With London Fashion Week now in full swing, there is simply no better time to talk about, well, shoes, stilettoes, platforms, boots, sandals, trends for 2017 are all we could ever wish for! But apart from looking fabulous, will they make our feet happy too?
With a little help from some of the top London fashion bloggers, we’ve put together a list of the latest shoe trends. We’ve also asked a leading podiatrist to explain which trends you should be following this season to ensure you keep your feet both trendy and happy.
All wrapped up
Heeled or flat, with a colour or not – wrap them up around your ankle to become a fashionista this season. Lauren Mahon, fashion blogger from Girl Stole London, says: “I adore this chic style of footwear when styled with boyfriend denim and an oversized knit. The ultimate in sexy casual.”
Michael Ratcliffe, podiatrist at Carnation Footcare, says: “This type almost falls into the realm of a general high heeled shoe, except for the above ankle strapping. The strapping appears to offer some support to the foot from slipping forward on the sole of the shoe but the narrow toe box still appears to be of an insufficient size and makes them simply uncomfortable to wear. This can lead to friction lesions, for example blisters and corns on the toes. The ankle strap can also cause friction and blisters. Consider the use of Carnation Tip Toes Gel Strap Strips.”
Kitten Heels
Abbie Tanner, from Abbie Loves, London fashion blogger and vintage lover, says: “The tiny heel has made an unexpected comeback, as many designers sent kitten heels down the catwalk for their SS17 shows, Vetements and J.W Anderson to name a few. A shoe that was once deemed frumpy, is now cooler than ever.”
Michael explains: “This heel type is moderate in height and suited to those wearers with tight calf muscles. Provided that the toe box of the shoe has sufficient room for the forefoot and there is a stiff mid sole, then this type of shoe should be wearable all day with minimal problems. The narrow heel may not offer much ankle stability and there is always the danger of blisters – Carnation Anti Blister Stick or Hydro Blister Care should help.”
Flatforms
Looking for a comfy AND trendy summer pair? Go for flatforms. “Always a favourite amongst the style set for summer, flatforms are such an easy-to-wear shoe for comfort and a bit of extra height,” adds Abbie.
Michael says: “Generally these shoes appear to be very accommodating to the foot with little possibility of blisters and corns developing. If the wearer has tight calf muscles then this type of shoe offers little relief from this problem. This is because despite the extra few inches, the heel is not higher that the front of the shoe.
“The thicker flat shoe should have a slight rocker aspect to the sole, i.e. a slight curve on the bottom of the sole to allow the wearer to ‘roll off’ the sole during walking to allow ordinary propulsion. Overall this appears to be an ordinary shoe with minimal possibility of problems.”
Athletic look/boxer boots
Straight from the boxing ring, this unexpected trend is about to blow up this spring. Lauren says: “All over the high street and influencers at the moment. A difficult trend to style but when it’s done well it’s a real fashion win!”
Michael says: “The boots appear to be accommodating the whole foot and where there is a slight heel lift and a stiff mid-sole this should be very comfortable. If the heel is flat then there may be impact shock problems for the wearer when walking. Carnation Advanced Relief Heel Pads or Advanced Pressure Relief Insoles can help. Also if the heel is flat then the Carnation Advanced Relief Heel Pads will help raise the heel slightly. If the mid-sole of the boot is not firm use Carnation Pedi-Roller to ease the arch pain.”
