We Divas never tire of talking about shoes. To find out which shoe trends are on the horizon, we turned to Tampa's International Academy of Design and Technology. Students in Martin Mundo's trend-forecasting class predicted what's on the horizon, based on runway shows, trend reports and conversations with shoe store managers. Here's the scoop:

1. Platforms and wedges. Everyone from IADT students to Steve Madden has been hyping platforms. "You get the height, but they're more comfortable than pumps," said student Debra Stone. These beauties on your right are $32.50 at Charlotte Russe. Notice the floral pattern, which brings us to another trend...

2. Feminine details. Flowers, bows and lace have recently been spotted on runway shows by Isaac Mizrahi and Diane von Furstenberg. Look for flower-print pumps and bow closures.

3. T-straps. Trends don't just come out of nowhere; they evolve. T-strap sandals are an extension of last summer's gladiator craze. This year, they've been dressed up with a heel or platform, said student Kady Pontolilo.

4. Peep toes. Heels, flats, platforms — open-toed shoes are hot no matter how you wear them. For the fall, peep-toe booties will be in, like these sexy, shimmery ones on your left. They're $26.99 at Target. And yes, it's fine to wear them with tights.

5. Heel decorations. Look for heels and wedges covered in netting, jewels, hardware and decorative cut-outs.

6. Old-school sneakers. "Guys' shoes are getting a little more flamboyant, a little more vibrant," said student Ngon Vu. As retro TV shows and comic books make a comeback, so will vintage kicks. Nike's line of skateboarding sneakers, called SBs, will be snatched up online. Try to get your hands on the Ferris Bueller, Bill Cosby and Pac-Man models.

7. Back to nature. Recession plus green movement equals wallet-friendly, earth-friendly footwear, said student Maggie Aldridge. In fact, at Paris Fashion Week in October, designer Karl Lagerfeld sent his models down the runway on a catwalk covered in hay. Look for shoes made from wood, cork and straw.

8. Hardware. Student Maegan Del Valle called it "militia chic": Gromets, studs and other details you'd normally find on handbags are showing up on footwear. The designs might be a response to the fragile economy. "The metals symbolize strength and stability and assertiveness," Del Valle said. These don't-mess-with-me shoes, right, show off several trends: hardware, platforms, T-straps and peep toes. They're $29.80 at Forever 21.

9. Natural colors. Again, credit the economy. Beiges and browns match almost any outfit, so they're a great investment for budget-conscious consumers. Bonus: flesh tones make you look taller.

10. Fantasy shoes. Think jewel tones, metallic ruffles and Alexander McQueen-style embellishments, but with a more functional heel. The reason? Consumers want an escape from — you guessed it — the economy. And who says your fantasy shoe can't be a sneaker? Check out these whimsical-yet-practical slip-ons by Christian Siriano, left. They're everything a fantasy shoe should be, minus the fantasy price They're $29.99 at Payless.

Divas, which shoe trends will you embrace in 2011?

Deal Diva Dalia