Growing up in New York City as the daughter of a shoe-obsessed mother and grandmother, I often heard them talk about how their best, highest-quality shoes were made in Italy. Decades later, I now live in Italy, and my mom delights in visiting and going shoe shopping for my toddler — reminding me that my shoes as a child were often made in Italy. Clearly, I was predisposed to my current obsession with finding the perfect pair of shoes — which is only exacerbated by living in Italy as a travel writer.

Italians love finely crafted shoes: from the highly-coveted Ferragamo ballet flat (specially designed in the 1950s for Audrey Hepburn) to the famed Gucci loafers (seen on everyone from U.S. presidents to supermodels), Italian footwear has influenced the entire world. As spring approaches, I’m excited to see the new footwear trends in storefronts and on the streets of Bergamo, where I live, and nearby Milan, one of the world’s style capital. From ballet flats to preppy boat shoes that remind me of home, here is your style guide for the spring shoe trends to shop this year, based on Italian-approved footwear. 

New Balance Women’s 237 V1 Sneaker

Currently, retro-styled shoes from sportswear brands like Adidas to high fashion brands like Loewe (and its Flow Runner sneaker) are everywhere. Last year, a fashion friend gifted me these Chloé Nama Stitch walking sneakers in white. I’ve usually been a little skeptical of what I call, “fashion sneakers.” I am a classic sneaker lover; I like the style and proven comfort of tried-and-true durable kicks. But these comfy, stylish shoes changed the game. Despite the stereotype of Italians making fun of American and German tourists’ inappropriate footwear (which does seem to be true), sneakers are actually very popular here; they’re often the final piece to very elegantly put-together looks. Grab these trendy New Balance 237 V1 sneakers that have the popular retro look combined with a supportive midsole and mesh and suede upper that’s comfortable and breathable.

Ralph Lauren Mesh Leather Pony Ballerina Trainer 

Ballet flats have been experiencing a renaissance here in Italy, and there are plenty of lightweight, travel-friendly options to add to your suitcase. High fashion has embraced the ballet sneaker (or ballerina trainers), a hybrid between classic ballet flats with the extra oomph of your favorite sneakers. 

Made of high-quality leather, the Ralph Lauren Mesh-Leather Pony Ballerina Trainer is the perfect hybrid that is delicate enough and looks just as good with a midi skirt as a pair of jeans. A great travel shoe, they’ll be easy to slip on and off at airport security. Plus, they’re lightweight and compact enough to slip into your carry-on or day handbag. Comfortable and elegant, this ballet flat doesn’t compromise style — but it won’t have you in pain as you’re exploring those charming Italian cobblestoned streets. The sneakered support gives you a little bounce in your step and the mesh upper helps with breathability. As a person who loves to opt for the guided bike tour, even in bumpy hilly, Italian villages, but still look put together, I love the versatility of this shoe.

Vince Mojave Suede Retro Sneakers

Another type of fashion sneaker is a retro-looking suede tennis shoe, which is extremely popular amongst the street style here in Bergamo and Milan. Taking inspiration from the nearly-$1,000 Miu Miu x New Balance suede sneakers, this type of shoe is lightweight and wearable — a practical “it” item on the fashion scene. I’ve seen them paired with everything from loose-fit jeans to ladylike pencil skirts. These Vince Mojave retro sneakers provide an available and affordable alternative to the designer shoe: the quality suede gives the practical sneaker an elevated style to match almost any outfit.

Aerosole Women’s Donna Ballet Flat

Sciuraglam is a quintessential look of the Milanese style dolce vita. It’s the timelessly chic style of the noble-seeming elegant set in Milan: perfectly coiffed hair, a vintage handbag, luxe fabrics, and elegant tailoring. And these glamorous women are always wearing the perfect heel or elegant loafer. Timeless styles like Chanel cap toe slingbacks and Ferragamo slingbacks are seen on the young and older set alike, looking just as chic with a straight leg jean and blazer as with a boucle skirt suit. This Aerosole women’s Donna Ballet flat in cream canvas with a black leather toe is a perfect welcome to spring that emulates the timelessness of the designer slingbacks. In the last few years, Aerosole ballet flats have become fast favorites: their comfortable cushioned soles help your feet survive even the longest of days exploring Italy.

