Above, clockwise: The Original Cherry-Red Eight-Eyelet 1460 Work Boot; Sean John’s Interpretation; Vivienne Westwood’s Fishnet-Decorated Version; And Lulu Guinness’s Purple Painted Pair.

While cleaning out her closet, my sister found her beloved pair of sparkly gold Dr. Martens from high school. She wore them that night, just another sign that the brand is making a comeback. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, which is next January 4, Dr. Martens asked big name designers like Vivienne Westwood and Rick Owens to customize the original cherry-red eight-eyelet 1460 work boot. You can’t buy any of the designer interpretations, but you can get a pair of the originals and decorate them yourself. [1460Boots.com via Nylon]

I found these crazy heels by way of Trend de la Creme. Aren’t they wild? This particular model, with a rocket-riding robot on it, is called the Wonder Girl. Their creator? The UK-based shoe manufacturer Irregular Choice. And they’ve got plenty more shoe oddities to chose from, for girls who like to let their heels do their talking for them. Take, for example, these pale blue cheekily charmed boots with a see-through heel. These big-buckled ones sport prancing unicorns on their soles. Cherry Loves It are poppin’ if you’re lookin’ to get Shibuya-ready. Fancy yourself a space cowgirl? And then there’s the Alphabite. For dancing girls: a sky-high boot with a tipping slot. The line comes from the mind of designer David Sullivan and have rocked the runway at Heatherette.

You know those really fabulous boots you’ve been dying to own, but really can’t afford? Forget them. Now’s your chance to breathe new life into your worn boots and shoes for a fraction of the cost of a new pair. Most cobblers can put a new heel or sole on any kind of footwear. And some can stretch a pair of shoes or even turn a pointy toe into a rounded toe. It really doesn’t make sense in this economy to spend a ton of money on a frivolous purchase when you can just update what you already have. I have a classic pair of lace-up boots from the 90’s that I can still wear because my cobbler changed the sole and polished them recently.

As you know, Barbie’s turning 50 next year, but don’t worry, she isn’t going to start wearing orthopedic shoes any time soon. Christian Louboutin is designing a pair of pumps in Barbie Pantone 219 Pink that will make their debut at the Mattel runway show during February’s fashion week in New York. “I guess I always had a little ‘girlie side’ who liked Barbie,” Louboutin said. “Barbie needs to wear great shoes because every girl needs to wear great shoes.” Wouldn’t it be cool if he made the soles pink instead of his signature red? [WWD]

Lace-up flats are a controversial style of shoe. We’ve heard quite a few people declare them to be hideous creations, but we’re buying a pair because they remind us of Katharine Hepburn, and, quite honestly, we’re a little sick of ballet flats. Check out these lace-up flats and tell us whether you think they’re wonderful or awful.

When it’s gloomy and cold outside, I crave color. One of the best ways to spice up any winter outfit—from a dress with tights to your important business woman’s suit—is a pair of bright, colorful, punchy pumps. No longer should you relegate your footwear to black and brown! Jewel tones are especially in this season—after the jump, 10 pairs of pumps in a dizzying array of pinks, reds, purples, and blues. Oh, and one yellow, just cause.

You already know Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik. The names practically speak for themselves. These three shoe designers are the top of the line and as popular as ever. Enter my newest obsession: Nicholas Kirkwood. His shoes simply make me swoon. They remind me of superheroes and villains. Actually, I’m pretty sure if Batman was a woman, she’d be fighting crime in one of these bad boys. His designs are aggressive, dark, and mysterious while also remaining glamorous and super feminine. This talented Brit jumpstarted his career in 2005 when he won the Conde Nast Footwear Emerging Talent award for his first collection. Later, in the spring of 2008, his signature stilettos and wedges walked the runways of designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Doo.Ri, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. Instead of bows and baubles, he opts for an architectural shoe that has power and intrigue written all over it. To go along with his unique ideas, the shoes are crafted from somewhat unlikely sources like lizard, stingray, and buffalo horn. A true one-of-a-kind; there is nothing on the market quite like them. Even if Kirkwood’s shoes aren’t up your alley, there’s no questioning his artistry and innovation. As Kirkwood says, “They’re not for everybody. Only the truly fashion-forward, which is fine with us.” On the runways, Nicholas Kirkwood shod the Spring and Summer collections of Rodarte, Alberta Ferretti, and Pollini. [Glam]

Sort of Boho, no? [Backstage before Anna Sui, 9/10/2008]

All that glitters is…Toms? Toms, the manufacturer of those ultra-preppy kicks inspired by traditional Argentinean utility shoes, just put a twinkle in our eye with its shiny new model. The shoes now come in silver and gold glitter, but still have the traditional espadrille sole. Swap them for your dressy heels while the weather is still warm, and fashion is still casual. [$48, ActiveEndeavors.com]

