As we mentioned in our guide to the best college clothes, the best everyday shoes for college girls are contented, stylish, and easy to wear with any outfit when you’re on the go. After all, walking all over campus will increase those steps!
Today, we share the four daily shoes that every student should have. Shoes labeled “$” are considered a bargain, “$$” is average, and “$$$” would be a splurge. Honorable mentions are also listed in each category. Great offer!
Bonus: all the girls featured are real, successful students who are not part-time models despite their beautiful features. Take inspiration from their outfits!
White Sneakers
Products: (From top to bottom) Liz Claiborne Winslow Sneakers – JCPenney, Converse All-Stars – Nike, Adidas Superstars – Adidas
White sneakers are a classic garment that will never go out of style; They are also incredibly versatile! The Adidas Superstar sneakers became a massive hit in 2016 and show no signs of slowing down; The Stan Smith line is also trendy among Shoes for College. White Converse is also a great resource if your style is more classic.
Another great option is not listed here, but my favorite is the Nike Court Royale. They are similar to Adidas Superstar shoes but are less common and are easy to find at deep discounts.
What to wear them with: For class, wearing sneakers with jeans and a T-shirt or shirt dress is always a great option. I’m also a big fan of wearing sneakers with dresses or skirts! Wear them with a sweater and leggings when it gets colder in fall.
Pros and cons of our C.F. picks: At just $20, our cheapest option is a steal. The laser-cut details also add a feminine touch! However, they have not been proven to have the staying power of white Converse or Adidas Superstars in the ever-changing fashion landscape.
White Converse are reasonably priced for the average student, but they have irritated me with their high arches in the past. (Also, canvas shoes get dirty faster than leather shoes.) The Adidas Superstars offer the best support and durability but will set you back at least $80 at most Shoes for College retailers.
Honorable Mention: Dad Sneakers – These sneakers are incredibly comfortable and fashionable! However, it may be challenging to integrate them with existing pieces in a typical student’s wardrobe.
And it is not yet clear how long this trend will last. I would also feel uncomfortable pairing this trend with skinny jeans! (If this is your aesthetic, I applaud you and would love you to show me how to rock this look in the comments section.)
Dad Sandals
Products: Mad Love insole sandals – Target, Teva Original Universal – Tevas, Birkenstocks Arizona – Birkenstock
The “Dad (insert buzzword here)” trend has taken over everything from our shoes to hats. Dad’s sandals are just a natural extension of that, and supportive sandals are something I’m on board with. Gone are the days of blisters, lack of arch support, and sandals that had to be thrown out and replaced every year.
Choosing a timeless sandal that you can wear until you forget it is a significant investment, and here are some options. Birkenstocks have officially entered the mainstream fashion consciousness, so you can be sure you won’t be the only student wearing shoes once labeled “ugly.”
Birkenstock, an actual cult object, has inspired numerous imitators to create their version of its iconic sandals. The Chacos are also a fantastic option, especially if you like hiking! They have incredible arch support and a lifetime warranty. Find them at your local outdoor store for the best prices.
What We Wear Them With: Pair them with ripped denim shorts or a denim skirt and tee for a fresh ’90s-inspired look. They also pair well with flowy bohemian-inspired pants and a short tank top!
Pros and cons of our C.F. picks: Target is a great place to find affordable shoes. These insole sandals are the spitting image of Birkenstocks! These sandals are a great value at $23, are in four colors, and have a wide-width option. However, they are not as comfortable as the other two options and probably not as durable.
The Teva Originals are an excellent option for adding a pop of shade to your seasonal days and would work just as well on a hike as they do on the beach. They are also similar to Chacos but at a much lower price.
Birkenstocks are much more stylish than Tevas but are also the most expensive. If you plan to wear these shoes for years, invest in a pair of supportive shoes known as Chacos, Tevas, or Birkenstocks!
Honorable Mention: Athletic Flip Flops – These shoes have taken over the runways, from Gucci to more affordable retailers like Zara. As comfortable as when you used them to play football, they are a reasonably functional option. However, wearing them to class may not be the best option, as they are typically associated with the pool and more casual environments.
Booties or Riding Boots Shoes for College
Products – (top to bottom) Bella Marie Ankle Boots – Amazon, Unisa Piera Ankle Boots – DSW, Sam Edelman “Penny” Boot – Nordstrom
Fall is everyone’s favorite fashion season, from acclaimed editors to average college girls, mainly because it means boot season. Riding and ankle boots are constantly battling for dominance as the “must-have shoe” for every fall season, but any option can meet your needs.
