The Teen Shoe Revolution

Growing up in Orange County it’s hard not to notice how competitive it is for kids. But nowadays, it seems like there’s more and more pressure to keep up with the latest and greatest fashion trends at an earlier and earlier age. But it’s not just a Southern California trend, in fact, it’s happening across the nation. So what is this next crop of consumers wearing? And what brands are flying off the shelves faster than they can meet the demand? Here we take a look at some of the most popular shoes for pre-teens and teenagers.

When skateboarding hit the street scene in the late seventies, no one could have predicted that it would have such an impact on shaping pop culture and fashion. But today, the skateboarding style of clothing has carved its own niche in the teen, pre-teen and even infant market. Brands like DC Shoe Co, a popular brand of skate shoes, have seen much success, not only through its distribution of shoes, but also through its entire line of skateboards, hoodies and apparel. With bright colors and eye-catching graphics, skate brands are on trend with everything from retro styles to punk rock chic. Skate brands are taking note of what’s happening in the fashion world, and they’re incorporating those trends into designs that have teens begging their parents for more.

Skate shoes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hot teen trends. Though the once masculine style shoes have been a constant hit with guys, girls have shown increased interest in certain styles. But visit any skate shop and you’ll see a growing portion of the floor plan dedicated to young women. Taking cues from California-chic style, brands like Rocket Dog shoes have soared in popularity with the ladies. In fact, it’s not just teen girls that you see sporting the styles – it’s their moms too. More and more, we are seeing the lines blurred between where mom and dad shop and where they shop for their teenager.

Paying close attention to celebs is now a common teen pastime. And with Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears seen rocking sheepskin boots with everything from tracksuits to cutoff shorts, you can be sure that teen girls want in on the trend. EMU boots have been a big seller among Generation Y, being worn year-round for that I’m-not-trying-too-hard look that often consists of distressed denim and flannel shirts.