The previous resident of my place must have been a shopaholic (takes one to know one), because that chick still crowds up my mailbox with all the catalogues she had sent here. Although I must admit, I thumb through them lustfully—even the crappy home furnishings one with mini stone waterfalls. As I was perusing the J.Crew fall mag, I spotted these beauties!  Polka-dot-a-plenty, without being too retro. And that hot pink bow is, like, BAM! These Trixie Heels are sophisticated, yet they’ve still got spunk—just like my best gal pals. Now even my credit card wants to befriend them. [$248.00, J.Crew]

If you aren’t already a devotee of Devotte (we’re oh-so-witty), you are sure to become one after seeing this pair of classy kicks. These white and gold t-strap sandals combine ruffles and studs for the perfect combo of girly detail and boldness. Plus, they’re a great alternative to the gold gladiator sandal craze (who wants to look like everyone else, anyhow?). [$338, Devotte.com]

At the men’s fashion shows in Milan, an interesting new shoe style for men appeared: the male wedge, aka the “medge.” We hope Tom Cruise is the only one who adopts this style. (Sidenote: When you do a search for “male wedge,” Google says, “Did you mean: male wedgie”. Ha.)  [The Times, U.K.]

Technically I am against the gladiator sandal trend. I think they look stupid on 90% of the population. But these high-heeled gladiators are something I can get behind because they’re not obnoxiously strappy, they give you some lift which counteracts the stumpy-leg affect of most strappy flats and they’re wedges, which means they are easy to walk in. Sold. [$89, NineWest.com]

You know how your feet get tired when you walk a lot? Well, all that pounding might soon be used to generate electricity. Engineers calculated the amount of energy that the 34,000 travelers who pass through the Victoria Underground station in London generate every hour, and they say it’s enough to power 6,500 light bulbs if underground generators were installed. These yet-to-be-produced generators could be put into any place that has high foot traffic, as well as on roads and beneath railroad lines. While the technology is still in its infancy, similar mini-generators were tested by the American military recently. Do you think walking in flats or heels would generate more electricity? [The Times]

We saw these and were like, “Damn, those are hot.” [LAX Nightclub, Las Vegas, 5/31/08]

How does it get better than summer shoes designed by Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field?  When they’re readily available nationwide and cheaper than Samantha!  Payless Shoe Source has been upping their brand with name designers and their latest catch is New York’s finest fashionista.  From classic gold pumps to silver sandals, Field’s shoes are chic and the prices fit anyone’s budget—from your lil’ sis to your best drag queen friend. [Jezebel]

For whatever reason, we find that we wear heels more during winter than in any other season. When summer finally arrives, it’s like a breath of fresh air…for our hooves. Ahh, summer. Finally, a few months where we give our feet a break, put away the high-heeled pumps, and break out the flat sandals. Our toes are free to wiggle, are heels and arches are able to stretch out, and the dogs finally stop barking. While we totally love a traditional pair of flip-flops, from the dressed-down version (Havianas) to the dressed-up (bejeweled metallics from J. Crew), we’re psyched about all the other available flat sandals on the market. Ten of our favorites, after the jump! [Click the images for more information.]

These neon green slides ($10.40 from Old Navy!) probably don’t match any of your clothes, so they’ll go with everything. I don’t recommend painting your toes a bright color if you plan on wearing them because that would be totally ‘80s and way too matchy-matchy. [OldNavy.com]

Previously: Crave: Nail Polish So Bright It’ll Keep You Up At Night

The temperature may or may not be warming up in your neck of the woods, but you’ve probably thought about—maybe even dreamed about—what shoes you’re going to wear this summer. (One of my favorite things about summer is that I don’t have to wear socks.) But before you start wearing flip-flops every day, know this: You need to ease your feet into whatever shoes you want to wear. Your feet get used to wearing heels, or boots, or whatever your footwear of choice happens to be, so they need a little time to adjust to something new. And, even if you have a favorite pair of shoes, try to alternate what you wear, and don’t forget to stretch your calves after wearing a pair of flat shoes for a while, as they can “strain the achilles tendon that runs from the back of the heel, and also the calf muscles in the back of the leg,” said Mike O’Neill, a spokesperson for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the U.K. Or just go barefoot. [The Guardian, U.K. and New York Magazine]

Every season, amid piles of cotton t-shirts and tanks, you can expect a few awesome pieces at Old Navy. I’m obsessed with the tie-neck blouses and D’Orsay flats and plan to fight my way through disorganized racks of clothing after work. Must. Have. Purple. Shoes. [Old Navy]