Footwear to Forget

Let's be honest, every few years a new brand of shoes becomes all the rage with the youth of America.  And usually these shoes are downright ugly.  For some reason, those of us who want to be trendy feel the urge to buy these strange foot coverings.  Why?  I have no idea.  Maybe so we can feel young again.  Maybe because they're "comfortable."  Maybe because we're just suckers when it comes to fashion advertising.  Regardless, it's ok to say no to shoes sometimes.

Although I realize that there is a time and place for every shoe, here are some footwear trends that every adult woman should probably avoid. Unless you're a rock climber, a nurse, or someone with a legitimate need for a funky shoe.  Here are 5 shoes that the modern woman should avoid:


1. Birkenstocks: For $69.95 surely you can find a cuter sandal than these.  In high school we didn't know any better, but the New Testament sandals should probably be used solely for Bible plays.  They're just not attractive.

 2. Uggs: I know that this may hit close to home for some of you, but for $149.95 surely you can find a cute pair of slippers that serve the same purpose.  Uggs may be warm and cozy, but I haven't figured out how you're supposed to wear them with clothes without looking like you need to be wearing PJ's.

  3. River Sandals: These shoes are perfectly suitable for anyone in a boat or on the river.  These are not fashion shoes and should not be your go-to sandals.  You wouldn't wear rainboots to shop at Walmart when it's sunny outside.  So don't wear the river shoes when you're at the mall!  For $40.00 you can buy some prettier flip flops anyway.


4. Crocs: Priced at $44.99, these shoes are a great option for someone wearing scrubs or working in their garden.  Other than that, why would you feel comfortable wearing rubber clogs in public?  You shouldn't.  These shoes really aren't safe either.  You'd be shocked how many times I had to save little feet from the splinters and wood chips that poked through crocs on the playground when I was a school nurse.  Tennis shoes are a much better option.

5. Toms: Oh I know, you're probably thinking I am soooo uncool to comment that I think Toms are ugly.  But come on, have you seen them?  They have no shape and they're basically a new form of Keds that cost $120!  Ridiculous.  Unless you're teenage friends are going to bully you for not buying a pair, you can always find cuter slides.

 I won't judge you if you choose to wear any of these shoes, but before you waste your money on overpriced ugliness at least consider your motives for purchasing the shoe.  You might be a river guide or nurse in need of a good work shoe.  Or you might be a mom in need of some cute slippers.  Don't let the trends persuade you to buy something that you really don't like.  We all did that in high school (I had the dreadful river sandals and Birkestock look-a-likes), but as modern women, let's try to think for ourselves.  Let's buck the trends and find shoes that flatter our feet!

Disclaimer: This blog post was not written to insult anyone.  It's just my own opinion.  I have owned many of these shoes at some point in my life and I'm just offering this advice to save you money and to help you be the fashionista that you've always wanted to be.