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story Maureen Scott    photographs Steve Uhraney Footwear is setting new levels of extreme when it comes to highs and lows - from platforms and heels to the flattest flats, but that’s not all. In addition to innovative details and textures, there are also new and unusual colours. This is definitely the year of the statement shoe. “Florals, animal prints, stripes, polka dots and crayon colours are huge,” said Crissi Giamos, Director of Public Relations for Town Shoes and The Shoe Company. “Then at the opposite end of the scale are the new neutrals in powder blue and taupe. Textures range from woven leather to cutout or perforated detailing. We are seeing a lot of denim, little bows on shoes. Shoe jewelry is huge—great for dressing up your pumps.” When it comes to making a statement, wear colourful shoes, advises Crissi. “Colour blocking was a big look on the runway for spring. If you wear peacock blue shoes, you would never carry a blue purse. You would mix your colours by adding a bright yellow bag or a red or green bag. Michael Kors showed a honeysuckle pink outfit worn with a tan bag and shoes.

ABOVE The must-have shoe for spring and summer; the espadrille wedge. Designer Michael Kors kicks it up a notch with a buttery soft woven gold leather sandal and rope detailing on the  heel. Available at Browns Shoes LEFT Designer David Dixon pulls out all the stops with this statement shoe in cobalt blue perforated kid suede, with matching platform sole and stiletto heel. From Town Shoes

RIGHT BG-Damas “Toffee” sexy gladiator-style sandal from BCBG with trend-on zippered detailing on the heel, open-toe design and an extra high  stacked wooden  heel. From Town Shoes

"In real life, I would suggest wearing honeysuckle pink shoes or a bag—this season’s hottest colour, with khaki or neutrals like grey or white.” she said. Wooden or cork platforms with heels are trendy, but if you really want to be the first on the block to walk a new walk, try the new “pinecone shaped wood heel.” There’s still a buzz in the fashion magazines about extreme wedges and spikes, à la Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, but Town Shoes offers these trends in wearer-friendlier versions. That means you don’t have to be carried home from a party by Mr. Big because your feet are killing you (although, come to think of it, that might not be a bad thing!) “The extreme wedge has come down to earth in the new mid-wedge which features natural woven material on the shoe and espadrille treatment,” says Crissi. “The espadrille looks great worn with rompers or long, flowy skirts that are so big for summer.”

When it comes to finding the latest and greatest, Kate Watt, senior buyer for ladies shoes at Browns Shoes, is always one step ahead. A family-owned business established in Montreal in 1940, Browns is renowned for carrying top international collections from designers like Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bruno Magli, D & G, Lacoste, Steve Madden and more. “The ‘it’ shoe right now is the espadrille.” says Kate. “We have fantastic, exclusive styles from Michael Kors as well as great private label versions.” says Kate. A favourite is a woven espadrille in soft gold-tone fabric featuring rope detailing on the wedge heel. It’s a look that is so versatile it can be worn on a casual Friday, out to dinner or to the beach.

LEFT Lorissa open-toe pumps from Sam Edelman will rock your world. The fierce, fabulous silver spikes start high on the back of the shoe and trail down to the bottom of the sexy heel. This shoe is all it takes to update your LBD. From Town Shoes

RIGHT The gladiator sandal from BCBG continues to rule this summer, but this BG-Bela gladiator conquers all in opal/silver snake print set off by jet black stones. Beauty meets comfort in one great sandal.  Available at Town Shoes

“Nude and tan neutrals are huge because they go with everything,” she said. “They are good for day or night and they’re perfect for travelling, because they are so versatile.” Kate says people look to shoes for inspiration in the morning in terms of deciding what to wear. “The importance of shoes has evolved from being a necessity to making a statement. Don’t be afraid of colour. Orange and leopard are hot pop colours and prints. If you’re wearing a great neutral shoe, accessorize with a bright colourful bag.” If you want to change or update your wardrobe, start with your shoes, advises Kate. “For men’s shoes we are seeing a lot of canvas, textures, rubbed-off leather and vintage looks,” says John Ortika. John is the buying director of Browns Men’s department.

“Desert boots are the big look for men this season.” said John. “You have the original desert boot from Clarks to new versions from Lacoste, Bunker as well as private label. The nautical look is also an important trend from the classic Sperry boat shoe to the fashion versions from Energie, Bunker, Lacoste, Converse and Boxfresh. “Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world.” said Bette Midler.  GL

LEFT Michael Kors knows how to make one sexy shoe! Silver chains in various designs and weights wrap a woman’s ankles in sexy bling, while the open-toe sandal shows off a summer pedicure. From Brown’s Shoes

				FAR LEFT Patent leather taupe shoes are one of the hottest looks right now - with platform detailing and tapered stiletto heel from Steve Madden. Available at Town Shoes. MID LEFT Function meets fashion in these Timberland two-tone leather boat shoes with lace-up detailing. Available at Town Shoes. LEFT A fashion-forward slip on in graduating tones of grey are a trend-on look for casual or weekend wear. Available at Town Shoes.
				FAR LEFT Tibet Tin boots from Bunker in soft distressed grey leather are trendy. Our editor, Terry Lankstead, did not want to part with these! Available at Browns. LEFT The boat shoe is the IT shoe right now for guys. This Crosier Suit shoe by LaCoste looks sporty, yet dressy, fashioned in soft grey leather. Boat shoes, or deck shoes as they were once called, can work in a casual office, for weekend wear, and yes, even on board your yacht! Available at Browns Shoes.