I have a complicated relationship with heels. As much as I adore the look of shoes with a heel — and own more heels than flats if I’m being honest — my feet don’t adore the feeling of standing in them for hours on end. I still remember refusing to take my heels off at junior prom because I didn’t want to be tripping over my dress train all night. It’s safe to say my feet hurt more than they ever have in my life after that night. I’d like to think I’ve learned my lesson when it comes to heels, knowing they have a time and a place (flash forward to senior prom when I took off my shoes before we even sat down). The one place I believe heels have no place is at concerts.
I love going to concerts. Seriously love. I already have three lined up for this summer and am working on tickets for three more (Rolling Stones, I’m looking at you). In my opinion, concerts are meant to be enjoyed while standing and dancing the whole time, not sitting and swaying in your seat. Comfortable shoes are a must for me so I can ensure that I can dance along to the entire show without having to take a break to rest my feet. As I meticulously plan my outfits for each show, you can be sure I will be wearing comfortable shoes to every single one.
In the summer months, not only are there concerts to go to, there are music festivals (AKA amazing mashups of all of your favorite concerts combined). Especially at music festivals where it’s likely you’ll be walking to different stages and be on your feet all day, the last thing you want to worry about is your feet hurting. Trust me: if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes, you might be too distracted by your aching feet to be present and enjoy the festival. But just because you’re wearing comfy shoes doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! Here are some of the styles I’ll be wearing instead:
Fashionable flats
In case you haven’t heard, sneakers have been every fashion girl’s must-have for the past few seasons — and they’re not going anywhere! There are tons of styles and colors to go with any outfit, so you won’t have to worry about the sneakers ruining your outfit — trust me, they’ll make your outfit!
Cushioned sandals
A cushioned sandal is honestly the move this festival season. Not only will they provide support, but they’re sooo on-trend RN. Comfort and style in one item? Yes, please!
If you really can’t give up your heels
If you’re really dead set on wearing your favorite heeled or wedge shoes to a festival, stash a flat pair in your bag for when your feet inevitably start to hurt (and after you’ve already gotten your picture for Instagram). I did this at a Taylor Swift concert once and it saved my feet from a world of pain.
Okay, but real talk, if you want to wear heels to a music festival — you do you. You are a queen and you stunt in those heels. At the end of the day, your shoe choice is totally yours to have — so show up in those heels, your fave sandals, or even barefoot (if it’s permitted, I guess?). Festival fashion is all about what makes you feel good, so go for whatever your heart desires TBH.