CROCS
All of Crocs’ shoes feature croslite, a resin that makes the shoes antimicrobial, odor resistant, and recyclable. Two-toned looks are popular for spring in the classic clog. There is a slingback mary jane style with butterflies adorning the top. The multi-sport sandal has a quick pull lacing system. Disney has inspired styles that feature Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Mickey and Minnie. And let’s not forget Scooby Doo and Batman! crocs.com.
DIESEL SHOES
In step with Diesel’s clothing collection, shoe styles for boys and girls come in shades of lilac, pink, denim, and metallic silver. Especially popular styles are sneakers, high-tops, and various styles of sandals. Hot fabrics for the season are washed leather, canvas and denim. diesel.com
Girls will be bright and shining in colors like hot pink, lilac, silver, and gold. The Mary Jane will be available in both casual canvas and a strappy sandal. New to the shelves this year is Kid Express, offering hand-crafted leather and rubber soles. Jellies are back, now with a back heel strap, in bright orange, pink, and white. Boys can’t stop running (and they won’t have to!) with durable selections from Naturino and Primigi in colors like sand and khaki. 1296 Third Avenue, 212-288-3448; 825 Lexington Avenue, 212-832-3922; galoshoes.com.
HARRY’S KIDS SHOES
This well-known children’s outpost will be filled with shoes in metallic colors this season. Silver and gold will adorn facturers as Naturino, Ecco, and Geox. You will find embellishments on many of the styles, but there’s been plenty of attention paid to function, too. 2315 Broadway, 212-874-2034, harrys-shoes.com.
LESTER’S SHOES
Tucked away in the back of this clothing emporium is a fully stocked shoe store. In keeping with the current trends, you will find jellies in bright colors and embellished with stones. Ballet flats are still popular, with silver and gold as the most popular colors. Nike Dunks are a must in silver for girls, whereas navy with brown trim is popular for boys. Hunter below the-knee rain boots will be available in pink, hunter green,
and navy. Don’t forget to check out the tween and teen shoe department
on the other side of the store. 1534 Second Avenue, 212- 734-9292,
lestersnyc.com.
MERRELL
Most of us are familiar
with Merrell’s non-marking soles, antimicrobial foot beds, and the ease
with which the shoes are taken on and off—all features that make Merrell
a big hit with children and their parents. But can you believe how
fashion-forward they have become? Boys’ styles for spring have
reflective heel webbing and boast great color combinations. Girls will
like the Mary Jane with brightly colored mesh uppers. Merrell also has
great waterfriendly sandals for both boys and girls. merrell.com
Girls will be sporting
patent leather shoes this season that feature bright colors with
cutouts. Oversize silver and gold rhinestone buttons, buckles, and
hardware will be a hit. Exotic stamped leathers will be particularly
abundant, especially in metallic. Boys will jumping in canvas and denim
in shades of blue with frayed edges. The Naturino line’s color strengths
will be sand and khaki. naturino.com.
PEDIPED
Sandals are what are hot
this season—especially those with cutouts in flower shapes. Colors like
lime green, pink, and gold will be popular. The mary jane is now
available in a striped pattern, and polka dots are still going strong.
Boys can be seen in fisherman sandals and nubuck fabrics in colors of
brown and white. pediped.com.
PLAYHOUSE
Nautical themes will be popular this season, with
knotted-rope uppers in blue and yellow. Look for multi-colored flat
stone beading on the toes of Playhouse’s latest styles. You’ll find
wicker adorning several styles, in keeping with the playful theme
“seaside picnic.”
SHOOFLY
Gray will
be a prominent color in this spring’s selection, and neutral tones like
khaki are in abundance. Styles are reminiscent of the Roman era, with
features like high ankle straps and adorning fringe. 42 Hudson
Street, 212-406-3270, shooflynyc.com.
STRIDE RITE
Shoe styles will come to
life with bright colors such as ballerina, surf, prism pink, and
cantaloupe. Details such as flowers and butterflies as well as gem and
patent leather accents will have a strong presence in the collection.
This season’s styles will reflect a combination of both comfort and
flair. 1542 Third Avenue, 212-249- 0551, striderite.com.
THE SHOE TREE
The shelves this
season will be filled with mary janes, sandals, and athletic sparkling
metallics, along with shades of lavender and pink. Hand-painted details
as well as glitter accents will adorn many shoes. Navy and tan with
accents of orange and red will be the predominant colors for boys.
All-purpose sandals that are lightweight and breathable are perfect for
both boys and girls. 2876 Broadway, 212-280-1711.
TIP TOP
Shoes this season are about
function first, then fashion. Black is back as the basic must-have.
Younger girls will be wearing the mary jane in black patent, whereas
older girls will be in ballet flats in black or metallic.Silver,
gold, and tan are the neutral alternatives. Naturino’s glitter mary
jane is now a year-round favorite. Boys will see a resurgence of the
boat shoe in various neutral shades. White is the “in” color for toddler
boys. 149 West 72nd Street, 212-787-4960, tiptopshoes.com.
