Shoes that Survive the Slope: Weighing Fashion With Function

I never leave my dorm without being equipped with bandaids –– a lesson I quickly learned after my feet bore the brunt of my poor shoe choices. Some of my most beloved pairs of shoes have left me with blisters in every spot imaginable. Yet, this has never stopped me from moseying around campus in even the most uncomfortable pair. Shoes really are my achilles heel.  

So, for anyone who (like me) has an affinity for shoes, is on the hunt for a new pair, or is just curious to take a peek at the collection I’ve lugged to Cornell, here is an honest review of how each pair holds up against Cornell’s campus.

My Brown Havaianas

These are the perfect flip-flops to slip on for walking around the dorms or grabbing a quick bite at the dining hall. But, most surprisingly, they are also comfortable walking around campus. They don’t leave any blisters, and I haven’t even had any issues walking up the Slope in these. I think these are one of my favorite shoes I brought with me to Cornell (as long as the weather is nice). Plus, I have been loving the look of flip-flops paired with jeans recently; it feels very chic. 

Birkenstock Boston Clogs

I absolutely love these shoes. They add a fun touch to many outfits, but unlike my Havaianas, I haven’t had the best experience walking up hills or across central campus in them. I feel that they slow me down, so they are better for days which does not entail a trek across campus. 

Ugg “Fluff Yeah” Slides (Army Green)

These may have an unconventional look to them, but they are fun and comfortable — and stolen from my mom. I’m sad they were discontinued because I would buy my own pair in a heartbeat. They are perfect with cozy outfits and, thanks to the back strap, secure on your feet; they surprisingly work well for walking around campus. 

Adidas Spezials in Black 

Probably my most-worn pair. Since they are black and white, they match with just about any outfit. Plus, they are incredibly easy to walk in. The only drawback, I would say, is that they’re very flat, so long days with them tend to leave my feet a bit sore; still, a mild discomfort compared to blisters or shoe-bites.  

Adidas Campus 00s in Red 

I love these for the pop of red they add to my outfits. Not only are they comfortable, but they offer more foot support than the Spezials, though the bold color means they don’t match as many outfits. 

Adidas Gazelles in Pink 

Another one of my favorites. They are comfortable, but again, like the Spezials, flat. The downside, however, is that the pink suede shows dirt and stains easily. I have not found a damage-free method to clean them, so I avoid wearing these shoes when the weather calls for rain or snow. 

Red Arizona Birkenstocks 

If you couldn’t already tell, red is one of my favorite colors. These shoes are cute, but painful. They give me blisters on the inner sides of my feet, which can be unbearable. With bandaids and some determination, I can sometimes push through, but I really cannot walk in them for long periods of time, especially up the Slope.  

Ugg Ultra Mini Boots 

As Ithaca’s winter starts to inch closer, I know I will be able to count on my Uggs. The sheepskin lining makes them warm, and they pair perfectly with thick socks or leg warmers. That being said, don't wear them in the snow –– I have stained mine because of it –– and the grip isn’t ideal on slippery days. 

Brown Doc Marten Platform Oxfords

I absolutely adore these shoes, and I think they can instantly elevate an outfit — even if they are on the bulkier side. Breaking them in, however, was rough, and my heels still bear the battle scars. Once the leather is softened, they are not too bad, but I wouldn’t choose them for a long walking day. 

Black Doc Marten Platform Mary Janes

These, just like the Oxfords, are bulky. They are also looser, making it difficult to walk at a steady pace. Still, I love the look and keep them in my shoe rotation. 

Zebra Print Converse

Their bold pattern has the power to make an otherwise boring outfit, much more interesting to look at. But, they’re narrow and a bit cramped for long walks, even though the foot support is decent.

Clarks Mary Jane Heels

Not my favorite to walk in… anywhere. They are great for professional wear, not so much for walking up the slope. 

Pointed Flats 

I have no clue where I got these from or what they are really called, but they are probably my worst pair for walking. They hurt almost immediately and do not offer any support. Still, on days that I am feeling brave, you can catch me sporting these if an outfit calls for it. 

Red Mary Janes 

A little tricky to style and very low to the ground, which can make walking uncomfortable after a while. Still, they’re cute and fairly comfortable otherwise. 

Blue Hokas

I usually only wear these when I go for a run. These are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, but they do not pair well with a single outfit. If I could wear these all the time, I would. 

Some pairs make the trek across Cornell’s hilly campus feel effortless, while others leave me limping back to my dorm; still, I will always keep them all in rotation because I can’t help but love each pair, even if they lack practicality. 

---

Ruhi Datar is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at rrd56@cornell.edu.

---