You may be thinking about chucking those boots in the closet in the belief that we've transitioned from winter to spring and sandal-type weather. But be forewarned that fashion boots may make an encore for the warmer months - rain boots, that is.
"The biggest thing is Hunter rain boots. Rain boots have been huge," according to Ann Salay, owner of American Shoe. "It's an item for rainy days."
From a subdued basic black to a more ostentatious black patent to showy shades of violet, teal and tangerine, "...you can wear rain boots with anything from a suit to shorts," Salay said.
Aside from rain boots, "... going into spring, sandals are a mainstay," Salay said.
From a hike around town to an evening out, sandals function for a variety of occasions during the spring and summer months.
"It's sandals, sandals, sandals ... for the spring and summer," Salay said.
Among sandal varieties, neutral colors boast the greatest popularity, Salay said.
"Neutral colors go with everything. They blend with skin tones for a long, lean look in everything from a flat to a high-heeled sandal," she said.
For a trek through the urban landscape or the natural wilderness, Salay recommends a more casual sandal with adjustable polyester straps and a rubber sole such as Chacos or Tevas.
"They're adjustable with a good arch and bright, fun colors," she said.
Salay believes the vivid colors of the sandals reflect a separate trend toward bright colors present this spring and summer, she said.
"Fashion this spring is all about from corals to greens to blues and reds," she said.
In order to appropriately complement more formal attire, "gladiators are very popular," she said.
Wedges and platforms can also augment the formality of an outfit, she said.
In addition to their traditional close-toed offerings, brands such as Toms and Sperry's have designed sandals, as well, Salay said.
In reference to Toms, "... they go with about anything. The expanded line is very popular. They are lightweight, fun, kick-around shoes," she said.
Despite the perpetual popularity of some varieties of close-toed Toms and Sperry's, Salay's highest selling shoes are flip-flops and wedge comfort sandals, she said.
"People are so ready for sandals," she said.