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?