Above image courtesy of IMAXTREE.com

It’s evident that athleticism is a key trend this year with high-fashion takes on
sporty favourites (like the silk track pants at Rag and Bone or the perforated leather bags at Jimmy Choo). This sporty spin is most notable with the advent of the haute sneaker; the likes of Chanel, Christian Louboutin and Isabel Marant channeled their “Just Do It” spirit, dreaming up covetable kicks with wedge heels, python prints, studs and gold leather trim. Read on for this season’s most talked-about spring shoes.

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2012

Sneaker trend: High tops

It’s high-top heaven this season. Take Marc by Marc Jacobs’ tri-coloured version or Lanvin’s take that have a girly touch with a mint toe cap. Pierre Hardy showcased bold, vibrant styles that were defined as “astro-sport.” Far less flashy, Chloé released a suede and leather model, which contrasted Chris Benz’s colourful offerings. Giuseppe Zanotti’s high tops were rife with zippers, Miu Miu’s version were slick patent black leather while Isabel Marant put her cool girl spin on colour-blocked suede varieties with a built-in wedge.

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Converse Chuck Taylor Chinese New Year shoe ($90 USD), at converse.com.

Sneaker trend: Ode to Converse Chuck Taylors and Vans

While the classic canvas court is a perennial style favourite, it got a makeover this season. Converse launched a limited “Year of the Dragon” line – a collection of slick, leather kicks in bright red prints as well as a Missoni print high-top. For those who want an edgier look, the brand introduced its new Hardware collection, adding metal piercings to the side of the shoe. Meanwhile, Vans collaborated with several designers and celebrities for their Custom Culture Collection. The likes of Peter Som, Kristen Stewart and Trina Turk designed their own varieties that range from colourful and paint splattered to glittery floral appliqués.

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Guiseppe Zanotti High Top Sneaker ($68), at farfetch.com.

Sneaker trend: Printed

Prints are big news for spring and they’ve trickled down to toes too, appearing on everything from slip-on trainers to flashy high-tops. While you might expect girly gingham and floral prints to adorn spring shoes, it was actually more fashion-forward prints commanding attention. For instance, Dioniso’s luxe version featured metallic python print and Giuseppe Zanotti played with snake print.

Spring shoes: Colourblock heels.

Keep reading for more spring shoes inspired by lockerroom style, on the next page…
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Yves Saing Laurent Malibu Leather Studded High Top Sneakers ($720.10), at luisaviaroma.com.

Sneaker trend: Embellished styles

A variety of luxe finishes elevated the basic trainer this season. Prada, Chloé, Lanvin Resort and Adidas Original showcased smooth leather styles that boasted
jewels, gems and metallic hardware. At his Resort collection, Alexander Wang combined black, white and grey suede with quilted leather patchwork. Naturally, Jimmy Choo added patches of gold glitter to their beige suede kicks while Giuseppe Zanotti opted for black gems as a finishing touch to his leopard print design. Christian Louboutin covered his black suede high tops with diamonds, and Miu Miu went for the twinkle toe effect, capping off the toes with silver studs. YSL’s high-top embellished version features gold leather lining and Mancapane dressed their version up with macramé embroidery.

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See by Chloé High Top Wedge Sneaker ($375 USD), at bergdorfgoodman.com.

Sneaker trend: Platforms and wedges

Sneakers reached new heights this season. Prada offered two options of its coveted micro-foam platform style: one a navy patent leather option and the other a simple white style that sit atop a colourful one-inch wedge sole. Alternatively, Chanel’s spacey white leather platform mimics ‘90s aerobics with its Velcro ankle strap and neon embellishments. Giuseppe Zanotti maintained his penchant for hardware, adorning his silver sneaker wedge with matching silver zippers and a white patent leather toe. And See By Chloe introduced towering lace-up leather wedge styles.

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