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Such bright colors, as cobalt blue, deep orange and rusty red, have infiltrated the men's performance footwear, while ironically kids sneakers have gone white, sporting the addition of fun, lithium battery lights, and super comfortable bottoms. Children's everyday shoes are primarily take-downs from their adult counterparts with the use of such menswear inspired fabrics as Burberry, Tartan plaid and tweed insets; as well as gun metal leathers in green and violet, zipped up boots and Prada-influenced square toes.

In all footwear categories look for such embellishments as hardware (buckles, metal buttons, turn lock and toggles) leather or fabric flowers (pass up the rose for the newest with pansies, tulips and orchids) contrast stitching and piping (as well as stitched soles, zigzag and handsewn looks), and jewels (especially rhinestones and crystals). Rich materials include velvet, jacard, paisley, tapestry, brocade, fur and camel's hair; while snakeskin takes a backseat to the newest exotic leathers: ring lizard, alligator and crocodile.

KEY FOOTWEAR TRENDS FALL 2001

Toe Character Elongated pointed toe Rounded almond toe Oblique

Bottoms Wide heel for everyday Lower, thinner heels for dress 40's platform lasts Wrap around blown unit bottom

Styles & Silhouettes Bowling shoes Mary Jane strap Dress pump with tailored influence Boots of every description

Men's Casuals are strong Bright color in fitness shoes Technical features Work shoe influence

Kid's Metallic colors Burberry, plaid and tweed insets Nubby European soles Black, red and purple Quilted or padded leather uppers

In addition to boots of every description, trendy new shoe silhouettes include the fitness-based bowling shoe or wrestling boot, dress shoes with tailored influence and Mary Jane straps. Designers are also combining unique classic styles, as in a penny moc with slingback or a pump with rocker bottom.

Influenced by the recent elegance of runway shows (and the retro comfort and multiple cultural influence of the 1970's), footwear for fall 2001 has one foot in casual and the other in high style. More prints and patterns (Pucci or Versace) in apparel trends, combined with the creative use of leather in watches and jewelry, have created a demand for classic browns, wines and tans in footwear.

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