Every season, I do a recap of the Women’s runway shoes, referencing specific shoe trends. This time, I’m going about things a little differently. How? By segmenting the most notable shoes, footwear collections, and trends derived from each major fashion city prior to the release of the macro shoe trend lineup. The first stop is New York City!
Because New York Fashion Week started it all, let’s take a look at what I think are the most interesting and shoe blog-worthy Women’s designer collections for Spring 2016. But first, shall we discuss Spring 2016 shoe trends from the most famous Fashion Week in the United States?
NYFW Spring 2016 Shoe Trends
I wouldn’t say the Spring 2016 shoe trends seen on New York City runways are entirely new this season. What I can say is that statement shoes are in, even if they are designed by minimalist brands like Jason Wu and Calvin Klein. Platforms are still popular, but the VERY chunky heels from Fall/Winter 2016 have been toned down a notch.
There is a significant difference between extremely fun and whimsical shoes (Marc Jacobs, Givenchy) and more understated architectural designs (BOSS, Proenza Schouler). Looking at all of the NYFW shows (not all could be featured here! ), I’d say the following are the top shoe trends for Spring 2016 from New York:
- 3D Embroidery: beading and other embellishments
- Flat laces and straps take things a step further, with corsetry detailing appearing on all types of footwear.
- Sneakers and post-workout sandals are examples of athletic footwear.
- Many of them have thicker outsoles.
- Espadrilles-style footwear
- Toe shapes with a point
- Victorian clogs
- Ankle boots with a western theme
- Floral patterns
- Kitten heels are making a comeback, and I’m not sure how I feel about it!
Best NYFW Shoes From Spring 2016
Oscar de la Renta
I adore the mostly simple pump and espadrille shapes that have been smothered in colorful uppers and a generous helping of embellishments. My personal favorite is the pale turquoise pumps with a red flower and a partial outsole (I wonder if Louboutin will be bothered?!) Even in this gender-neutral social climate, feminine shoes are at their best!
Tamara Mellon – Spring 2016
It’s not surprising to see a footwear-heavy collection from Tamara Mellon. You know, the Shoe Queen and everything! Her Spring 2016 shoe collection is fresh, wearable, and the blue and green color combinations are divine.
BOSS
Minimal but anything but simple! Suffice to say that plexiglass hybrid heels are still in! These styles are completely wearable, but I don’t know what BOSS what thinking with its crazy high heels on its mules this Spring 2016 season. Maybe they’ll scale them down for retail.
Marc Jacobs – Spring 2016
Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer 2016 runway shoe collection was without a doubt the most outlandish of the bunch! There was nothing short of surprising, with an astounding amount of shoes and throwbacks to a fictional Victorian era and 70s disco. Perhaps the most subdued of them all was the pointed toe Converse-inspired sneaker. But what about the baby doll hands sewn onto the ankle booties? Marc Jacobs put on a shoe show that was both spectacular and awful at the same time!
Alive+Olivia
For Spring, there’s nothing tame at Alice+Olivia! The caged high heel lace-up tall gladiator sandals are fantastic! The slip-on flats are heavily embroidered, the heels are patterned, and the caged high heel lace-up tall gladiator sandals are fantastic! Despite the fact that they resemble Sophia Webster’s gladiators from last season.
Alexander Wang – Spring 2016 Shoes
As a huge fan of studded shoes (did you see my post featuring these studded heels? ), there is nothing about Alexander Wang’s Spring 2016 Women’s shoes that I don’t adore.
Some of the “studs” are actually snap buttons, but they are no less glam and rock ‘n roll in appearance. The chain detail Teva-like sandal is insane, and the cage slip ons with massive baubly studs are fantastic. But I’m not sure about the massive platforms paired with the stiletto heels. A significant improvement over Wang’s Fall 2015 shoe collection.
