Animal print shoes: pros and cons

Animal print can be found in any style of footwear, including court shoes, pointy toe shoes and killer platforms. If leopard and tiger print aren't your thing then zebra printed shoes are also available in this seasons must-have footwear.

Introduction To Animal Print

Cavemen first wore it and the Hollywood sirens of the 20th Century seductively strode down the red carpet draped in it - but where does the animal print fit in with the 21st century? We either loved them or loathed the leopard print heels that Roberto Cavalli first showcased in his summer collection in 2010, and especially his no-nonsense thigh skimming boots. They were a big hit with celebrities around the globe, and now a year later, it seems the design is going nowhere, strengthening into every aspect of our wardrobes, from the faux fur winter coats from last year to aviator hats and even jewellery. But the leopard print shoe it seems is here to stay.

Positive points

Animal print shoes can make any woman feel and look sexy, adding that extra oomph to any woman's wardrobe. If you don't like the leopard print, then why not try the ultra sleek lines of the zebra print instead. Compliment animal print heels with a tailored suit for work, or try styling them up after hours with a party dress. They also look great dressed down with skinny jeans for the local pub. Whatever style of shoe you choose, you won't go wrong with animal print, it has been in the fashion headlines for over a year now, and at one point it seemed the snake skin design was about to knock it off its top spot. But for now it remains a favourite, especially for pop's new style icon, Nicki Minaj.

Negative points

Okay, maybe this hasn't convinced the shy retiring types out there, who still associate the animal print with ladies of the night (to put it mildly). While others are put off by its granny nature, as we clearly remember our own beloved nan's wearing the real deal on their backs when mink was big in fashion. This is thankfully a thing of the past with animal cruelty, as Chanel proved on their A/W catwalks earlier last year that faking it is the new way to go. Some of you might consider it too garish and cheap looking, but to see a person wearing the skin of an animal in Africa clearly displays their importance and wealth to the rest of the people, i.e: royalty. If it's a 6" inch heel, wedge, kitten, or even flats you prefer, just remember to add a little animal print to your tootsies this season.