Here on Long Island, we get a front row seat to the fashion trends that launch in New York City. And, with the Met Gala right around the corner, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 about to hit theaters, your podiatrists in Massapequa were eager to see what the Vogue team had to say about the hottest spring shoe styles this year. In this post, we’ll review the style trends that you can shop this season—without leaving your feet in agony.

Spring Shoe Styles Approved by Podiatrists the legs and feet of a woman wearing loafers

The team at Vogue identified several trending shoe styles for spring. First, we’ll highlight the ones that you should shop—and tell you why. Then, we’ll get to the spring shoe styles you should leave on the shelves if you don’t want to end up with foot, heel & arch pain.

  1. The Glove Pump


    Defined by Vogue as “glove-like pumps [that are] sleek, sculptural, and designed to hug the foot in a barely-there manner, these ladylike silhouettes offer a refined finishing touch.” Of course, pumps of any kind aren’t ideal for wearing every day—especially if you have to stand or walk a lot. However, if you need to dress up your outfit, feel free to follow this trend, as long as you choose a pair with, “a sensible block heel.” It’s approved by fashion editors for the trendy aesthetic and by Dr. Mark Gasparini and Dr. Novneet Chhabra for the greater level of support it provides compared to stiletto styles that push your weight forward onto the ball of your foot, increasing your risk for neuromas and bunions. (Follow this link for a pair our podiatrists and the Vogue team agree upon.)

  2. Oxford Shoes and Loafers

Again, this style of shoe isn’t meant for taking long walks. But if you want to follow Vogue’s “Back to School” spring shoe styles, look for preppy pairs that have square toes instead of pointed ones to reduce your hammertoe risk; thicker soles instead of thinner ones to provide your feet with more cushioning; and low heels instead of high ones for greater overall comfort. We agree with the editors that this style would be a foot-and-fashion-friendly choice.

  1. The Clog


    Our Long Island podiatrists have mixed feelings about this trending spring shoe style. If worn as a sandal, it’s certainly a better choice than flimsy, unsupportive flip-flops. After all, we love that it has a thicker sole to provide more arch support and shock absorption. However, many clogs are backless, so your feet could slide around in the shoes. That could leave your feet and toes gripping to keep your foot in place; overtime, that gripping could lead to foot pain. But don’t despair: you can still embrace the retro clog shoe trend this spring. Just look for pairs like this one from Chloe; the straps on the back can keep the shoe in place for more comfortable wearing. 

 

Spring Shoe Styles to Avoid

Now that you know the trendy spring shoes that won’t hurt your feet, let’s look at the ones that will cause you foot pain—so you know what to leave on the shelves.

1.     Backless Loafers

While we liked loafers with backings, backless loafers (also known as loafer mules) are a style we’d like you to avoid. You see, there are two problems with this type of shoe style: first, the missing back leaves your foot sliding around in the shoe. (See the section on clogs for more details.) Next, these loafers are designed to be worn without socks. But the toes are closed, and the leather isn’t as breathable as an open sandal would be. Unfortunately, that combination could lead to sweaty, smelly feet. At the same time, it increases your risk for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, making it a spring shoe style you’re better off avoiding. 

2.     Flip Flops


According to the Vogue team, elevated flip-flops are a major spring style trend this year. They’re showing up on runways everywhere, with “pops of color on a kitten heel or a micro wedge sandal.” But here’s the thing: flip flops are unsupportive, no matter how fancy you try to make them. So skip this style trend unless you’re lounging by the pool or beach, or heading to a locker room shower. Trust us, your feet will thank you.

 

3.          Slim Sneakers

This is the last spring shoe style we want you to avoid, and here’s why. Fashion editors describe it as, “Spring’s take on fall’s ballet sneaker—a low-top sneaker ballerina hybrid—feels even more refined than its predecessor from last year; we like to think of this sneaker trend as the casual shoe for minimalists: understated, effortless, and endlessly wearable, from morning errands to city strolls.” Not seeing the problem here? Let us spell it out for you. Like ballet slippers, slim sneakers have little to no sole; that means they have no arch support and little to no shock absorption. Yet, because of their sneaker design, people—like the fashion editors at Vogue—think they make for great walking shoes. And that can add up to major foot and arch pain. So, unless you want to wear them in short bursts—like you would a dress shoe or high heel—we wouldn’t recommend embracing this trendy spring shoe silhouette.

Fight Foot Pain All Year with Long Island Podiatrists

Here at our podiatry practice in Massapequa, we’re dedicated to making your feet look and feel their best. That’s why we want to help you select spring shoe styles that won’t hurt your feet. But if you already have foot pain, and you need some help recovering, we’re here to help with that as well. Just contact our team by calling 516-804-9038 or by following this link to request an appointment. When we see you in the office, we’ll conduct a comprehensive examination, determining the cause of your discomfort and the appropriate treatment plan to get you back on your feet!

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