Givenchy – Spring 2016 Heels
Givenchy’s take on the Victorian era bootie is one of the most popular Spring 2016 shoe collections. Loads of creative genius was at work here, with its mixed materials and backless designs! The silver lace up non-bootie mule is my favorite pair. What a statement they’d make with a white shirt dress!
Cynthia Rowley – Spring 2016 Footwear
Cynthia Rowley’s sandals with their ENORMOUS studded heels have me dying for a pair for Spring 2016. The color blocking, the large hardware…all it’s fantastic. One of my favorite Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week shoe collections! Even the sneakers are stylish!
Jason Wu
Seriously, the Spring 2016 Women’s shoe collection by Jason Wu and BOSS could have been designed by the same person. Oh, no, it wasn’t! Jason Wu’s linear and “clean” aesthetic is evident on both his namesake and BOSS labels. Both are stunning, but Wu’s collection is a little more wearable.
M Missoni
M Missoni’s shoes are outrageous. Missoni’s more casual line does fun, flirty, and wearable shoe styles so well for Spring 2016. It’s less crazy, but just as colorful as Marc Jacobs’. I adore the pink printed wedges with a green accent and small red baubles!
Calvin Klein Collection
These platform slip-on sneakers remind me of something I’ve seen before (Mother of Pearl, ACNE?) But I don’t mind. I adore the raffia uppers and the gorgeous floral print. The ankle chain detail is a nice touch.
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3 Phillip Lim – Spring 2016 Shoes
These 3.1 Phillip Lim shoe aren’t anything I would personally ever wear, but I fully appreciate the gorgeous prints & interesting fabrics.
Altuzarra – Spring/Summer 2016 Shoes
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that Altuzarra’s Spring shoe collection has left me a little disappointed. Nonetheless, it’s interesting enough to be included in the best New York Fashion Week shoes for Spring 2016. I like the black leather pump with contrast stitching, but I wish it also had those flat lace straps on the toe cap!
RED Valentino
RED Valentino is full-on pastel for Spring 2016. It’s feminine and pretty as can be. The pretty socks with the kitten heels and the patterns on their lace up booties are my favorites. Definitely a girlie-fantasy! girl’s
Derek Lam
This minimalist-but-not-so-minimalist aesthetic is fantastic. It has a very clean and cool vibe to it. I’m in love with that slip-on laser cut sneaker!
Rebecca Minkoff
Yes, I enjoy a tall or short gladiator sandal and appreciate the new cuts and color combinations that Rebecca Minkoff has introduced. Although some, with their closed-toe and all, could be considered gladiator pumps.
Coach – Spring 2016 Shoes
On Coach’s Spring 2016 runway, it was all about western influence! These boots, which were clearly designed for walking, were seen in a wide variety of prints and colors.
RAG & BONE
Another sporty footwear collection on this season’s runways. And with possibly the widest ribbon laces of all shoes from Spring 2016 collections! Could easily be considered a unisex collection to some.
Delposo – Spring 2016 Shoes
Delposo’s flirty creations, which were quirky and feminine to the max, may have stolen the show from the rest of the Spring 2016 runway shows. The angular flatform, the long fringe-like beading, and the amazing extra large patent bows hanging from the side of the slingback pumps are the stuff of crazy shoe dreams! The drama is fantastic!
Proenza Schouler
Proenza Schouler’s previous shoe collections have wowed me a lot more, but their Spring 2016 shoes for women aren’t lacking in creativity. I like the mirrored heel (though it would have looked more proportional if it was higher) and the large circular hardware could make lacing one’s shoe more enjoyable!
J. Crew
Okay, so J. Crew isn’t exactly high fashion, but these shoes snagged my attention! But, as they always do. Take a look at those unique and colorful gingham chunky heel sandals. And aren’t they adorable? Yes, I just used the word “darling”!
So there you have it, my New York Fashion Week shoe round-up for Spring 2016. What are your thoughts on the various collections? Are there any designers you think I should have included? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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