Throughout college, you’ll go to all sorts of events — from clubs and frat parties to apartment kickbacks and house warmings. But one critical question unites them all: what shoes should I wear?
No matter the type of function, we always have to consider the pros and cons of each pair of shoes. One type of shoe might be cuter, while another might fit the theme better, or feel more comfortable. To make this choice easier on you, I’ve ranked five of the most common types from best to worst for a function in Boston, based on what I’ve seen and heard from the girls around me.Â
1. Boots
Boots take my #1 slot. They’re versatile for pretty much every party scene and oftentimes comfortable while still being dressy. You can wear boots to any function mentioned above and still be on theme, but your feet won’t feel like they’re falling off all night. Boots are pretty much the best intersection of cuteness and comfort.
As a bonus, they can keep you a bit warmer in the colder months. Also, their material (usually leather or rubber) may make them easier to clean if anything spills on them at any event.Â
They’re also someone-steps-on-your-foot-proof. We all know people don’t pay attention to where they put their feet at events, and boots provide that extra layer of protection so you aren’t limping home. If anything, you might be the deadly stepper.
2. Sneakers
Sneakers take my #2 spot. You’ll stay ache-free and comfortable all night, and will be ready to walk the distance to and from any function. They’re painless and give your feet support all night when you’re walking or standing.Â
I’m guilty of wearing sneakers to pretty much everything, and they’re common at all types of events. You have to prioritize comfort sometimes. The downside is that they’re less versatile than boots. They’re not always suitable for fancier or clubbier events, and if they get dirty, they can be harder to clean.
For sneakers, it definitely depends on the occasion and your outfit, but they’re certainly an option your feet will thank you for the next morning.
3. Heels
In third place are heels. Listen, I know I just went on a total tangent about prioritizing comfort, so you might be wondering why heels are #3 on the list. But hear me out: especially for fancier events, heels are SO cute, and they dress up the outfit so much. If you can find a pair with a chunky, more comfortable heel, you won’t be in pain the entire night.Â
However, a good, comfy pair of heels is really, truly rare. Usually, wearing heels ends with extremely painful blisters, falls, tripping, pain everywhere, and your feet being out for the count the next day. At some point in the night, the pain might take over and ruin your fun. Also, the open-toed nature of many heels can leave your feet vulnerable to getting stepped on, spilled on, etc.
That’s why I put heels in the middle. If you can find a comfy pair, they’ll dress up your outfit super well — especially for fancier events, this shoe is sometimes expected. However, if you wear any regular pair of heels without considering how comfortable you feel, you’ll still dress up the outfit but will probably regret it the whole night.
4. Flats
My next ranking would be flats. They’re cute like heels but much more comfortable. If you’re planning to walk long distances, these can cause blisters, but overall, they can dress up an outfit, especially for a fancier event.
I’m pretty neutral about flats, but I had to put them under heels because I see them worn to events a lot less. I think they match the going-out aesthetic a little less, but they’re still super fashionable and cute, and certainly more comfortable than a lot of other options.
5. Flip-Flops
Alright, people. I’m sure you’re looking at this list like I’m crazy for even suggesting flip-flops. But when I was planning this article, my friend from a school in Florida said that flip-flops are pretty common for the going-out scene there. Granted, going to school in Florida means you’re close to the beach a lot of the time, so I suppose it is more acceptable there than in Boston. Regardless, I had a lot of opinions on the matter, so I wanted to share them in this ranking.
I believe flip-flops are the worst option for a Boston event by far. Unless it’s a specific water-related event where flip-flops are acceptable, flip-flops are usually too casual for most events. They also leave your feet open to things being spilled on them, people stepping on them, and several other possible assailants.Â
But they are comfortable, so I’ll give them that. Definitely less painful to walk around on.
At the end of the day, the best going-out shoe depends on the function you’re going to, the outfit you’re wearing, and how much pain you’re willing to tolerate for the look. Whether you’re loyal to sneakers or willing to brave a pair of heels, every shoe has its time and place. However, for a night out in Boston, I’m sticking with boots as the safest bet.Â
Whatever you choose, just make sure you can make it through the night and the walk home!
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