Read magazines that cover the latest footwear for specialized markets

Shoe magazines offer retailers who specialize in particular styles the latest shoes news and trends. Shoe periodicals cover shoes for every type of customer, be it athletes, workmen, businesspeople or fashion designers.

I recommend: Sole Collector covers the latest trends in athletic sneakers, keeping up with the biggest names like Nike, Reebok and Converse. Running With Heels, an online magazine, provides the latest news and styles in women's shoes.

Follow blogs and subscription feeds on the latest designer shoes and fashion trends

Blogs are fast becoming a leading source for up-to-the-minute information on all kinds of things, including shoe trends. People with their eyes and ears in the fashion world have a new place to get their information out quickly. Those who follow shoe blogs can get a leg up on the latest trends.

I recommend: Shoeflyer.com contains multiple bloggers on shoe trends in all different styles, with a list of the most popular blogs. ShoeBlog contains forums on topics for a variety of women's designer shoes, including Prada, along with other specific shoe designs like diabetic ones.

Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in children's shoes through newsletters, blogs and more

Shoe styles for children and teens change quickly, perhaps more than any other age group. Kids are always looking for the latest fads and trends, and shoe retailers selling shoes to children must keep up with those trends to stay competitive.

I recommend: WordPress.com contains several blogs on children shoe trends, from shoes for infants and toddlers to prom shoes for teens. Sign up for MomFinds weekly newsletter and stay on top of the latest youth trends for families, including shoes. Review Zappos.com’s FAQ page that includes answers to questions on popular trends and style of youth footwear.