Is it too early to talk about spring 2020 shoe trends? Ah, no! Indeed, it’s just the right time as the shoe show of the year, FN Platform, is coming up February 5-7 in Las Vegas.
Lucky for us, Leslie Gallin, President of Footwear Informa took time out of her busy schedule for a Question and Answer with OverDressedforLife.
1. How do shoe styles develop?
Ah, a very good question and could prompt a long response, so here goes in the condensed version. Since footwear is a utilitarian product, meaning answering the needs for waterproof, activities and safety etc. … this category of footwear is developed based upon lifestyle – trends in developing lighter and more durable and comfort go into the creations. Fashion – Women’s and Men’s dress shoes – will most likely follow the color trends of the season along with the styling of fashion – pointy toes and heel heights.
2. Sustainability is a big word in fashion, how is the shoe industry addressing the issue?
This is a hot topic – we are seeing more and more footwear brands looking to sustainably and ethically sourced materials. Many companies are looking to reduce their carbon footprint as well. I think we will be seeing more and more footwear made from plants and recycled materials.
3. There are so many shoes made these days from around the world it seems, and the quality varies. Can you tell us what to look for in a well-crafted pair of shoes?
Yes, fit varies based upon the factory where the shoe is made. There is a tremendous amount of labor – human touch which goes into making shoes. Think about it, the right foot and the left foot must ultimately be identical! This does not happen from a machine. A sewn sole to the upper of the shoe provides a greater stability and finer shoe. Quality of the leather, you want a shoe that the more you wear it the more comfortable it feels. Servicing one’s shoes is important to your health. Think about it – if the heel of your shoe is worn down that can create an imbalance to your walk and ultimately your back. Having well serviced shoes helps with your health. Shoes need to allow your feet to breath, therefore finding a shoe with natural – real leather, sheepskin – fabrics will be a better shoe.
Leslie says the platform sneaker is back for 2020. We haven’t seen the platform sneaker since the late 90s.
4. Sneakers have been popular lately; do you see that going away or are they here to stay? How might they change to keep interest?
Sneakers are evolving- no longer are they just performance driven. This generation recognized one does not need to suffer for fashion. It is a youthful look to wear “sneakers” with dresses and suits. We are seeing in men’s shoes an evolution of sorts – combining sneaker insides and soles with the an historic men’s dress shoe upper. I do think the trend of comfort being a wider acceptable factor in our shoes is here to stay.
5. What’s your favorite shoe trend for spring 2020?
My favorite trend for spring- mules for women and the new casual dress shoe for men.
Mules! I just noticed a beautiful pair of mules by Brother Vellies in Harper’s Bazaar. As for sneakers, they are this walking girl’s best friend. Style and comfort all in one. I also agree that taking care of our shoes is essential for our health, pocketbook, and the environment.
Thank you, Leslie! I really appreciate your shoe expertise.
… clothes are never just garments. Each time we stand before our closet to pick out our clothes, we make a series of choices about how we want to appear before the world. This is just as true for people who claim not to care about clothes as it is for self-proclaimed fashionistas. It’s because we recognize that the way we adorn ourselves communicates something about who we are and where we come from. And everyone has experienced the discomfort of showing up somewhere dressed like they didn’t get the memo. We can think of our clothes, then, as a powerful social skin. 
To me, fashion is an ever-changing art. 
OverDressed for Life 