Rae, I think chunky footwear and tough boots are still "in", at least if you look at fashion-forward high street shops like Topshop and Office, and also if you look at things like current hip music videos (e.g. look at the chunky white footwear in "Blurred Lines") and indeed in some of the more hip designer shows for Pre-Spring/Resort 2014. I do agree with Angie that there is a shift though. Quite a few platforms are looking "out" to me now.
How ridiculous is it that I am still craving Stella McCartney's great big ugly chunky-soled white shoes from I think way back in her Spring 2013 collection?! I notice that the shoes in her Pre-Spring 2014 collection are indeed more refined, or at least, they do not have chunky soles, but the chunky lugged soles and heels are still looking quite current to me.
Perhaps I am clinging on to this stuff because it is so much more practical and comfortable for walking in than are dainty kitten heels and high heels without chunky soles, but at least in England I am still seeing a lot of tough boots and chunky soled mid-heels and flatforms in addition to the ubiquitous standard flats. If it's hip enough for a current number 1 music video, it's still "in" enough for me.
Sarah
