Scarpa, owned by Pip Larner and Liz Savage, was born from a love of well-made, European footwear. Now operating three stores in Auckland, and stocking a number of renowned brands including Stuart Weitzman, Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler, the duo recently made their annual pilgrimage over to Milan for fashion week to soak up all that the continent has to offer, including its vast and varied selection of high-end footwear. Underlining to me that their buying trips like this afford them intimate insight into upcoming trends, it ensures their new season line-up in store ticks all the boxes for fashion-savvy New Zealanders. And it’s just an added bonus if they manage to sneak in a few delicious meals and some people watching in between appointments.

After wrapping up their fashion week experience, Larner and Savage gave us the inside scoop on some of the biggest footwear trends they noticed for SS19, both on the street and in the designers’ upcoming collections. This is what they had to say…

1. Sneakers with everything
“We know that sneakers might feel like old news, but this season we noticed that this casual shoe was a favourite of the fashion set, who seemed to prefer it over any other style. Sneakers were paired with dresses, suiting, jeans and everything in between.”

Alexander McQueen Gishiki sneaker from Scarpa
Stella McCartney Eclypse rainbow sneaker from Scarpa

2.Biker boots
“A modern, cool version of the chunky biker boot was another style we noticed gaining traction. The trending biker boot is favoured for the masculine edge it’s set to offer any outfit, and an easy way to recreate the look is by opting for solid, black, statement-making boots and pairing them with softer colours and shapes.”

Alexander McQueen Bess boots from Scarpa

3. Cowboy influenced boots with Cuban heels
“This one might come as a slight surprise but the cowboy boot seems to be experiencing a resurgence. This new-age cowboy boot often sports a Cuban heel, elongated toe and was most often worn with full skirts and feminine dresses.”

Alexander McQueen Solstice boot from Scarpa

4. Pointed pump kitten heels
“It would seem the lady-like look is back. Spying a number of pointed-toe pumps with low heels, we were treated to a parade of elegant, understated looks that felt dainty while remaining inherently ‘cool.'”

Mira mules from Scarpa
Stuart Weitzman Hayday pumps from Scarpa

5. Embellished platform sandals
“What would summer shoe style be without a good sandal? Next season it’s the more chunky, strappy version of this popular style that seems to be leading the pack. Bonus points if the shoes in question offer some kind of embellishment.”

Kitson sandals from Scarpa
Margot sandals from Scarpa