Vancouver shoe designer John Fluevog announced the production of The Porter Shoe, being designed this spring, exclusively for Opus Hotel properties in Vancouver and Montreal.

“It was an idea that originated a couple of years ago, and as time went on it was more of a question of ‘why haven’t we done this yet,'” says John Fluevog.

Made with Italian Analine leathers and branded with OPUS Hotels inside, the black patent shoe features a pop of pink leather that matches the colour scheme at Opus Hotels.

The Porter Shoes ($329) will be showcased in the hotel lobbies and worn by valets and male guest service associates at Opus Hotels. And if you really love the shoes, they will be featured on the hotel mini bar menu and in limited numbers at all ten North American Fluevog Shoe Stores and online at www.fluevog.com.

Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of Toronto designed and Italian made shoes by Abel Munoz, who graduated from ARS Arpel Institute of Shoes and Accessory design in Milan before returning to his hometown of Toronto.

Whether you are looking for something feminine and fun like the bubblegum pink Jackie ($460) heel, the functional Roman ($550) boot, or the sexy Talitha ($430), Abel Munoz Accessories has something for everyone.

Check out more haute heels at www.abelmunozaccessories.com.

Credit: TOMS Shoes.

As we Canadians delve further into the summer months, the novelty of open-toed high heels and flip flops wear off as we begin to develop sores on our tender tootsies.  If you want a shoe that isn’t sky high and that you can wear all day and around the house, Alpargatas are for you!

Originating from Spanish shoemakers in Cataluña, this lowered version of the espadrille has been worn by young and old.  The unisex shoe was a favorite of Surrealist Spanish artist Salvador Dali, and has most recently been sported by style maven Sienna Miller.

This comfortable, chic footwear is made from a thin cloth covering and a raffia sole. Reminiscent of a devolved Vans shoe, these lightweight wonders do not make you sweat! Affordable and soft, they are best for shopping trips, travelling and running errands during the summer months.

As a regular air traveller, I am usually annoyed by my swelling feet on airplanes. Since I picked up my own pair of pomegranate-red Alpargatas, my eight-hour flight went by more quickly than it ever has (the new in-flight entertainment features might have also helped).  Perfect for travellers on flights and treks, the fabric allows your feet to breathe and move comfortably.

If you’re unable to boot it over to Europe to pick up your own pair, it’s easy to find a quality pair from TOM’s at www.tomsshoes.com or Urban Outfitters. For $38, not only will you receive one pair of shoes, but the charity-based company will send a free pair of shoes to an Argentinean child in need. Paying it forward has never been so fashionable!