EXCLUSIVE: Shoe Designer Ryan Haber On Sexy Heels, Spring's Must-Have Styles

We caught up with the man behind the haute-est heels of the moment and talked everything from the styles men find sexiest, to which trends women must invest in for spring. You're welcome, ladies.

How did a guy from Ohio end up making big city shoes?
I got an internship with Steve Madden, which was amazing ... I learned more in those couple months than I would have learned in an entire four years of school.

Celebrities flock to your footwear. Which stars do you hope to see in your shoes next?
I would probably have to say what everyone says: Beyonce. She's not just an amazing performer; people are so in love with her. Blake Lively is an amazing actress. It would also be nice to see my shoes on someone like an Oprah, someone of her stature.

What’s hot in the shoe market right now?
The Lucite heel is in. Also, black and white is really hot right now.

Of all the heels you've designed, which is your favorite?
The Monster bootie. It was the first style I ever designed ... [It] brings out that sexy, vicious, powerful, confident woman when you wear them. That's the one I'm really proud of.

For a girl on a budget, name three shoes they must invest in for the coming months?
You've got to have a wedge. A wedge is also great for spring/summer, they're casual [and] comfortable. Also a strappy sandal [for something more dressy], and a peep toe.

Are shoes really the first think you notice on a woman?
I look at a woman's shoes before anything else nowadays. I do pay a lot more attention to the shoes. I'm not trying to be judgmental, it's just what I do now.

They say you can tell a lot about a woman by what's on her feet. What type of shoe do you find sexiest?
Simple pumps are the sexiest. It's funny that I like to see such a simple shoe on woman. [With] something you can't go wrong. She's not showing off at night, [and] she knows she looks good.

Finally, what do you want a woman to feel like when they slip on a pair of Ryan Haber shoes?
I want them to feel confident, sexy, elegant, and luxurious. I want her to be herself. I want my shoes to empower the woman, I don't want women to feel afraid to express themselves with what they wear. Oh, and comfortable! Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable!