12 Trending Shoes For Heading Back To Campus In Style
From sandals to sneaks, SHOE DEPT.’s got you covered.
Back-to-school shopping always has a particular magic to it. As the clean slate of a new school year approaches, you get a chance to take stock of who you’ve been and decide who you want to become. What parts of your ever-evolving self do you want to nurture? What elements of your dynamic personal style will become permanent, and what new trends will you decide to explore? Forgive us for getting a little philosophical — we’re just getting back into that term-paper mindset!
As you prepare to head back to campus this fall, start by putting your best foot forward (literally) with new shoes that showcase your one-of-a-kind style while still leaving you with enough money in the bank for textbooks and late-night pizza, of course. SHOE DEPT. is our go-to source for the brands and styles we’ve gotta have — from adidas and Birkenstocks to Vans and Dr. Martens — at prices that will ease your stress, not add to it.
The right outfit can fast-track your confidence and make you feel even more you as you transition into a new year. Keep scrolling for Elite Daily’s favorite footwear picks for expressing yourself on campus all school year long.
Whether you’re stepping into your grunge era or looking for a way to firm up some #cottagecore softness, a classic pair of Docs is a wardrobe staple. With durable soles and a high-quality leather body, you’ll be kicking these bad boys around for years to come.
These easy slip-on sneakers from surf brand Roxy work double duty: They look great and they’re made with eco-conscious fabric. Plus, they’ve got memory foam insoles so your feet and your mind can both feel at ease, even in the midst of a too-full course load.
These cushioned slides feature a thick, fully injected midsole and outsole, so they’re equal parts supportive and flexible. The iconic PUMA branding is present but subtle — which means you can showcase it or not, depending on your look.
A combo of a Mary Jane and a loafer, these block-heel, faux leather Dirty Laundry platforms are a must-have for making a statement in the hallowed halls of your institution. The dual buckles allow you to customize the fit, and they’re a cinch to slip on easily — a feature that makes all the difference when you’re running late to an 8 a.m. lecture.
Trends come and go, but platforms will always reign supreme, as proven by these chunky PUMA stunners. The cushioned foam footbed will keep you comfy while traipsing across the quad, and the light palette is the perfect complement to nearly any color combo you choose up top.
Keep the summer vibes going throughout fall with Dolce Vita’s Indy slide. The shoe’s slip-on ease will have you reaching for it over and over, while chic elements like the puffy braid, square toe, and thin sole ensure it’ll always elevate your look instead of just completing it.
Color blocking is everywhere this fall, from multicolored shackets to these perfectly pastel Vans platforms. Style them as the funfetti sprinkles on top (well, below) of a monochrome look, or go all-out maximalist with bursts of color from head to toe.
Crocs are having a major moment this year (and let’s be honest, every year since their creation). Wear the comfy classics loud and proud in this vibrant animal print pattern (remember, animal print counts as a neutral, so it goes with anything), and display your personal style by curating a custom Jibbitz™ assortment. The possibilities are truly limitless.
The color blocking continues with these bold HEYDUDE shoes, which are ultralight, easy to slip on and off, and feature a playful vintage palette. They pair well with a playlist from the late ‘80s or early ‘90s for a whole vibe that’ll keep you movin’ and groovin’ through all those all-nighters.
‘70s running culture lives on in this New Balance sneaker that blends heritage design with contemporary style. Pair with a minimalist crewneck sweatshirt to live out your normcore dreams, no jogging required.
No one can deny that the Birkenstock Arizona is a classic sandal. This ultra lightweight EVA version is modeled on its cork predecessor, so you can keep the look without worrying about water damaging the shoe. Rock them in the shower, to the pool, and throughout those inevitable late-summer-early-fall rainstorms.
Throw it back to the early days of hip-hop with these classic adidas that are redesigned for the future. They feature the brand’s signature three stripes on the sides, and are available in a variety of color combos, so you can calibrate whether you want your shoe to be subtle or a showstopper.
