When payday comes around, hitting the shops in search of a stylish new pair of shoes is often the first port of call for fashionistas.

The onset of spring is the perfect excuse for splurging on shoes! Now's the time to say bye bye to cumbersome winter boots and let your tootsies breathe in gorgeous summer styles. From flats to sky-high heels, safari chic to disco brights, there's a shoe for every fashionable foot this season.

"Statement shoes are great with this season's simple shapes and slim tailoring," says In Style's accessories editor, Michael Temprano.

"If you're wary of heights, the strapped versions will give you added stability," he advises.

Practical or just impossibly stylish, put your best foot forward for shoe shopping. What better way to kickstart your summer wardrobe into shape?

Get set to walk tall this season in towering wedges. For height without the hassle, the wedge shoe is the answer to heel phobic's prayers.

Wedges are here to stay this season and the catwalks went to extreme lengths with vertigo-inducing versions. Ignore those silly six-inch-plus numbers and wedges can be both comfortable and leg-lengthening!

Patent is hot on the style radar for wedges if you want to stand out from the crowd in style and stature. Look to Shellys' Betty peep toe wedges, £45, Next's red patent peep-toe wedges, £25 (36 Euros), and New Look's patent blue wedges, £30.

For neutral numbers try Primark's canvas wedge shoes, £12 (15 Euros), Rocha.John Rocha Austria tan or beige wedges, £65 at Debenhams, or Dune's Papaya wedges, £75 (105 Euros).

Gone are the days when spindly stilettos ruled the shoe roost. This season we're going back to the 70s with chunky platform soles.

"There's been a big move away from delicate styling and a heavier shoe silhouette makes a strong style statement," says shoe designer Georgina Goodman.

For versatile footwear go back to basics with black or cream, such as Shellys' black Babe peep-toe platform, £55, or Matalan's cream sandal platform, £14. If you're wearing a plain ensemble step out in platform prints for instant impact, in Dune's floral Perfume platforms, £70 (100 Euros), or Moda in Pelle's Lillia print platform, £60.

This season, heels feature in natural materials like cork and wood - and as they're neutral they go with all your summer ensembles. Cork-based shoes are ideal for summer as they're fun and lightweight. Go for Faith's Lockery court, £55, or Dorothy Perkins' crossover cork slingbacks, £25 (36 Euros).

When you want to make an impact on the dancefloor, forget the little black dress - it's all about statement shoes. From shiny metallics through to disco brights, fashionista magpies will be in their element parading their pins.