Howdy, gals! Today we will discuss "The impact of social media on women's shoe trends." You may have noticed a change in what's popular (whether you're a shoe connoisseur or just appreciate a good pair of comfortable sneakers) as a result of the impact of social media.
Let's begin with Instagram, which is, for us, the most prominent example. It's no secret that this platform has become popular among style bloggers and influencers as a place to display their work. Women all over the world are looking to Instagram for shoe inspo, whether they're shopping for the newest designer heels or the hottest trend in sneakers.
The emergence of micro-influencers is an intriguing development on Instagram. These regular folks have amassed a significant amount of fans due to the quality of their style. Mega-influencers like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian are still quite influential, but lesser influencers with more specialized fan bases have significantly impacted footwear fashion.
For example, we have seen an eco-fashion micro-influencer promoting sustainable sneakers that quickly gain a large following. Another example would be a blog dedicated to modest clothing, highlighting a pair of stylish loafers perfect for women who value practicality without sacrificing fashion.
Instagram's influence on footwear fashion may also be seen in the proliferation of so-called "ugly" shoes. You read that correctly; social media has contributed to the popularity of big, enormous, and clunky footwear. Women are now wearing shoes that were once considered ugly, thanks to fashion bloggers and influencers who aren't scared to try new things. But don't get me wrong, they might be ugly, but also very comfortable.
Remember the early 2000s, when everyone wore stilettos and strappy sandals? Nowadays, it's all about clunky sandals, combat boots, and platform shoes. You know what else? It's interesting. In our times, women can achieve both a fashionable and comfortable appearance without sacrificing comfort for the sake of fashion.
Instagram isn't the only social media platform influencing women's footwear styles. Pinterest has also had an enormous impact on the kinds of shoes that women choose to wear. In fact, the platform is largely responsible for the continued success of many "classic" and "timeless" shoe designs.
If you search for "black pumps" on Pinterest, you'll find thousands of pins, many of which have timeless, pointed-toe designs. These shoes aren't as trendy as we see on Instagram, but they're still a closet must-have for many ladies. And Pinterest has helped them maintain their relevance.
Upcycling and personalizing preexisting footwear are two examples of the kind of DIY shoe projects that have gained traction on Pinterest. Women are getting more and more inventive when it comes to customizing their footwear. This includes everything from painting white sneakers, decorating with glitter, to adding fringe to ankle boots.
One fascinating aspect of social media influencers is their ability to increase demand for specific products. There is a high probability that fans of a well-known influencer will consider buying a pair of shoes only because she posted a photo of herself wearing them. Do you remember the picture of Paris Hilton at the airport, carrying her little doggie and wearing Birkenstocks with a summer dress and a hat? I remember my face the first time I saw that. You should have seen it! Today it is a normal sight and wearing them with socks, is no surprise.
That's why so many shoe companies are teaming up with social media stars to spread the word about their wares, and today some others are wary of doing so. AKA, the down-hill relationship between Kanye West (AKA Ye) with Addidas-Yeezy that has cost them millions? Just to mention another example.
In a certain way, these associations may benefit the general public. Promotional discounts and coupons are common tools for influencers to promote products to their fan base, which means you can save a ton of money on that sweet new pair of kicks you've had your eye on. However, you need to keep in mind that not all opinion leaders are the same. A person's popularity online is no guarantee that they are a credible style authority or that they have good taste.
That's why it's crucial to check the legitimacy of the influencer's recommendation against other sources before making a purchase. Check through customer feedback, check recognized reviews sites, and visit the manufacturer's site to learn about the shoes' features and benefits. But most importantly, ask yourself if the style fits your everyday life before purchasing.
With that out of the way, what are the most prominent shoe trends that have emerged from social media? Some of these are particularly noteworthy:
Oversized sneakers - I was just talking about how many trendy women can't live without their chunky sneakers. Popular brands driving this trend include Adidas and Nike and HOKA, with their bulky, dad-inspired styles, but many other options are also available.
Thigh-high boots and ankle boots . While ankle boots are a timeless staple because of their adaptability, thigh-high boots are not for everyone. Different takes on this timelessly chic look are trending on social media, from cowboy-inspired boots to metallic finishes.
Another shoe trend that has been around for a while is mules. There is a mule out there for you, whether you like them with or without heels. Find styles that stand out with embellishments like embroidered or cutouts.
Strappy sandals have long been a summer favorite, but designers are putting a fresh spin on the classic shape this year. Imagine a pair of sandals with a wide, woven strap and a large, brightly colored buckle.
Women who want to seem put together without sacrificing their feet's comfort might consider a pair of loafers. Some of the more exciting updates to the traditional loafer style include the addition of metallic finishes and platform soles.
Obviously, these are only a few instances of social media-driven shoe trends. As social media continues to develop, I anticipate the emergence of even more fascinating footwear styles in the following months and years.
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