Outside of colors and fabrics, it’s hard to alter the look of your standard pump. While heel heights and thicknesses may vary season to season, and platforms might go in and out year to year, your basic pump stays–pretty basic. This season, however, a fun new design element has been popping up on the runways and red carpets–metallic pieces that cover the pointed toe part of the heel. The simple addition, in colors like silver, gold, pewter, bronze, and lead, adds a certain amount of flair and polish to the shoe, while also adding an element of interest in to what otherwise would be a very simple high heel. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Giuseppe Zanotti, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino, have all been pushing the trend with their designs, among others. Celebrities like like Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, Heidi Klum, and Rhianna have all been spotted wearing the super-chic style.

Like most hot trends, this particular style has many variations. Ballet flats, booties, and even sneakers have been spotted with the tell-tale metallic caps, while pumps that sub out the metallic caps in favor of entirely pastel color pieces seem to be adapting the style to reflect the popular color-blocking trend that has been a part of the fashion scene for the past few years. For those that are more adventures, check out designs by the great Christian Louboutin and his ilk that feature spikes, studs, and crystals over the toe.