Footloose

Shoes — make that lots of shoes — for most women mean absolute happiness. It’s one of our favorite indulgences, right up there with chocolates and bargain shopping. You know you don’t need more, but you can’t help but hoard. Women are to shoes like bees are to honey. We can’t live with just a few pairs, plus it’s more fun acquiring them as a troop.

I am no exception. I can’t fully explain the high I get when I see a pair I like on display. Like the scene in Confessions of a Shopaholic, where the mannequins call out to Becky Bloomwood, I get those moments, too. Only, the voice is coming from the shoe, seductively taunting me to come in and take a peek. I usually give in, and do more than that — I try it on and stare wistfully at my gorgeously shod feet. There’s a bounce to my step. Suddenly, I feel cooler, sexier and a tad happier. Used to be that I would buy on impulse, but I’ve gotten better at restraining myself, my mind reminding me of my “modest” collection at home, which now barely fits into the cabinet I still have to share with my roommates.

This season’s picks are a shoe addict’s dream come true. From architectural lines to neon brights to boots of all styles and heels that are artworks in themselves, the collection is just as delicious and covetable as the fashion. So feast your eyes on this season’s trends. Just be wary of that voice in your head — if you can.

Trend: Architectural heel

The perfect antithesis to the neo-Boho look is the modern and smooth architectural lines that mimic the works of the masters of minimalism. The shape, heel and finish can be likened to a shiny new car: untainted, smooth and futuristic.

Trend: Fringe

The fringe detail gives a western, cowboy feel to a shoe that’s part-rugged and part-luxe, especially on suede high-heeled sandals. 

Trend: Cone heel

Definitely an invention of the present, the cone heel is a hybrid of the stacked version, with a narrower base.

Trend: Square toe

First spotted in the ‘40s, the retro feel of this square toe makes for a good contrast when worn with feminine dresses. And they won’t crush your toes even after a long day.

Trend: Stacked heel

Deliciously big and chunky aren’t what you’d call compliments but when it comes to the stacked heel, they actually are. The new heel shape is modern, fresh and has a bigger purpose: It helps you keep your balance.

Trend: Booties

This fall staple gets a makeover with a peep-toe version, a shot of color and cutout details.

Trend: The new stiletto

Shoe fiends will love the modified stiletto with its classic skinny heel and hidden platform. It has none of the bulk of the usual platform and retains the signature sleek and smooth silhouette.

Trend: Brights

The homage to the ‘80s lives on with bright neon bursts of color printed in satin or painted in cork.

Trend: Gladiator

This trend is still going strong with versions that get more and more outrageous, like this acid yellow ankle-length sandal.

Trend: Thigh-high boots

Another ‘80s redux are these wicked boots given a modern twist with the mix of fabric and a flat heel.

Trend: Updated Mary Jane

The classic shoe gets an overhaul with a higher heel and a garter strap that sits near the ankle for a more grownup version.

Trend: Snakeskin

Anything snakeskin is always sexy and, when done in pointy heels or strappy sandals, it is even sexier and more irresistible.