5 fashionable and practical shoes for college students

“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.” (Christian Louboutin, French shoe designer.)

Shoes are wonderful things. I have been fascinated with shoes for a few years because they really determine what you are trying to do with an outfit. For example, if you wear sandals with a sun dress, maybe you are going to some kind of summer party. And if you’re like me and you wear sneakers with a dress, maybe you have places to go and you don’t have time to trip over your own toes.

There is a pair of shoes for every occasion and more! But these types of shoes are the everyday essentials. They are like the capsule wardrobe of shoes; the staples that you will need at college and beyond. Here we go!

1. Commuter shoes

Adidas sneakers: $65 found at DSW

What I mean by commuter shoes is shoes that are comfortable and will get you from point A to point B. This can be anything from tennis shoes to canvas shoes. These are shoes that are reliable and will serve as your default pair of shoes, because if you live on campus, you walk a lot. It helps if they are simple enough in color and design that they can match any outfit you wear.

I recommend investing a little bit of money into your commuter shoes if you want them to last a while. Last year, I went through 2 pairs of canvas shoes, so that is why I bought the above shoes this summer.

2. Sandals and flip-flops

Flip flops: Old Navy ~$5

There are benefits and drawbacks to wearing sandals. The drawbacks are that your feet will get dirty and you might trip on things. The benefits are they are cute, and most importantly, they let your feet breathe.

In this same category would be heeled sandals, specifically wedges. I have seen these a lot around campus because they are both fashionable and practical. Wedges will give your foot more support than a tiny heel, which allows you to walk comfortably and faster.

3. Boots

Boots: Express $25 (shout out to my sister Rachel bc your ankle boots are more photogenic than mine and sorry I didn't ask to borrow them.)

Boots are also a seasonal shoe, but in my opinion, certain styles can be worn comfortably during fall, winter, and spring.

• Ankle boots: these are fantastic because they don’t interfere with what pants or skirt you wear.
• Knee-high boots: pair well with leggings/jeans in the fall and winter.
• Over-the-knee boots: if you live in a place where it gets really cold, sometimes you need something more thermal. I have a pair of these that I wear with knee-high socks and that combination keeps me warm!

4. Rain/snow boots

Boots: Doc Martens $120

Boots: Doc Martens $120

If it snows where you live, you need shoes that will keep the snow out and maintain a firm grip as you navigate through the icy terrain that is your college campus.

I know Doc Martens aren’t snow boots, but they have a good grip. (I should get an actual pair of rain boots or snow boots because sometimes these don't cut it!)

5. Heels

Heels: Asos ~$20

I get that not everyone likes or wears heels, but you might need them for a couple of reasons. If you are invited to something formal, or you have an induction ceremony, or you have a job interview: you might need to wear heels! Plus they make you look good. Christian Louboutin would want you to have a pair.

Thank you for reading!