SS09 selection

Some of my favourite SS09 shoes from a couple of high street shops,

It's starting to look a little brighter for men's summer wear after years of grandpa sandals and heavy black office-esque shoes, not much brighter but a little. And it's much the same as last year for ladies' sandals; focus seems to be on straps and gladiator sandals, wedges and platform soles, chunky block colours on block shapes, or light and feminine bows on the pump front. Nothing much inbetween for those of us who would like heels without looking like a dominatrix.

Anyhow, these are one good ones I've seen so far:

WOMEN'S

Clarks have some nice bits if you dig, particularly the originals range, of which they have made another series of desert boots in some great leathers and suedes. These pumps are really cute and tick many trend boxes (tie bow, shiny finish leather, low cut around side of shoe.)

(Clarks)

These below are surprisingly feminine despite being a chunky wedge and tick the peep-toe/t bar/wrapped leather trends. Haven't tried them on yet but hoping the sole is as comfy as the majority of Clarks sandals are.

(Clarks)

Camper are an obvious style influence on many high street retailers, as they are a good fitting brand with an emphasis on fun and individuality. These wedges are superdooper. There are many many crisscrossing strap sandal wedges this season, but these are among the most subtle and wearable.

(Camper)

As usual, the twins range by Camper is among the most exciting, I'm particularly wanting these heels with really on-trend split colour monotone leather uppers.

(Camper)

United Nude have some bold styles as expected, this white sandal with crossing straps is a particular gem, although the whole range itself has much more of a sculptural aesthetic, the main feature being the Eamz shoe, whose heel is modelled on a Charles and Ray Eames chair.

(United Nude)

(United Nude Eamz Mary Jane)

I wouldn't be able to do a spring summer flit without looking at Terra Plana. This is the first complete collection to come out of the AMC deisgn house and it is a job fantastically done. One thing to look out for is the range of styles with quilting and fabric interwoven with the leather, they look great and the fabric will change next year from floral into coffee beans and shells. These yellow platform heels are amazing and the strap across is surprisingly flattering. Yellow has been quite a heavily featured colour so far this season. I have a need for these to walk with happy summer feet.

(Terra Plana)

The VivoBarefoot range is looking ever so comfy and desirable, most of all these trainers:

(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)

want. badly.


MEN'S

Having to search for nice men's sandals that don't automatically age or de-age the wearer used to be damned near impossible. Shoe companies are wary of producing a variety of men's sandals and alternative summer wear because they feel that men buy their shoes in a different way to women. It is assumed, and I don't think it's too far wrong, that men will buy one pair of shoes for work, have one alternative such as trainers, and then stick with that until it is necessary to buy more because of breakage. Spending £50 or so on sumemr shoes can seem unnecessary and stupid in the philosophy that 'these'll do'. Making interesting footwear for men is therefore a risky business, and shoes not in brown or black even more so, but there are some intersting things going on at affordable prices:

Camper sell these rubber flip flops for £25 and they fit much better than standard flip flops. They are super flexible and mould around the foot for comfort. Plus they look much sleeker than stringy flip flops.

(Camper)

These are some really interesting Clarks sandals, that seem to work for most age groups, and with the leather upper, are smarter than most sandals around.

(Clarks)

Terra Plana's Dopie sandal is set to become a design classic and available in many many many colours. Look out for a sock/whole foot version next year currently in the design process.

(Terra Plana)

Cleaner cut trainers and sneakers are everywhere at the moment and so here are some of my favourite men's trainers, particular kudos to the toe shape of the Clarks Originals and the incredibly flexible VivoBarefoot and recycled bike tyre sole of Worn Again @ Terra Plana.

(Clarks Originals)
(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)(Worn Again @ Terra Plana)

Smart Black Shoes (SBSs) for men will occur in every collection despite season but some of the nicest summery ones are again, Camper and Terra Plana. Camper's quirky twins range is responsible for the laces on these slick black leather shoes, whilst Terra Plana's use of eco tumbled leather creates a shoe very very soft and comfortable, with ultra thin sole for a new walking experience.

(Camper)(Terra Plana)

PHEW.