There's a lot of experimentation going on around the basic 'block pump' style at the moment and I really like this take on the look by eco-conscious footwear line United Nude.
Taking inspiration from the catwalk styles of Lanvin, Prada et. al, the 'blocky' look is rendered particularly well in UN's trademark angular style. The heel is positively architectural, while the shiny uppers look good enough to eat.
£170 at Kindred Sole
Related: Yay or Nay: Futuristic sandal by United Nude
Heads up Rupert Sanderson fans! We've got a sneak peek at the designer's spring/summer 2010 collection for you right behind this link and I strongly suggest you check it out to get an idea of the sensational styles we can expect come spring.
They include 'Defender' in black and gold, pictured right, a style that will positively sizzle in bright sunshine. There are more traditional springlike colours to be lusted over here too though, including coral, amber leopard and aqua. Hot to trot!
Related: Rupert Sanderson 'Winona' leopard print heels | Freida Pinto steps out in Rupert Sanderson heels
I'm not quite sure why ASOS has slashed the cost of these wild gladiator shoes quite so energetically, but I can't see too many complaints coming forward now they're down to just a tenner (with plenty of sizes left in stock, too).
As anyone who reads this blog will be aware, Gladiator is a style that has refused to die, year on year. So even if you stash these away till the warmer months, you should be well set-up for a stylish summer.
£10 at ASOS.
Accessorize's foray into footwear seems to be stepping up a pace each season, and I've noticed this trend reflected in the cost, too. What used to be a store for flip-flops and 'costume' slip-ons is now selling fully-fledged shoes - at fully-fledged prices.
These grey Mary Jane shoes are a good case in point. I do like this style a lot: it's smart, has the season's 'business grey' bang on and the contrasting suede panel adds interest and quality. But I can't help thinking I've seen very similar shoes for half the price elsewhere...
£50 from Accessorize/Monsoon
Good news for fans of affordable designer gear: Giles Deacon has been such a big hit at New Look that he's back with a 9th shoe collection for the chain, which will hit stores on Monday 9th November. The latest in the designer's 'Gold' series is inspired by the 'louche' London vibe that is around at the moment - modern British glamour at its finest.
This 'red carpet' worthy look is made evident in an explosion of sequins and contrasting shades, perfect for winter party wear. Fans of Deacon's high street styles will be pleased to note that this range is bigger than previous collections, comprising seven styles.
These sequin-covered booties with their gentle, fully-covered suede platforms are my favourite style from the range, which also includes pewter strappy heels with jewelled fronts, peep toes in lilac sequin and faux snakeskin gladiator cage heels. I can't wait to get into my local New Look and give my feet a glamorous treat!
Related: Gold by Giles Deacon for New Look: new styles available | Gold by Giles Deacon for New Look pink slingback sandals
So what's that we were hearing about how 'sensible' styles are in?
These innocuously-named 'suede platform shoes' by Gian Marco Lorenzi are about the most extreme take on a loafer I've ever seen, and a certain morbid curiosity makes me want to tail someone wearing these shoes just to see how long they last. Safety features aside, I'm really not a big fan of this shoe: even ignoring their height I think it's the two-tone 'sunrise' effect stiletto that really over-eggs the pudding.
£739 at Farfetch
I've always thought that if you're buying trainers, you might as well have a bit of fun with the fabrics and colours. Normal rules don't apply to sports shoes, so my general rule of thumb is just to go for the ones made from the coolest materials.
And personally, I quite like the scrunchy, shiny fabric that Clarks have used in their new sportwear range, particularly Jetty Wave (bottom)'s midnight blue. It has a deep sheen to it that would look fab peeping out from under your jogging pants and could work just fine with jeans, too.
Jewel (top) is £39.99 and Jetty Wave is coming soon.
Related: Casual Friday: 80s-style chunky Nike mid-cuts | Casual Friday: Marc by Marc Jacobs sneakers
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