Maybe it’s controversial, but I’m of the belief that shoes can make or break any outfit. Colour, platform, silhouette – all of these elements hold weight in whether a shoe can form the right pillar to uphold a look. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve found myself admiring a well-styled, put-together outfit in the mirror before realising I didn’t have the right footwear to do it full justice. In winter, our choice is naturally quite limited; fashion can be more easily sidelined for functionality. After all, the primary objective for most is not to look cute, but to keep all ten toes intact. But as the start of spring bids goodbye to the winter boot rotation (from Uggs, to knee-high leather boots, to the ever-classic Docs) it’s time to reappraise our wardrobe from the ankles down!

Flats: a timeless classic

Some say flats are back, but I’d argue that they never left. They’re easy enough to slip on and off, which can be both a blessing and a curse: I can’t count the number of times I’ve lost one going down the stairs rushing to a lecture. Still, the look is timeless. Whether you opt for a Repetto-style ballerina pair, a Tabi-style silhouette, or strappy Mary-Janes, flats will always help you strike a perfect balance between chic and comfortable. You could pair them with any kind of mini dress or skirt to exploit its femininity. If you’re wanting something 2000s, you might even consider wearing them with flares.

“In winter, our choice is naturally quite limited; fashion can be more easily sidelined for functionality”

Open-toe heels: pretty but perilous

For the bravest of days, those ambitious mornings when, appraising your heap of shoes in the morning, you feel suddenly enticed to physically suffer for the purpose of fashion, you may be tempted by open-toe heels. Don’t be afraid to heed that temptation! Just be sure to watch your step on the Cambridge cobbles: there have been many times I’ve gone wobbly on the uneven paving of Silver Street en route to run errands in town. Most recently I donned a chunky pair with skinny jeans to channel the essence of the mid-to-late 2010s. I felt a lot like Ariana Grande minus the three remaining inches – I’m not quite ready to embrace stilettos as casual wear.

Cowboy boots: here to stay?

Of course, no piece on shoes in the past year or so can claim to be thorough without mentioning the cowboy boot. Having travelled through the fashion pipeline from their first boom in autumn of 2023 to the present day, currently accompanying the advent of boho chic, cowboy boots are undeniable proof that we don’t need to leave boots behind in winter. Spring ushers in their return: safe, walkable, and adding undeniable flair to any outfit. I like to opt for ankle-length to show a flash of fun sock. For those of you who are sick of them already, perhaps a fringe boot might be the way to go. Lean into the spring breeze with a ruffle of suede tassels. I’ve already spotted a few fringe-footed people around town…

“Rotate and re-style as weather dictates, take on this season’s trends and don’t shy away from something bold”

Trainers: life beyond Sambas

Spring also heralds the return of the trainer! If you are not yet brave enough to face the 0 degree winter with the feeble protection of canvas, suede or rubber alone, your trainers have no doubt been gathering dust in your wardrobe, just waiting for the moment they can touch the ground once more. I’m probably in scarce company in the fact that I actually do not own a pair myself: they’re not exactly conducive to my personal style. But it’s been impossible to ignore trainers growing slimmer as the seasons go on. A trip to the Sidge site will have you disoriented amidst a dizzying parade of sleek, retro-style sneakers; meanwhile, up on the runway, Loewe, Miu Miu, and Stella McCartney all debuted a series of extra-slim soles for spring, demonstrating thinner fashion possibilities beyond the Adidas Sambas that seemed to have everyone in a chokehold last year. Trainers can also help dress down an otherwise loud outfit, for those days when you want to look more laid back than you feel. A pair of cowboy boots can feel awfully bold, and heels showy and serious. Trainers can offer us the perfect equilibrium!

Spring is a glorious season for fashion. Not yet warm enough to shun uggs and bulky docs, no longer cold enough to have to insulate yourself in thermals and thickly-knitted socks, it’s a time of vast style possibility! My main piece of advice, then, is to embrace this transience and lean into spring’s mercurial moods! Rotate and re-style as weather dictates, take on this season’s trends and don’t shy away from something bold – whether this is pairing socks with heels, bringing back creepers, or donning an unconventional boot.

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