You’ve been raging since party-o'clock in a semi-sketchy, dimly-lit basement, and you are ready to call it a night. You dig your trusty fracket out of the pile of coats and shrug at the newest questionable stain that has graced its sleeve. Unsticking your shoes from whatever substance is currently coating the floor, you look down and, to your horror, realize that your brand new suede heels are scuffed and stained. Not to mention it has started raining. (Dammit, iPhone weather app – it was only supposed to be cloudy tonight!) Let’s face it: Your new shoes are screwed.
Most guys rotate through a couple pairs of shoes and will shrug off a stain or two. However, girls’ shoes can be a bit more delicate. As a girl, you need cheap shoes that can handle alcohol, the unpredictable weather and – in some cases – the contents of your stomach after one too many. You need shit shoes.
For warm(er) weather
Womens Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Ballet Flats
Get them at: Target
Price: $12.99
Colors available: Bronze, Black, Cheetah, Gold, Glittery Black, Zebra
Plain black flats are essential to every girl’s wardrobe. They are so versatile that they literally go with everything and can be dressed up or down. Plus, these flats are pleather. Not only are they cheap, but also easy to clean. Spill something on them? Step in mud? No problem, just wipe it off with a wet towel.
Patent pointed-toe flats
Get them at: Gojane.com
Price: $12.80
Colors available: Black; for $.40 more, you can also get Neon Orange or Hot Pink
Faux patent leather flats are the key to frat-friendly, stylish shoes. The nearly stain-proof material of these shoes will hold up against the dirtiest frat floor. Black is always in style, but to get in on the newest neon craze, try this shoe in neon orange or hot pink for a pop of color that will turn up the volume on any outfit.
Strappy cut-out wedge
Get them at: Gojane.com
Price: $26.40
Colors available: Black, Mustard, Red
For added height, always go for the wedge. They won’t sink in mud, and your feet will thank you later. This one's also made from pleather, so jungle juice can be wiped away in seconds with a towel and water. The mustard color is adorable, but if you want to be safe, get black.
For the winter
Distressed lace-up platform bootie
Get them at: Gojane.com
Price: $33.50
Colors available: Black, Blush, Cognac, Gray, Mustard
When the temperature drops, you’re going to want your toes covered, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice height or style. These distressed heeled boots easily accomplish both without draining your wallet. Once again, black is always the safest option, but if you’re feeling daring, go with the cute mustard.
Sperry Top-Sider Sadie Rain Boots
Get them at: Bloomingdale’s
Price: $80
Colors available: black, hot pink; other colors such as yellow, white and navy are available as well, but you might have to search around for them because Bloomingdale’s only has black and hot pink on their website
Going out in towering stilettos, even when paired with tights, is daunting. The Chicago wind will cut right through your thickest pair of sweater tights. Not to mention that your heels will sink in the mud. They will also provide minimal protection from spilled alcohol, snow and the Sheridan's premature lake-sized puddles. These rain boots will keep your legs warm, as well as standing up to anything a party or Mother Nature can whip up. Plus, they are not only cute, but also have a wedge – so they act like heels without the pain. They might be a little bit of a splurge, but they’ll last. Think them as an investment you’re not going to want to miss out on.
As a college student, you probably don’t have the budget to buy expensive shoes that are ruined after one wear. Shit shoes will keep you looking cute without having to worry about the consequences of venturing out onto the beer-soaked dance floor.
TL;DR: Just remember, stick with pleather (shiny or matte, it doesn’t matter) and avoid shoes with suede or canvas-y fabric. White is your worst enemy.
