I’ve always had a difficult relationship with shoes. I love pretty shoes, the ones with interesting straps, clever cutouts, heels that create an air of sophistication… But shoes do not love my feet. In spite of the struggle, I’ve always sought out shoes that enhance my wardrobe and are somewhat comfortable.
But something changed. I think it was the pandemic that was the instigator. Once the world closed down in March of 2020, there was no need to wear pretty shoes. In fact, most of the time, there was no need to wear shoes at all. As I taught from my kitchen table, most of the time my feet were bare. If I headed into the backyard for breath of fresh air, I slipped into my Rainbow flip flops. At that same time I also began a regular walking practice of at least 30 minutes a day, so athletic shoes were a necessity.
I found myself alternating between bare feet, flip flops, and athletic shoes throughout the day–depending on what I was doing (without much consideration to what I was wearing). And when we went back to school with students, we found ourselves spending a lot more time with our students–including supervising their playtime–and no one needs to wear cute shoes to do that! Meetings were still mostly virtual, so all anyone ever saw of you (if they even looked) what what blouse you had on and if your pandemic hair was standing on end! Again, no need to consider whether or not your shoes were fashionable or flattering.
Sometime between then and now, women began wearing white tennis shoes with their dresses, Birkenstocks made a major comeback (for both men and women), and my own footwear choices have trended to post-pandemic casual.
I can’t remember the last time I wore a heel (actually, I can. It was to a formal family wedding about two years ago) or anything other than flat sandals or athletic shoes on a regular basis.
I realized last week when I attended a conference that my idea of a professional dress shoe is a Vans checkerboard slip on! (I did opt for pants that were not jeans though!)
And just today as I wandered around the outlet mall, the Vans outlet called me in. I came out with some great green Vans lace ups (the ones called “old skool”). I think they might be my new dress shoes! I’m already wondering if they will work as “professional casual” for the meeting I’m attending next week.
Has your relationship with shoes changed since the pandemic?
Thinking Through My Lens 
the Rainbow 🌈 flip flop helped me survive the pandemic and so much else in life, like making sure that most of my social engagements are accepting of the flip floppers. May your Vans carry you into the fanciest of places with a sense of pride in casual.
Thanks for the vote of confidence! Of course, I could bring out the Birkenstocks or the flip flops! (Probably will when it gets a bit warmer!)
I’m with you! Comfort is first and foremost for me. When I go into the city to walk around, I always wear my asics gel kayanos, my beloved white sneakers. Lately, even if I’m going to the theatre, I wear sneakers, but then I’ll wear my “fancy” black Brooks Ghost sneakers. Those have now become my dressy shoes. Sometimes I think that a black boot would look so much cooler, but I have to default to my sneakers if I know I’m doing a ton of walking. This was a great idea for a blog post! I may have to use it in the future.
Love that I’m not alone in having “fancy” sneakers, especially when I know there will be tons of walking involved!
Kim, that is such an interesting question. As I read your post, I had some a-ha moments. I think mine has changed since the pandemic. I always have a pair of black athletic-looking shoes (Sketchers, usually) that I wear for dressing up. Haha. Then I have slippers, sandals, athletic shoes and hiking shoes. Of course, I’m retired since the pandemic, so I’m sure that is as much of a reason as the pandemic. I like your checkered Vans, and I’m sure the green ones will be perfect for professional casual.
My shoe choices have changed more because my feet are aging. I’ve never been one to wear heals anyway because I am tall. And the fact that they are uncomfortable. I’m more likely to wear a pair of sandals. Comfort is my main priority. When I got plantar fasciitis in the fall, I wore Hokas for six weeks straight, even to church. Your Vans are so cute. Do they have good arch support?
Yes, for sure! Post-pandemic, I vowed no more “hard pants” and invested in a wardrobe of elastic waist linen pants that literally go from pajamas to work! A nasty bout of plantar fasciitis a few years before the pandemic made me embrace the Birkenstock-style sandal. No going back for me!
Love the checked Vans! Those seem 100% business casual to me. I think I pretty much was barefoot throughout the pandemic, or wearing socks if my feet got cold. I even found myself wandering around in the yard and around the block with only socks on. Having to wear shoes to go back to work was very weird. I teach in my Birks or my sneakers, and no longer even own a pair of properly nice shoes.