Gladiator sandals make a triumphant spring return.

(above image source)

Hello Spring! I love you and all your sunshine, flower-power glory. And of course with spring comes… SPRING SHOES! No more do we need to trudge through a foot of sludge to get to classes, so we can safely retire our soiled Uggs and weather-proof boots. But what should we replace them with? We must hurry to give our toes some wiggling freedom! Thus, this extensively scientifically researched Ultimate Spring Shoe Guide is written to help you and your toes on a quest to find the perfect, trend-appropriate kicks.

1. Wedge Heels

From covered wedges to peep-toe wedges to platform wedges, wedges are huge this spring–both literally and figuratively (check out Givenchy’s towering version for Spring 2010). I mean, what’s not to like? They give you the height of stilettos with the comfort of sandals. I also like the word wedges. It sounds so… wedged.

2. Oxfords and Saddle Shoes

Menswear-inspired looks still ruled the spring runway, and oxfords are no exception. Pair them with flirty dresses to toughen them up or with slouchy jeans and a tee for the I-just-threw-on-something-in-the-morning-and-yet-managed-to-look-amazing look. By the way, saddle shoes are basically oxfords, but with the top being a different color. I’m really loving the lighter, neutral oxfords this spring–which brings me to number three.

3. Neutrals

Thank God neutrals are in this spring. They definitely bring in the most bang for the buck, since they literally go with everything. Someone should create a saying about how neutral heels are a woman’s best friend. They make your legs look miles long as they blend in with your skin tone, and I can guarantee you’ll be able to find every trend on this list in a neutral. Hoorah for flesh tones!

4. Gladiator Sandals

No need to retire your gladiator sandals yet. Though initially predicted to last only one season, gladiator sandals return again for spring. Straps seem to be a little thicker, and ankle-covering, booties-sandals crossbreeds (they should really think of a word for that) are particularly prominent.

5. Peep-toe Booties

If Alexander Wang does it, it has to be cool, right? The peep-toe booties are still gaining popularity this summer despite their mere existence being an oxymoron of sorts. They’re perhaps for people whose ankles get cold and toes get too hot? Peep-toes are also turning more into full out stare-toes with increasing toe-cleavage (Get it? Peep…stare… Nevermind). However, despite all logic, I like the way they look and that’s all that counts anyways.

6. Clogs

Possibly the spring shoe trend that generated the most buzz, the clog has been returning with ferocity ever since Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced it in his Spring 2010 collection. The rustic Dutch shoes have since been made by retailers such as Jeffrey Campbell and Topshop and work on the stylish feet of Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson. I’m not so sure I’m going to be clacking down the street in these anytime soon (mostly because I think the sound they make is annoying), but the studded, platformed Chanel version looks–dare I say it–pretty chic.