Walk on the wild side
Shoes may be made for walking, but this season they are made to be noticed. Taking cues from the runway, pointed toes herald a return to more feminine and flirty styles this spring/summer.
Pastels and nudes are also big news, while bright colours and metallics make an encore appearance. Other noteworthy details include braided sandals, high platforms and wedges, rivets and buckles.
Cole Haan has introduced a new spectrum of hyper-bright colours with a mix of signature artisan craftsmanship and innovative technology. Inspired by menswear, the women's collection uses shades of fuchsia, coral, green, purple, yellow and blue, while soft suede, nubuck and nappa contrast with vachetta and patent leather.
The Lucinda Air OX pump mixes boyish style with a heel, while Skylar and Alissa Eva Oxford combine boyish good looks with bold colours. For something more casual, the Kody Oxford is ideal for days spent relaxing.
Tennis icon Maria Sharapova has also designed her sixth collection for Cole Haan, which features contrasting bright yellow and black shades, and seasonal neons.
For men, the Cole Haan collection of Air Coltons features wear-anywhere silhouettes of the Oxford, Wingtip and Saddle in unexpected colours such as Ashley Blue and Grape. Air Franklin is a relaxed Wingtip silhouette in blue and white and grape and yellow.
Nine West has a collection filled with vibrant colours, classic stripes, soft florals and sensational skins. Lite Brite is full of supercharged brights and graphic prints, ranging from trendy flats to strappy sandals, while New Wave is influenced by the colours of the sea meshed with crochet and gingham, flirty florals and cork bottoms.
For casual looks, Nine West has also unveiled a new sneaker collection that plays with varying heel heights, materials and colours. The Nine West 'Colour Play' sneaker collection is constructed of heavy-duty cotton canvas in bold stripes and ombre patterns.
The collection offers sky-high open-toed slingbacks and high-top lace-up wedges in fresh fuchsia, juicy orange, lemon yellow and ocean blue.
'Outdoor Adventure' is inspired by the classic hiking boot, combining everyday leisure styles with soft beiges, blues and stark black with long lace-ups and Velcro.
Steve Madden looks to New York City's street style this season. The Winona heel marries an eclectic mix of exotic patterns, materials and colours. Bright punchy hues are evident in the Wimzikul ankle-strap wedge and the classic pump Jenny. For a touch of bling, the brand offers Obstcl-S studded pumps, the Studlyy sparkling studded flat or the Playy-R rhinestone pump.
Known for sophisticated and stylish designs, with an emphasis on feminine details and comfort, AK Anne Klein has stuck to its roots this season. Feminine details with decorative flowers, bows and jewelled ornaments accent quality leathers and pretty floral prints in Allure. Newport Nautical uses the classic colours of navy, red, white and natural, while raffia, rattan, patent leather and metal buckles enhance the nautical feel. Graphic Language uses a cool colour palette of blue and red, showcasing a twist on the classics. For something that will go with everything, Au Naturale is a vintage-inspired collection in a natural colour palette combined with snake prints, leathers of nubuck and vachetta in which huarache sandals and espadrille wraps make a comeback.
Known for their comfort fit and style, all Geox shoes feature a practical breathable and waterproof-patented sole.
The new women's collection features elegant two-tone patent leather peep-toes, a colourful jungle-print satin wedge and black patent open-toe ballerina flat.
Geox's men's collection features sporty sneakers and sleek business shoes in a range of neutral shades. There are a few splashes of colour, however, including funky blue oxfords.