Steve Madden Ruskin Suede Boot

Yellowstone is on Italy’s Now TV, and the Western-influenced cowgirl trend has definitely taken to the streets. This spring, harness-style moto boots are being worn with layered skirts as well as jeans for a cool, capable off-duty look — and they look pretty cool on a Vespa! The next time I’m in New York, I’ll be packing my Frye Harness boots to bring back to Italy. I’ve always liked wearing a cowboy boot or harness boot with chic Italian looks to add a hint of Americana. Recently, I’ve seen these suede Steve Madden boots that I’ve been tempted to add to my cart; I’ve seen so many stylish outfits that make their versatility clear.

Madden Girl Tutuu Block-heel Mary Jane Flats 

“There’s no place like home!” Unless you’re in Italy, where red patent leather Mary Janes have made their way from Kansas to Milan! For a few spring and summer seasons, I’ve seen red velvet friulane – classic Venetian slippers – on stylish women and in store windows. Initially, I thought the velvet was an odd choice in the summer, but after learning their history and seeing how easily they could be styled, I became obsessed. I’ve also seen the evolution into friulane Mary Janes and now, styles like these Madden Girl Tutuu Block-heel Mary Jane Flats are being paired with a wide variety of outfits, from jeans to white skirts with navy-inspired blazers. I can’t decide between the beautiful red and the of-the-moment chocolate brown color — both are amazing choices.

Timberland Women’s Stone Street Platform Boat Shoe

Slipping my feet into a pair of boat shoes means it’s finally summer. My trusty OG Sperry Topsiders usually have just a hint of sand from last year in them, and, in a perfect moment, I’m transported back to summer on the East Coast. I started to consider an update to my beloved boat shoes when I began to see these lug-soled beauties out and about in Milan and Bergamo. A favorite of the preppier style set, these shoes are ready for a day of walking with their solid Vibram soles and rich leather, common on the finest Italian shoes. When I discovered that the exact shoe I’d been spotting everywhere was the Velasca Balóss, it felt like I was being let into a discreet Italian brand secret. If you can’t find this Italian brand stateside, Timberland’s Stone Street Boat Shoe offers a fashion update to the look with a platform lug sole, but still that rich leather that will only get better over the years. These Vince Marin moccasins are another great alternative for a durable suede shoe.

Rag & Bone Dart Western Bootie

Another Velasca favorite I’m seeing all over this spring is this suede Chelsea boot. A low-heeled Chelsea boot with a tapered toe paired with a pair of white jeans reads timeless elegance. Though discreet, the look is still striking enough to catch my eye — just the other morning, I watched the most elegant woman in a pair eating a gelato. The suede boot with a reasonable heel height for walking is a sophisticated mix of urban meets country living. These Rag & Bone Western Booties offer the same suede elegance, while the Dolce Vita Shadie Chelsea boots give a similar look with a pointed toe for a little bit less. Added bonus, they’re waterproof, perfect for sudden spring rain showers.

Sam Edelman Bianka Sling in Granada Tan

Leopard print is forever neutral; Milan catwalks are famed for sending edgy leopard prints down the runway. One of the popular flats look this season is the leopard print point-toe kitten heel. Seen on the runways of brands like YSL, the lady-like kitten heel is now being given an edge with this bold print. I’ve seen these shoes paired with a Venetian black-and-white striped top and jeans and wow — it was a moment. These Sam Edelman Bianka Slingbacks have the perfect heel height for casual wear, while the vintage style and eye-catching print elevate your look to scuiraglam-inspired.

DKNY Women’s Fenella Chelsea Slip On Boots

Spring is pretty rainy here in Northern Italy. There was a time when I loved a good Wellington rainboot — and there was a moment in time when they were fashionable so they didn’t look as silly indoors. Needless to say, a commanding Wellington boot looks out of place here — so I tried to figure out what exactly Italians wear on rainy days. It couldn’t possibly be their normal shoes: from old wives’ tales about exposed stomachs to necks, Italians seem to be wildly afraid of catching ill due to the elements. So, wet feet wouldn’t be an option. Then I looked more closely: on rainy days, boots — especially lug-sole Chelsea boots — were everywhere in rubber, treated leather, and patent leather. I finally got a pair of these water-resistant boots, and it’s been a style game-changer for my spring outfits. These DKNY Fenella Chelsea Slip-on Boots are the perfect option that doesn’t compromise your style to brave the weather. They are high enough to tuck a pair of jeans into, and the sleek patent leather is stylish enough to wear on a sunny day, too. The slightly platform rubber heel gives a little elevation from the ground on a wet day. 

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