These boots will instantly make you look more stylish, even if you wear leggings and an oversized long-sleeve varsity t-shirt.
We wear them with leggings, skinny jeans, and almost all skinny pants, which are made to be worn with riding boots. Dresses and skirts also look very elegant with riding boots! Booties offer more flexibility; Depending on the weather, they can be combined with shorts, boyfriend jeans, etc.
Pros and cons of our C.F. picks: Getting a pair of booties on Amazon for $26 is an absolute steal, especially since they have a four-star rating from 223 reviews! The color selection is also excellent. If you’re unsure about ankle boots, this can be a great place to start with your first pair.
DSW’s $60 ankle boots are a fantastic taupe color that will match any outfit in your closet and are more likely to last longer than the Amazon pair.
However, if you wear boots every day in the fall or winter, investing in a more expensive pair like these riding boots from Nordstrom will be worth it.
The heel is also lower, making it easier to walk. I can attest to the need for a quality riding boot, as I have seen the heel drop on cheaper riding boot options after braving the college campus. However, the ones from Nordstrom are expensive, so make sure these are the shoes you want.
Honorable Mention: Combat Boots: Ah, combat boots were a big trend several years ago and add an undeniable air of ruggedness to any outfit.
However, they are not as easy to dress up for a formal setting, so a pair of classic ankle boots or riding boots may be better. They are rumored to be back in style for Fall 2018, so stay tuned!
Rain Boots or Duck Boots
Products: (top to bottom) Polar Products Snow Boots – Amazon, Hunter Tour Gloss Rain Boots – Hunter, Bean Boots – L.L. bean
Crossing a university campus means facing rain or snow, depending on the region. Luckily, plenty of awesome rain boots keep you dry and looking cute! Hunter and Bean boots, or duck boots, are classic boot styles associated with their iconic brands.
Although these boots are commonly associated with preppy New England style, everyone can and should wear them to stay warm on the way to class.
What we wear them with: Skinny jeans and leggings are the best option with these boots. If the weather is terrible, you don’t want to expose your legs or risk seeing your boyfriend’s jeans blown away by a cold draft! Add a brightly colored raincoat, a neutral parka, etc. Stay warm. Thick, fuzzy socks or wool socks are also a plus.
Pros and cons of our C.F. picks: If you’re in an area where it rarely rains, these $15 Amazon Prime-eligible boots are the best option. They don’t cost much and come in a variety of colors!
However, if you constantly deal with rain, snow, or cold winters, you should invest in a quality pair of boots now to avoid getting cold or wet on the way to the conference. Hunter boots are ideal for cold and rainy areas with less snow, while duck boots are the best option for snowy places.
While these boots typically cost you back around $130, the blue Hunter boots are currently on sale for $70! These boots are expensive but will last a long time and help you withstand the elements.
Honorable Mention: Loafers: These are slippers you can wear in public, and they are considered an alternative for East Coast high schoolers during the colder months. However, for a student who has to walk to class in bad weather, they are not as practical as a pair of waterproof boots and are incredibly easy to destroy.
Best Places for Shoe Discounts Shoes for College
Marshalls: The selection at Marshalls varies from location to location and even region to region, but Marshalls is one of my all-time preferred stores, especially for shoes. Shoes for College Discounts are great!
18h00.com – This is a fantastic place to buy cheap shoes online. They also have a great selection of top brands!
Points of sale: If you live near a point of sale, the offers can be interesting if you have a specific model in mind. I found my Nike Court Royales, listed in the white sneakers section, for $35 at a Nike store at a Tanger Outlets store!
DSW: With great mail-in and online coupons, DSW offers discount shoes that will be even better with these additional discounts. I found that the choice is quite broad and varied in the store.
Need more inspiration?
(Or help select which shoes to add to your wardrobe?) Don’t worry, C.F. has you covered! Check out some of these other articles from our team, including some of my personal favorites:
- The best shoes for students: the five pairs that every girl needs in her wardrobe, even the most elegant ones!
- Birkenstock vs. Chacos: a helpful article that will help you select the summer sandal of your choice. It is beneficial for undecided buyers like me.
- Hunter Boots vs Bean Boots – Another valuable comparison to help you select the best option to keep your feet warm and dry during the winter.
- It’s official: these shoes are the most comfortable for girls who need foot support.
- 8 Ways to Wear Comfortable Shoes While Still Looking Very Stylish – Great inspiration to pair with some of the shoes we feature in this article!