Shoes can make or break an outfit, and determine the way the rest of your day is going to go. If you’re wearing the wrong shoes, you can end up in a world of trouble — whether that be being ill-prepared for the weather, or something uncomfortable that you can’t walk around in for more than an hour.
- Snow boots
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If there’s one thing the Northeast is known for, it’s snow. The harsh winters can be disastrous if you don’t have the proper footwear. From my four years of living in this area, I’ve found that the best boots have been lace-up, high-ankle boots with fuzz on the inside. Not only do they keep you warm, but they’re also secure from snow and sit at the perfect height where you can still wear cute pants. I prefer the more neutral colors, like browns and beiges, because they don’t look as dirty when covered in salt and mud, unlike black or white. Sorels are my go-to brand as they have a large collection with great styles and use materials that will protect you from winter conditions.
- running sneakers/tennis shoes
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The UMass campus is huge, no downplaying it. You’re going to want a comfortable pair of sneakers that can take you from one end of campus to the other with ease because you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Running sneakers are also a great way to throw a pop of color into your outfit as there are many unique styles from thousands of brands. Because you’ll be wearing these shoes around everywhere, whether that be at the gym or dashing to your next class, I like to look for a good sneaker that is going to last the wear and tear. Depending on how often you wear them and where you use them, they’re going to realistically last around four to six months. I don’t mind breaking the bank for a good pair of running shoes because of their versatility, which is why Hokas are my favorite brand as I’ve found they are long-lasting and have great support.
- Lifestyle sneakers
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Looking for ways to elevate your outfit without ruining the casual look you’ve curated? Lifestyle sneakers will be your best friend. Now, what is a lifestyle sneaker? It’s a sneaker made for casual use, meaning no strenuous activity. They are simply made for fashion. I absolutely love platform sneakers when looking in this category because of their unique, yet classic look. They add some great height, something I look for as a 5’2″ girl. Converse platform sneakers have a special place in my heart because of their balance between comfort and sleek design. If you’re not interested in the platform look, the low-cut lace-up sneakers go great with almost anything and can either dress you down for a casual scene or can upgrade your outfit to look more put together. Nike has a great selection of these types of shoes. I like to look for neutral colors because they’re easier to pair with anything, but having one pair with a unique color like blue or green can be used to add a fun pop to an otherwise boring outfit.
- dress shoes
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While in college, you’re going to attend many events in which you’re going to want to look your best. That can either be at a career fair where you’re making connections or interviewing for a big internship. If you’re purchasing your first pair of nice shoes, I would recommend a sleek black pair to start off because of how well you can pair them with anything. Both loafers and heels work in this category. I don’t mind dropping a pretty penny on this pair of shoes because they’re meant to be well-built and flashy for special occasions.
- lifestyle boots
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While lifestyle sneakers can be used for a more casual look, lifestyle boots can be used to dress up a bit more. I prefer a nice ankle boot because they go well with fitted jeans or go well under looser fitting pants. I prefer a zip-up look or something you pull on because I feel it looks sleeker than having a lace-up. I like to wear these with almost any outfit, so getting comfortable boots is important because of their versatile use. The Steve Madden’s bootie section is my go-to because of the variety of styles and the fact that their quality holds up pretty well. They’re easy to wear and I’ve found they last at least a few years.
An outfit is only complete when every piece fits together perfectly, which is why shoes are an important part to perfect. Each of these recommendations is meant to start you off by looking for specific features in a shoe so you can narrow down your extensive search. Happy hunting!
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