley and Office. Pricier versions can be found at the likes of – Wannabe at Patrick Cox and Miu Miu, no doubt the instigator of the trend.

6 Espadrilles Artist Tracy Emin buys a new pair of Espadrilles every summer. Along with flip-flops they conjure up that holiday vibe whilst adding a bit of height to the proceedings. The perfect accompaniment to the whole boho summer vibe cotton canvas and rope espadrilles can be found at: LK Bennett, Jigsaw and Anya Hindmarch.

7 Wedge Heels Rivaling the stiletto heel is the sturdy wedge, promoted with gusto last summer – it seems to have created more of an impact this time around. From Clements Ribeiro to Christian Louboutin, high-end designers dipped their versions in a range of prints and colour. Touted by the fashion press as ‘this season’s must have,’ the wedge certainly has a visual presence on the city’s streets but is no match for some of the flatter styles, such as the flip-flop or the Birkenstock.

8 Vintage Retro looks continue to inspire and personalize individual style. While some have been busy hunting through the shoe racks at vintage fairs and second-hand shops, others have picked up new ‘vintage inspired’ pieces from straight from the stores. Popular styles include: Peep-toe, T-bar, ruched boots, Mary Jane’s, sling-backs and ‘Come Dancing’ heels.

9 Round-Toed Heels Looks like a ballet pump with a spike of a heel, on the up for dressier day/office wear and nights on the town. Reiss provide a range in soft shades – giving the illusion of longer legs when teamed up with skirts. At Faith you can find them covered in multi-coloured polka dots and prettied up with bows, while at Hobbs they arrive in earthier tan shades.

       

10 Cowboy Boots The Biba Cowboy boot has been selling well at Miss Selfridge and R Soles on the King’s Road haven’t been doing too badly either. Cowboy boots toughen up all that femininity that’s currently floating about, the more worn in and scuffed up the better.

    

Jo Iles