The Hindu Business Line : Fancy new footprints

For many, stylish footwear is an indispensable part of their wardrobe. Apart from home-grown brands, feeding the fad are big international brands such as Jimmy Choo and KAN, which have entered the Indian market and are growing in popularity.

Also, as Neomy Khatau, designer of KAN Shoes says, “The shoes market today is buzzing with styles and colours. Flats, wedges, open-toes, slides — you name it and it’s available. Flora and fauna, colours of the summer sky — oranges, lemons, pinks, blues and dots — all are in vogue”.

Some popular styles

Pumps: This style can look great with any outfit. Today you can buy them in any colour ranging from glossy blue, red and yellow to metallic gold, silver, and so on. Pink is the colour of the season, while combinations such as black and white are also a hot favourite.

Flats and sandals: An ideal choice for casual wear. Today they come embellished with animal prints such as python, eel and crocodile skin, as also in fun colours such as red, gold, metallic hues, browns and blacks; vinyl and shimmer sandals are popular too. Sandals with stone-studded buckles are also in.

Bohemian shoes: These come in an eclectic mix of textures, colours and embellishments such as beads and sequins. The patterns are inspired from across the world and their looks range from hippie to cosmopolitan chic.

Style of the season

Shoes are increasingly becoming season-centric as well. Platforms and thongs are preferred when the temperature climbs, as also wedges, which are on their way back after disappearing briefly. Sandals and shoes with sling-back straps are taking over this summer, as they keep your feet cooler on hot days.

For men

It’s not just the women, but men too have an array of options to choose from today.

Casual footwear for men such as slip-ons, chappals, floaters and cloth shoes never go out of style. As far as formal footwear is concerned, leather and suede shoes in black, brown or grey are the best bet.

When it comes to party-wear, polished boots complete the attire for a western look, while mojaris complement ethnic wear.

Thanks to actors like Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan, heels are another recent fad that men have taken to.

Sports wear

On offer are a range of shoes geared for specific activity such as walking, the gym , tennis, trekking and so on.

Caring for your shoe

Sheena Sinha, a shoe designer, shares tips:

Use scratch polish, used for polishing wooden furniture, to improve the look of old and worn-out leather.

Use masking tape to clean suede leather shoes. Avoid wire suede brush as it can scrape the shoe’s top layer.

To clean patent-leather shoes rub some Vaseline, leave it on for a while, and polish with a soft clean cloth. This prevents cracking as well.

To keep leather soft, apply a little castor oil and leave it to dry. Castor oil is also useful for waterproofing leather soles.

To stretch tight shoes, pack them with potato peelings and keep aside for two days.

Store shoes in shoe trees, transparent boxes, racks or bags.

Choosing the perfect pair

Only you can tell if a pair of shoes fits you well or not. If they aren’t comfortable, don’t buy them.

Shop for shoes late in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell to their largest then.

Size also depends on shoe make and style. Don’t insist on one size if the next feels better.

The toe box should be roomy enough to wiggle all your toes.

Your forefoot should not be wider than the shoe.

The heel should fit snugly.

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