Festival Fashion: Shoes Shoes SHOES!
Friday, March 22, 2013
We have the second installment of my festival fashion series - and now we're going to talk about shoes. They're essentially the most important part of what you're going to wear to a music festival, because it could mean the difference between feet that are merely tired and feet that are in excruciating pain.
For the last three years, I've been pretty much rocking combat boots nonstop during Sasquatch. After last year's festival, I retired by old combat boots; they were both disgusting and falling apart. That's what you get with cheap combat boots from TJ Maxx.
This year I'm keeping my options open.
I know it won't be like this for everyone, but I like wearing socks during Sasquatch. I have dry dry skin and terrible eczema on my feet and calves, so going in flip flops just isn't an option for me. I have to wear heavy lotion most of the time, and if I don't wear socks - my feet collect dust like no other. And if I don't wear lotion, my feet literally hurt by the end of the day.
So I've provided you - and in turn, me - some options for festival footwear!
Sperry Topsiders
Impeccable construction, comfort, style - what more can you ask for?
Ankle boots
These definitely have a level of comfort, but the aesthetic is what overrides the idea of these shoes. They're in style with the crowd that usually frequents festivals, so you won't go wrong with something like this.
Converse All-Stars
You cannot go wrong with Chucks. Unless you have a high arch in your foot, these will stay comfortable throughout the day. Plus, in my opinion, the dirtier the better when it comes to styling Chuck Taylors.
Combat boots
These are similar to the boots I've worn the last three festivals, and they are your best bet if you don't like getting your feet dirty and if you're like me and need to wear socks. They have the necessary traction when walking up and down hills, and they look pretty cool. The only thing you have to think about is sweaty feet (and if you're going to Coachella, your feet will undoubtedly already be sweating).
NAOT sandals
If you're going to wear sandals, NAOT is the way to go. They are unmatched in terms of construction, and they are unmatched in comfort. They're spendy shoes, but they will last you forever. They're like Tevas but not tacky-looking!
Cowboy boots
If combat boots aren't your style, cowboy boots serve the same purpose but with a different attitude.
Huarache sandals
I sold this particular pair on Etsy quite a long time ago, but it's another great option if you want to go with sandals.
Mainly my point with sandals for festivals is that you need a sole, you need some sort of arch support, and something to hold your foot in. I see so many people wearing cheap flip flops and it just makes me cringe. It makes my feet cry, because it's an accident waiting to happen. They could break, you could slip down a hill, and they just KILL your feet. Sasquatch is four days now, and if you wear flip flops for four straight days walking all day, when you get home you won't want to walk for four more days. Friends, if you're going to wear sandals - PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR FEET DON'T WEAR FLIP FLOPS.
Those were all my shoes, and I'll probably bring a couple pairs with me, but I have come up with a couple more options if you're in the market to buy some shoes for your festival!
Saltwater Sandals
I'm not sure why recently I've had the urge to by a pair of these, but oy vey they are cute. They come in every color under the sun, they go with everything, and they're classics! Available for purchase at Modcloth.com
Doc Martens
Another old faithful that wins in terms of style, construction, comfort, nostalgia, trendiness - just about everything. They are certainly expensive, but they will last you your whole life. Available for purchase at Solestruck.com.
One final piece of advice that I wish I never had to give - never EVER wear heels to a music festival. I will see girls wearing wedges and stacked heels to Sasquatch and I almost want to see them fall over. If you wear heels to a festival, everyone will judge you. It will happen. And you will hate your decision in the middle of the first day. Trust me, don't wear heels.
Best wishes!
-Abby
edit
Flip flops the worst choice for a festival. I don't care how hot the weather is, there's a lot of people and you're bond to get stepped on and HARD. And don't even get me started on heels, whenever I see girls in heels or wedges at a festival I just want to face palm myself. Save those shoes for when you're going shopping or the club. Chucks were definitely my friends the 3 years I went to Coachella. All your choices are great and practical for music festivals.
ReplyDeleteLaura
http://lauraneuzeth.blogspot.com/
"never EVER wear heels to a music festival" is probably not something you should mention to girls like clothesencounters :D
ReplyDeleteI love her style, but if I saw her wearing tall shoes to a festival, I would judge her.
DeleteI wish I didn't live in the UK where festivals automatically = Wellingtons/Rain Boots. Festivals and rain just go hand in hand here! It would be nice to wear sandals now and again! :) xx
ReplyDeleteWellies are cute! I've always wanted to go to Glastonbury, it's probably my be-all end-all festival dream.
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