As OU students, we're all familiar with the difficulties this campus's terrain poses. Unlike the majority of Ohio, Athens is a pretty hilly place. And thanks to this fact you’ve probably had to make a change in your footwear since coming to school. Even those who love to shop can feel a bit squeamish at the daunting task ahead: find the perfect well fitting, comfortable, and reasonably attractive shoe that can get you to and from class in ease. But the thin line between functionality and fashionable is a hard one to walk, and it may cost you a couple of blisters and some lost cash to find out for yourself. Read along as POISE evaluates the difference between functional and fashionable, in hopes of finding something that demonstrates both.

I can't Ruin Another Pair...

Of course there are the adorable shoes that most of us would love to wear; the shoes that we would wear “if we were at home.” Those pointy-toed pumps, while great when prowling the streets of Columbus or Cincinnati, are not so helpful when trying to make it up Jeff Hill in one piece, even for the most experienced of stiletto strutters. And while tennis shoes are at times another option, sometimes you just can’t bring yourself to wear that college uniform of sneakers and OU gear any more.

The Search Begins

After venturing into the shoe section at the local department store in my hometown, I was appalled at what I saw; I had waltzed into the store that particular day with the utmost confidence in my chosen retailer. They had dozens upon dozens of shoes on display, with an untold number of boxes lying in the back, waiting for the young shoppers milling about to request, but surprisingly enough, even after over an hour of browsing, countless salespeople, mounds of boxes, and a half dozen footsies later, I still didn’t have a shoe even close to being suitable enough to bring to school with me. So I came to school without my stylish shoes, instead carting along countless pairs of flips flops (which, with the exception of my shower shoes, are still sitting in my closet unworn) and a few pairs of flats that haven’t proven too useful while I’ve been here, either. And the search is still on.

Old Companies, New Concepts

Now that school is well underway, and we have pretty limited shopping opportunities in the way of clothing, it’s become an even bigger dilemma. This, coupled with that fact that many of us are on a budget, doesn’t seem to help us much when flipping through the pages of Vogue and Marie Claire while biking away at Ping, fantasizing about all of those delightful alligator boots. Luckily for us, though, some companies are now making allowances for those who desire high style but lack the funds or means to get to them. Adidas has a line designed by Stella McCartney, which features well cut tops and running pants and a wide range of shoes. These range from a knee high outdoor boot to ballet slipper-like sling-back “gym shoes,” to be used for light workouts. And while the prices for these shoes are high, they’re no higher than most other quality athletic footwear. Converse is also making accommodations for custom made Chuck Taylors, which can be made in a variety of colors and styles. Brocade, leather, and the traditional canvas are all available to put on your new custom-made shoes. And even Aerosoles, perpetually regarded as some of the comfiest shoes around, has come up with some surprisingly new concepts. From metallic, embroidered moccasins to an interesting twist on the traditional suede loafer, there are new styles for almost everyone. There’s even a new selection of flat boots, which is something many of us have been looking forward to for ages.

“I'm Wishing (I'm Wishing) For the [Shoe] I Love”

So while it is difficult finding the appropriate footwear, it isn’t impossible and it needn’t be regarded as a chore. If you’re willing to do a little homework and really think about your needs, you’ll be surprised at how many options you have. I know my search will continue until that elusive shoe is found, and I am confident that with a little bit of know-how, every single one of you will too have found “your” shoe. Until then, remember to walk on your toes and avoid those bricks!