When I was in middle school, back-to-school shopping was a big deal. Not for the Trapper Keepers and gel pens (though let’s face it, they WERE the sh*t), but for the shoes. Every year, I got one pair to start the school year off with — a single pair that would define my style for the next 365 days. I had no interest in the practical, reliable sneakers my peers all wore, however. I wanted heeled, strappy sandals.
“They go with everything,” I stubbornly insisted to my stepmother.
When she pointed out the impracticality of open-toed shoes in the winter, I only argued harder. “I’m only going from the car to the door. I’ll be careful!” I proclaimed.
Needless to say, I lost that battle.
Cut to 20 years later.
While I still love a good heel (you’ll rarely, if ever, catch me in the loathed sneakers of my youth), I’ve also found myself drawn to another, more “sensible” alternative: the cute ugly shoe.
Don’t worry: I’m not going to try to convince you to wear the heinous Crocs or Fenty slides that Drew Barrymore and Rihanna would have you put on your feet, because let’s face it: There’s not enough star power in the world to justify that. I will concede, however, that flats, loafers and even mules (!) have begun finding their way into my closet at an alarming rate.
Check out my top picks below!
Please note: This post contains affiliate links.
What shoe is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole