I love that trend, though I'm not too fond of the overly busy ones (like the boots on the first page) or overly pointy. Keep it simple, people! They're a fashion statement in themselves. I've bought mine last winter and I love them. They're not that hard to walk in, as there is (usually) a hidden platform. In my case, mine are slightly pointy and... half a size too small. I'll just have to suffer while they stretch and break in!
Those kind of lace-up shoes could be seen last year in various runway shows, tough they were not seen as often. I think it's a nice spin-off of the platform shoes we've seen everywhere in the last few years.
The trend was introduced (well, this time around) in last years autumn/winter collection, in Europe. And it's definitely on this year as well. I personally adore it! Got few myself. Beautiful examples above!