"Despite our best budgeting efforts, we all have those fashion pieces we just can’t resist. For some it’s designer bags. For others, cult-favorite workout apparel. But for me? It’s colorful footwear. Whether it’s a brightly hued sneaker or a limited-edition cowboy boot, I have a very, very hard time turning down a vibrant shoe.
Because your registry isn’t just a checklist, we’re here to help you choose what’s best for you. From moms and experts who have been through it all, these are our winners for The Everymom’s 2025 Baby Registry Awards.
Others may turn away from this specific shopping category, saying, “I’d rather have something more neutral.” But I view color not as an adversary but as a dear friend. Colorful shoes are bold and captivating. They are a great way to express personal style and can instantly make any outfit approximately a thousand percent more interesting. Sure, styling a nude Mary Jane is simple, but styling a red one is much more rewarding.
And if there is a time of year that practically begs for more color in our daily looks, it’s spring. After months of burrowing into our favorite grey, white, and black wardrobe staples, our surroundings are urging us to take a hint from nature’s playbook and branch out. Spring fashion is vivacious and fresh. Full of florals, pastels, and feminine textures. Why should our shoes miss out on all the fun?
How I’m Wearing Colorful Shoes This Spring
Whether you’re an across-the-rainbow shoe enthusiast like I am or are just now considering adding some colorful pep into your step, here are some ideas for styling vibrant footwear this spring.
As a Complement to Spring Florals
Maybe it’s clichéd, but nothing pulls me out of my winter wardrobe blues better than a spring floral. I live in Upstate New York, so snow in late March is quite common. But as soon as the calendar reads “April,” my floral dresses and blouses are off to the races. In recent years, I’ve come to really enjoy styling these pieces with colorful shoes. Wearing shoes that share a common hue with your florals is a fun way to make the look feel cohesive.
Shop this look: dress | cardigan | bag | budget-friendly bag | boots
Via the Sandwich Method
This is hands-down one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel completely intentional and styled. By simply book-ending your outfit with a chosen color, you’re instantly pulling your look together. Additionally, this gives it a clear and cohesive visual frame. I love sandwiching ‘fits with a pair of colorful shoes and a corresponding top, jacket, or headband.
This spring, I’ll be pulling out all the burgundy pieces I shopped this fall—specifically a favorite pair of boots and a matching headband—and restyling them in a way that feels fresh and appropriate for the spring season. (Yep, you guessed it, more florals!)
Shop this look: dress | boots | headband | phone case
As a Contrasting Hue
I went to college for studio art, so I’ve sat through more presentations on the color wheel than I’d care to admit. The biggest takeaway? Contrasting colors are interesting and visually exciting. This is why our brains love color combos such as butter yellow and powder blue, or kelly green and fuschia. Spring is all about new beginnings—it inspires unconventionality. Pull a shoe out of left field and run with it.
Shop this look: sweater | pants | charm necklace | boots
With Matching Accessories
On a rainy spring day, pops of color can breathe vitality into a largely “practical” outfit. I’m currently really vibing with the fisherman aesthetic and am planning on making vibrant rain boots a part of my personality from March through May. Corresponding accessories—bags, hair pieces, hats, and scarves—add intention.
Shop this look: trench coat | bag | boots
Paired With Graphic Tees and Sweatshirts
I’m not anticipating the graphic tees and sweatshirts trend going away any time soon. As the sun finally begins to shine in CNY, I’m looking forward to wearing all of the graphic tees (and until then, sweatshirts) I can get my hands on. Styled with a pair of colorful footwear, I know this outfit combo is going to be a surefire pick-me-up as the dreary weather of late winter becomes a distant memory.
Shop this look: sweatshirt | similar sweatshirts | rain boots | bag | budget-friendly bag
Alongside Pastels
Spring and pastels go hand in hand. This year, especially, pastels are seeing a rise in popularity. From lush lavender to refreshing sea foam green, I’m looking forward to leaning into pastels this spring and using my footwear as an opportunity to carry a gradient through the entire look. For example, a sea green mini dress paired with dark green boots or a soft pink top accompanied by red flats.
Shop this look: tunic top | boots | similar boots | bag | budget-friendly bag
As an Unexpected Pop of Color
Whether you love a full-denim fit or have never met a wardrobe basic you didn’t love, a colorful shoe can help you spice things up and add a bit of “spring” to your emerging-from-winter outfits. Our brains become accustomed to what’s “normal” (i.e., expected). So, adding an unanticipated shoe can add a sense of originality and completeness to an otherwise classic look.
For example, I love a preppy outfit and am quick to grab my brown leather boots whenever the occasion arises. Recently, however, I grabbed for my tall green boots instead. I felt so energized both by the unconventionality of the choice as well as the added color itself.
Shop left look: tee | denim shorts | bag | boots
Shop right look: blazer | sweater | skirt | boots | similar boots
More of Our Favorite Colorful Shoes
Colorful Boots
Colorful Sneakers
Colorful Flats and Clogs
Colorful Loafers
Colorful Sandals and Heels
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Writer
Emilee is an accomplished communications strategist and lifestyle journalist. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies. She is a Contributing Fashion Writer for The Everygirl and has additionally been published on POPSUGAR, Motherly, MSN, and Yahoo.