The Top Five Winter Shoe Trends of 2015

With the cold season starting a little later in Japan than other parts of the world, many of us may still be looking for the perfect shoes to carry us through the winter. The runways this season had a clear message: the shoes, and more often than not, the boots, have it. See what has arrived in the stores and choose your favorites, from thigh-high boots and sleek loafers to comfy sneakers and even urban hiking boots.

Higher and Higher

Elevate your evening look with a sleek throwback that adds that special retro elegance to short skirts, dresses and skinny jeans. Over-the-knee and thigh high boots are the ultimate in footwear, with overt feminine appeal.

Some options: Vince over-the-knee leather boots, about ¥90,000; Double Standard suede boots, ¥76,000; San Edelman red knee-high boot, about ¥30,000.

Hiking in the City

While boots are a quintessential element in our fall closets each year, this season designers drew inspiration from the outdoor scene. Hiking and mountaineering elements give boots a rougher update and will open up loads of new styling possibilities. Even the classic Dr. Martens have been reinvented and look more stylish than ever.

Some options: Tory Burch hiking boot, about ¥39,000; Tsumori Chisato lace-up boots, about ¥52,000; Dr. Martens outdoor-inspired boot, about ¥29,000.

Statement Sneakers

Luckily for those of us who love comfort, sneakers are showing no signs of going out of style anytime soon. This is especially true of statement sneakers with mixed materials, rich textures, metallic colors or unique shapes. Combinations of matte and glossy finishes, extra-large soles and 3D effects give sneakers and slip-ons new radiance. Similar to the “shine” trend in clothing, metallic is now hip in footwear, either partially or all over. A fully metallic shoe or sneaker is a great eye-catcher and goes great with a clean and simple tone-on-tone outfit, as it absolutely sets a statement itself. For those who like it less prominent, metallic is also popping up in small accents.

Some options: Y-3 mid-top sneaker, about ¥47,000; Zara glitter sneakers, ¥7,990; Nike 3D textured sneakers, ¥12,960.

Menswear Inspired Flats

The gender-free trend is also a topic when it comes to footwear. From Chelsea boots and loafers to lace-ups, all take direct inspiration from men’s closets. Loafers are a good replacement for your summer sandals, since they can literally go with everything in your wardrobe. Booties are an evergreen of course, but ankle boots are now showing greater volume—for instance, with platforms and/or thick, voluminous block heels and soles. Together with Chelsea boots—which are now cut even lower to barely cover the ankle—lace-up booties are also ubiquitous. And finally, pointy toes—after taking a break for a couple of years—are back! They are easy to combine with all different kinds of trousers and skirts, and best part about them is that they give your feet a super slim silhouette and your outfit a dressier appeal.

Some options: Nicolas Kirkwood metallic leather loafers, ¥49,200; Junya Watanabe studded brogues, about ¥86,000; Zara leather tassel loafers, ¥10,990.

Hey, Mary Jane

On the other end of the trend spectrum from menswear inspiration lie the power pumps and ultra-feminine t-straps, often seen paired with color blocking and heels in unique proportions and shapes. Mary Janes that leverage retro attitudes in a very modern and contemporary way go hand-in-hand with the 70s trend that is so big this season.

Some options: Seychelles two-strap Mary Janes, about ¥13,000; Miu Miu multi-strap block-heel pumps, about ¥112,000; Marni color block Mary Janes, about ¥94,000.