Fashion and Shoe Trends That Will Dominate 2012

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We don’t have a shoe feature for you this wonderful first day of the year, but what we have instead are some fun future shoe trend predictions.

These aren’t based on anything official except on what we expect and would personally like to see on shoes. Feel free to add to these and share what you would like to be a hot shoe trend this 2012!

Just a quick look back, some of the popular shoe trends last 2011 were high heel loafers, cutout platforms, and retro 70s styles. Others that were not as popular were rigid flatforms, almost heel-less, extremely inward-curved wedges, and actually heel-less shoes.

One trend from last year that we’re still crazy about and still hoping to see more of this year is the ultra-comfortable yet ultra-stylish fashion sneaker:

Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Metallic High Top Sneakers, $850.00

Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Metallic High Top Sneakers

We also hope to see some more wedges because wedges are the most comfortable height-enhancing shoes EVER:

Lovely People Tetra Studded Toe Two-Tone Wedge Pumps, $69.99

Lovely People Tetra Studded Toe Two-Tone Wedge Pumps

We’re also expecting the color-blocking trend to continue this year — we’re kind of amazed by how designers have been able to use this trend to highlight the often unnoticed parts of the shoe:
4 color-blocking shoes

  1. Vince Camuto ‘Pamir’ Colorblock Sandals, $129.99
  2. Jessica Simpson ‘Beijo’ Suede Platform Pumps, $98.99
  3. Charles by Charles David ‘Helium’ Platform Pumps, $124.99
  4. Promise Shoes ‘Accent’ Colorblock Ankle Strap Sandals, $49.99

And solely because of Giuseppe Zanotti’s striped slingback pumps, we’re also expecting to see more stripes on shoes this year:

Guess Hondola Cork Peep Toe Pumps, $94.99

Guess Hondola Cork Peep Toe Pumps

We might be seeing more of mirrored shoe styles as well because metallics are just not enough for 2012:

Jean-Michel Cazabat Ola Mirrored Open Toe Pumps, $300.00

Jean-Michel Cazabat Ola Mirrored Open Toe Pumps

Lastly, we hope that the comfortable shoe trend carries on in 2012. Be it buckled boots, sporty sneakers or classic Doc Martens, we’re up for it this year:

Steve Madden Banddit Buckle Boots, $169.95

Steve Madden Banddit Buckle Boots

Come to think of it, that’s kind of like a revival of the 90s tomboyish, grunge style right there. Fearless shoe forecast? We have to wait and see (and cross our fingers) if it’ll catch on!