Footwear Plus Shoesday Tuesdays: Child’s Play

The ENK Children’s Club showcased fashion-driven head-to-toe looks and one thing is for sure: After a season of safe basics, children’s footwear designers are embracing their inner kid with whimsical themes and bold colors for Spring ’11. Here’s a recap of some of the season’s leading trends that were on display in New York. —Angela Velasquez

Folk Tale
Earth mamas rejoice! Children’s footwear designers reverberate spring’s ’70s vibe with sophisticated and kitschy styles. Folk-inspired details, like fringe and whip-stitching, color-saturated leathers and nature motifs are in step with the bohemian fashion movement.

Clockwise from Left: Venettini; Kickers; Livie & Luca.

Sneak Attack
As the denim world revisits classic cuts and washes, sneaker designers are once again pumping up the volume. Zany prints, blasts of color and tech-y straps for boys and girls are set to make bold statements on the playground.

Left to Right: Yohji Yamamoto; Livie & Luca.

Capture the Flag
Nautical stripes and classic Americana styling are perennial fashion trends for kids of all ages. This spring footwear designers reinvent the red, white and blue wheel by way of luxe materials, grown-up looks and subtle but sweet patriotic motifs.

Clockwise from Top Left: Kickers; Camper; Pazitos; Primigi.

Be Dazzled
Spring promises a treasure trove of glittery sandals fit for princesses. Faceted beads, elegant medallions, and silhouettes inspired by mom’s favorite shoes add the finishing touch to the season’s vibrant sportswear and floral special occasion wear.

Clockwise from Top: Pazitos; KORS Michael Kors; Pliner Jrs.