SeeCalifornia.com

No shoes — no service! That’s the rule at many California restaurants. Shoes aren’t just a necessity, however, they are often a fashion statement. They can also be a fundraiser and in a recent college basketball game, the sports shoe that split apart on a Duke player’s foot caused Nike stock to close down by 1.05 percent. Former President Barack Obama, who sat on the sidelines at the arena, pointed at the injured player appearing to say, “His shoe broke,” as the world wondered how a Nike sneaker could split so badly.

At a handful of fundraisers this spring and summer in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco, Modesto, Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo, shoes take center stage to raise money for everything from affordable health care and Alzheimer’s Disease to the YMCA. Wine, Women & Shoes events celebrate special causes and stylish footwear with fashion shows, Best Shoe Award and the Charming Shoe Guys.

First off, we examine the 2019 trends to see what’s “hot”…

On the runway women are wearing:  Animal Prints | Lucite Heels | Teva-Like Sandals | Hot Coral, Lavender, Cobalt Blue or Seafoam Green | High-Heeled Combat Boots | Flip Flops | Square-Toed Shoes | Bright Textiles | Tinted PVC | | Fringe | Rope Details | Clogs | Super Thin Straps | Sculptural Heels | Buckle Overload | Mesh Details | Multicolored Braided Leather | Feathers | Western boots | Statement trainers | Embellished heels | Seashells | Toe Ring Sandals

What appears on the fashion plate or pampered feet at a luncheon isn’t necessarily what the masses are buying as seen in Amazon’s top-sellers: Crocs Men’s and Women’s Classic Clog is #1. Nike Men’s Benassi Just Do It Athletic Sandal and Old Navy Women Beach Summer Casual Flip Flop Sandal also rank in the top 5.