Children’s footwear next spring is a wearable “Choose Your Own Adventure” with trends spanning fairytale delights to tropical adventures. MAGIC described the top four trends for kids in their Spring ’17 children’s trend report. Here’s a look at the season’s highlights.
Out & About
The Northwest, not the North West, inspires MAGIC’s adventure story for Spring ’17. Taking cues from the outdoor market, the kids’ trend calls desert boots, Chelsea boots, canvas slip-ons, mocs and footbed sandals in a heap of nature-inspired uppers. Animal and critter prints—abstract, illustrated and photo real—decorate uppers, as well as camouflage, embroideries, beading and a bit of fringe.
Fun & Games
The new crop of sneakers and casuals are built to withstand any and all play-date. MAGIC reported that kids’ brands are zeroing on functional elements like double Velcro closures and lace-less or pull-on silhouettes, however the styles are far from basic. Color blocking, denim, light up soles and retro motifs are packing a punch of personality to these kicks.
Prince & Princess
How do you reinvent pastels? By adding a dash of magic. Glittery uppers, pearly patents and metallic leather—in both traditional metals and pops of pink, lavender or blue—are part of the recipe for girls’ dress shoes for Spring ’17. Essential silhouettes include T-bar shoes, ballerina flats and flats with ribbon ankle ties. The theme extends to boys’ through suede oxfords, chukka boots and wingtips in soothing shades of gray and blue contrasted by a color outsole.
Sun & Shade
What do you get with you combine the hot hues of Miami with the ethnic flavor of the jungle? MAGIC’s Spring ’17 tropical story for boys and girls. The sandal-centric trend calls for rubber water shoes, printed flip-flops and slides, as well as canvas sneakers and espadrilles. Rainforest florals, neon hues, scarf tie closures, pom-poms and fringe brings this vacation-inspired trend to a new level of whimsy and fun.