Living in the melting pot, we college students not only run with diversity of cultures, we also run with many different types of shoes. Whether you are a sneaker person, or absolutely love Manolo's, you are inundated with several styles, colors and comfort ability of shoes every single day. That is why I think we need to dedicate a day of our hectic and busy lives to the appreciation and exaltation of our favorite shoe.
I declare this day National Shoe Day for all of the shoes out there that deserve recognition. Although I have knocked several styles before (UGGS especially), every shoe deserves to be equally represented on this day. We can wear anything from Italian leather to vintage design and can still be totally unique in how we choose to incorporate a shoe into our lifestyle.
Just like clothing, shoes vary in comfort ability. On this campus, cozy shoes take the front seat. This is because we live on an enormous campus, where walking to class can seem like the "endless steppe" in the chilly months of the winter. As a result, many people have turned to the comfortable shoes for daily activities. Throwbacks, Birkenstocks, running shoes and boots seem to be the most popular and least painful way to get around. I do not like UGGs, but they do have their positive qualities. They keep your feet warm no matter what and are super soft. This season, The UGG Company has gone on a crusade to convert skeptics by introducing new styles. They have created lace-up Alaskan style boots that incorporate leather as well as shearling and suede. I have personally not been converted yet, but I definitely appreciate the creative approach presented by the increasingly popular shoe company.
I ventured out to many stores in many different cities on different coasts in search of a winter boot. This shoe industry is thriving, but doesn't quite understand our needs as university students as well as working professionals in big cities. The marriage that needs to take place is the creation of a boot for the winter that is as comfortable and warm as the UGG, but that remains stylish and versatile on the outside. The only companies that have made such an attempt are Adidas and Aerosoles. I am still not a huge fan of either, but at least they tried.
As far as snazzy new sneakers and throwbacks go, I fell in love with the Saucony Jazz. They can be made in any colors desired, to support your university or your personal style. They are also super comfortable and can transcend from cold to warm weather. Many other shoes can accomplish the same thing, including those produced by Nike and Adidas, but the Jazz is the only vintage shoe that has not been played out through the entertainment industry. Remember Run DMC? They brought back the shell toe and started a whirlwind for the Adidas industry. Nelly? He loves those Air Force Ones, and helped that shoe rise to the top. Cash Money Millionaires and The G Unit now make their own shoes, hoping to market themselves as well as make a mark in the shoe world. Unfortunately, press is not what makes a shoe great, but walking around with your own style does.
To the beautiful weather that teases us now: We will soon be able to move to spring shoes! Ladies, that means you can scream from the rooftops in joy over being able to wear an open toe, and guys, you can get comfortable in your Reef flip-flops and sandals. The turnover to nice weather is sitting on the forefront of our minds and will arrive soon. Until then, we can hope and plan for the shoes of the spring.
In spring collections, an increasingly present staple in fashion powerhouses is the now infamous shoe known as the flat. Chanel and Burberry made this flat into a ballerina type slipper shoe while Gucci made it into a loafer. This trend has even graced the mass produced line of Steve Madden and has made quite a splash. The best part of the trend is that flats are back in. What that means for us women is that we don't have to fake a 5'7 height (unless it is on your Fake ID), but we can be more comfortable in stylish shoes. What could be more fashionable than that?
I still love stilettos and could never let them go, but there is a time in everyone's life where we can put our favorite things to the wayside for new and different styles. I am sure that almost every woman has dealt with the point in time when heels change from a sexy style statement to a murderous fashion choice, prompting the poor wearer to take off said shoes and walk freely. With broken glass in the street and possible unwanted spills on the ground, we can't always take them off. So ladies, in addition to the hot heels you keep in the closet, be practical and get some stylish comfort.
For the stubborn, like myself, heels will always be a necessity. Standing tall at 5'3" I just can't give them up totally. Just as a great outfit can take you anywhere, a great pair of heels (if taken care of) can last a long time and take you many great places.
Shoes can also make us feel like a million bucks, even if they don't cost a lot. Do you remember when you were a little kid, and you got a new pair of L.A. Lights or Minnetonka moccasins? You probably felt great walking around in new shoes. To me, it was like a breath of fresh air. Shoes themselves cannot save our melting pot, but they can provide different types of support, and let you love the way you look.
As I have said before, if the shoe fits, wear it. But, today, the shoe of your choice should do more than just fit your foot, but hopefully fit your personal style. Happy National Shoe Day 2006. Love the shoes you are in.
