I’m not a sneakerhead or a cobbler. For the most part, I don’t know much about shoes; their construction or significance. The White Air Force 1s trend that happened a few years ago, the boots — you know the ones I’m talking about —, and red bottoms are notable shoes that come to mind, but other than that, I’m at a loss. My personal gauge of whether I like a shoe or think it’s important is based on three criteria – and they don’t have to be simultaneous.
- Are they cute?
- Are they functional?
- Are they comfortable?
Beauty is pain, and there are many shoes that are cute, but not comfortable. Many shoes are functional or comfortable, but they are not the cutest in design. Now living in Boulder, where the weather changes on a dime, I had to put more thought into my footwear. Relying on some TikTok and online reviews, I have found some amazing shoes that are versatile because they can withstand the elements and — in my opinion — they’re pretty cute. With midterms, it can seem as though it would be better to be anywhere except college. However, here are my current favorites that make midterms a little less awful, even if it’s only when I’m looking at my shoes.
Mix of Black Flip Flops and Ballet Flats in the Rain via Pinterest
Rainbow Narrow Strap Flip Flops (Redwood)
I could write a love letter to my flip flops. I’ve had them for the past few months, and they’ve carried me everywhere. Something I realized about myself — that I think I’ve always known — is that if I could be barefoot all the time, I would be. I love feeling connected to the ground and shoes totally disrupt that. Also, my body temperature runs hot. The annoying thing about when it gets cold is that it will be freezing outside, but the buildings will be 1000 degrees. Flip flops, beyond just allowing me to be close to the ground, actually help me regulate my body temperature.
I realize that not everyone has this issue, but flip-flops are incredibly practical. However, it can be hard to find a flip-flop. The strap can be so damaging and hurt your feet if it’s made out of certain materials. My tried and true — it’s true I have two pairs — flip flop is Rainbow’s Narrow Strap Flip Flops. I have them in a light color and a darker brown, which allows me to wear them with any outfit. Whether I’m just taking out the trash or trekking across campus, they are incredibly comfortable. I have beaten one pair more than the other and they become even more comfortable as they adjust to the shape of your foot. Flip flops are worn by many, many people in Boulder, and across the Rainbow brand, have various styles, colors, and designs so that people can find something that works best for them.
Flip Flops on the Beach via Pinterest
Rosalind Brown Leather Ballet Flats (In Brown)
These are currently my favorite shoes. They allow me to continue being close to the ground even in these colder months. I know they are susceptible to damage because I have already scuffed the front of them, tearing the leather slightly. However, I am very harsh on my shoes. They tie at the top and, initially, I couldn’t keep them tied. Three weeks ago, I decided to double-knot the string — essentially putting my dainty ballet flats in sport mode — and the string hasn’t come undone since.
They are incredibly comfortable, and you can either wear them with or without socks. They are made out of what Alohas’s website calls “sustainable leather” and it is an incredible material. They don’t give me blisters — and I walk — sometimes run — miles in them. They are durable and dress up any outfit. I got them in brown and in different lighting, they sometimes look maroon. I had never ordered from Alohas before, but these flats are true to whatever size shoe you normally wear. I picked the size of my Converse when I was choosing a size, and they fit me perfectly. They are expensive, but they definitely are worth it.
Customers Wearing the Rosalind Flat via Alohas’s Instagram
Tb.490 Rife Grain Cream Leather Sneakers
In the same order I placed for Alohas’s Rosalind Flats, I bought their Tb.490 Rife Grain Cream Leather Sneakers. These are elevated sneakers that come in a number of different colors — each more unique than the other. What I love about Alohas as a brand is that they have such a versatile selection of colors and designs, regardless of the style of shoe. Whether you are looking for a sneaker, flat, or boot, there are numerous choices to pick from that all can fit your personal wardrobe color scheme.
I struggle a little with these because they don’t fit me exactly right. They are super comfortable and are an easy shoe to slip on and off, but sometimes this fact leaves blisters on my feet. I would just consider what socks you are wearing, because I thought I was getting the right size, but they’re just a little too big. Contrary to my flats, I only wear my sneakers if I’m taking a car or only walking a short distance. Despite this issue, I get so many compliments on them, and I love the color I chose. They are totally fine for short trips, but they’re not ideal — for the size I bought — for long treks around campus.
Models Wearing Mismatched Versions of the Same Shoe via Alohas’s Instagram
When I first received these boots, I was shocked by how comfortable they were. I bought them because I constantly saw them on my feed and thought they were so cute. Since then, they have become my concert, Halloween, and gameday boots. I usually wear two pairs of socks with them because I’m either walking multiple miles or standing for hours. The silver hardware is so nice, and it’s really easy to adjust them both on and off your feet. I love that hardware on them jingles everywhere I walk. They are produced in a few different colors, but I love the brown leather because it distresses in such a beautiful manner. I highly recommend this shoe because it is a fun, durable, loud shoe that is perfect for any event.
Moto Boots via Pinterest
These are my workout shoes. Every so often, Asics will update the model of the GT-2000. Mine are the 13, but they have since elevated to the 14. I bought the GT-2000 12s my freshman year, and I wore them every day — you could tell by looking at them. The backs got worn out because I got too big a size — a recurring problem for me, I guess — and I knew it was time to get a new pair. Almost everything in my closet is blue, black, green, brown, red, or denim. When having the excuse to get a new running shoe, I wanted to get something out of the box for me.
My first pair of Asics in middle school were green and blue and totally stood out from everything I had. I settled on a pink and purple pair, and I love them. They do stand out, but they also match all of my workout clothes. These shoes feel as though they aren’t even on your feet. I can definitely feel the improvement they’re having on the design, especially since I got the correct size this time around.
Asics Running Shoes via Asics Instagram
Shoes are such a vital part of fashion. They serve so many functions and vary across brands. These are just some of the shoes that have been getting me around for the past few weeks that I believe would be a great addition to someone’s rotation. But whether you’re dedicated to a brand, style, or function, there are always so many new types to try. You might just want to enjoy a pair you already have, but maybe this will make you run to try a new style.