UK shoppers spending more on informal shoes

Britons are spending more than ever on their shoes, but are opting for casual over smart, according to reports.

Shoe lovers are spending more than ever on their feet, last year seeing £4.5 billion being spent on fancy footwear and a rise in the number of pairs bought to 232 million, according to a Mintel study.

However, classic styles such as high heels are decreasing in popularity, the Daily Mail reports.

Casual shoes, such as sandals and trainers, are becoming more sought-after and even make an appearance in the workplace as employers are beginning to let their staff dress down to work.

One reason for this may be the warmer weather. Juliet Strachan, spokesperson for HPI Research, told the newspaper: "A rise in average winter temperatures has meant a declining market for sturdy all-weather shoes that could withstand the wet and windy British winters of old."

This trend of wearing less formal shoes may have crossed the Atlantic this week when Diablo Cody decided to walk down the red carpet at the Oscars wearing a pair of retro gold shoes instead of a $1 million (£500,000) pair designed especially for her.