Shoes are important; they can make or break an outfit. For some, 10 pairs of shoes may be pushing the limits, while for others, there is no such thing as “too many pairs.” No matter where you fit on the so-called shoe spectrum, it’s important to have a pair of shoes for wherever life takes you to keep your feeties happy, healthy, and last but not least, stylish.
1. Cute, Comfortable Sandals
Summertime is the best for walking around in sandals and letting your toes be free from the oppression of socks and close-toed shoes during the rest of the year. It’s important to treat your feet to shoes that are not only stylish for all those barbeques and get-togethers with friends and family, but comfy enough to make it through those long summer days. Birkenstocks have made a comeback and are alive and well in today’s trends—and with reason! They’re comfortable, come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, and go with basically every outfit you could ever think of. Two of my favorite styles are the Arizona and the Mayari. If you are planning on buying a pair of Birks, I recommend sizing down from what the size chart says, or at least trying on a pair before buying them to make sure they’re the perfect fit. If you aren’t feeling the Birkenstock trend, Rainbow Sandals and Sanuks are also very cute and comfortable, perfect for summer, and go with all kinds of outfits.
2. Outdoor Sandals
From boating to paddle boarding and hiking to traveling, your feet need to be protected from the cuts and scrapes you might get from walking around barefoot. Outdoor sandals aren’t just for being outside, they can be worn with a normal outfit running errands, hopping on an airplane, and everywhere in between. I recently purchased a pair of Chacos and I am so happy I did. Another great outdoor sandal are Teva Sandals, so it just depends on which you prefer.
3. Running Shoes
This one is pretty self explanatory. A great pair of running shoes can be worn for almost anything you do. Personally, I love Nike tennis shoes, as there are so many different styles, colors, and sizes, and they can be purchased at many different locations, often for affordable prices. Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance, and Brooks are just some of the many brands of running shoes out there.
4. Riding Boots
I love a good pair of riding boots. They are great for when the weather is cooler, as they keep my feet and legs nice and warm. DSW, Nordstrom, and Nordstrom Rack all have new riding boots and will usually ship free online if you can’t make it to the store. Even if you don’t live where it’s cold enough to wear riding boots normally, chances are you will go somewhere where you will be grateful you have some.
5. Summer Sandal Heels
Something a little nicer for when you dress up in the summer, but not so nice that you’re wearing stilettos. There are some really cute options out there for this category. As always, there’s the classic wedge, but there are styles on the market now that, in my opinion, are the “new and improved” wedge. ASOS and DSW are my favorite places to buy this kind of shoes!
6. Booties
These may be my absolute favorite kinds of shoes. They are cute for every season of the year, can be dressed up or down, and are so comfortable. Pair them with skinny jeans and a sweater, a summer dress, or even a pair of shorts, and just like that, you look like a million bucks (not saying you don’t always look like a million bucks—clothes don’t add to your beauty or value or worth). Click here or here to see some of my favorite pairs of booties.
7. Plastic Flip-Flops
Shower shoes, pool shoes, everyday shoes. Whatever they are to you, they are crucial to have. They’re small, cheap, and easy to carry with you in an overnight back. Old Navy pretty much has the monopoly on these, but there are other places to get them, too.
8. Flats
Flats are easy to wear, very versatile, and comfortable. If you don’t like the traditional ballet flat, Urban Outfitters has the Mary Jane style for not too much money. Black flats, red flats, printed flats; whatever color you get, you can’t go wrong!
9. Heels
Heels are pretty much a staple in any girl’s wardrobe. These are my personal favorite pair of heels, as they go with literally any dress I could wear. If heels aren’t your thing (understandable if not), you can always go with a more formal pair of sandals.
10. A Pair You Just Love
Everyone should have a pair of shoes they absolutely love. If nothing else from this article, I hope you have a pair of shoes that are perfect for you. Whatever your lifestyle may be, whatever your fashion sense, there is a pair of shoes out there for you.
As Cinderella taught us, a pair of shoes really can change your life; happy shopping, my friends!
