Get the school year running in the right direction with a new pair of sneakers.
"Sneakers are a modern wardrobe mainstay and top the list for back-to-school shopping," says Nancy McGinnis, a spokesperson for the Soft Moc retail chain. "With so many designs and trends to choose from, both young men and women can make great style statements with their footwear."
A new pair of kicks can be a fashionable form of self expression.
Key trends revamp classic high- and low-tops lace-ups and retro skater-styles of the late '80s and early '90s.
"For men, there's a strong fashion-driven rapper, hip-hop artist influence," says Daniel Gervais of Reebok Canada.
"Women's shoes are also influenced by the past, with such classic 20- and 25-year-old workout shoes such as the Pump and the Freestyle being updated for modern times."
The classic Converse All-Star is also making a come back.
They "are frequently seen on the feet of band members and others in the music scene," says McGinnis.
Go bold or go home appears to be the main theme, as sneakers are vibrantly coloured and full of pattern.
For men, fall shades include vivid cobalt blue, red, lime green, orange, goldenrod yellow, brown and grey, along with tradtional subdued classics of burgundy and black.
Pink and violet are more prevalent in women's styles.
Colour blocking is a big issue, with two or more colours on the same shoe a common trend.
Two-tone textures are another common element as canvas and leather, and smooth and patent finishes are often combined.
Plaid sneakers run a new twist on the classics and there are lots of oversized "buffalo" checks in classic combinations of red, white, purple and black.
Multi-coloured patterns such as comic book prints, paint splatters and graffiti-scribbled scrawls splash even more colour into play.
Metallic logos, piping and trim in silver, bronze and gold are among the other possible decorative elements on both oxford lace-up and slip-on styles.
"Details are edgier than ever before," says Mardi Larson, a Payless spokesperson.
"Tattoo-inspired appliques, frayed edging, colour-blocked patterns and pops of high-shine patent on high-tops are some of the hottest trends for men this fall."
Details on women's shoes are also sure to be noticed, as camouflage, checked, tattoo and wild cat patterns are flanked by fancy details such as decorative chains and buckles.
heather.toskan@sunmedia.ca
