Does UCC have sole? | Ruth Ní Leannacháin

Ruth Ní Leannacháin doesn’t think UCC’s men have the right attitudes toward their footwear and gives men top tips on how to complete their look

     For girls the shoe is the make or break item of any outfit, for me, the shoe I choose will then determine the rest of my outfit. However, for the men of UCC the humble shoe doesn’t seem to come into the equation, but don’t worry boys, I’m going to make it easy for you. Armed with the opinions of a cross section of ladies, I have made the ultimate list of do’s and don’t’s of footwear.

     Some shoes divide opinion, but the ‘culchie loafer’ has, across the board, come out as the worst possible shoe. Not only does it scream ‘underagers night out in cubins’ when worn with blue jeans it is the best form of contraception. If you’re determined to wear black shoes, why not switch to its cooler older brother, the chelsea boot? While not straying too far from familar territory, the chelsea won’t be greeted with gasps of appalled women who were interested until they looked down. For an added style point, swap those bootcuts to black straight leg jeans, cubins won’t know what hit it.

     Second on the list of shoe atrocites is the once white skater shoe your ma’ bought you when you were 13 and thought Bam Margera was a god. Unless you’re on a skateboard, step away from the bricks on your feet. They may be comfortable, and they do look waterproof, but they’re not the only trainers out there, and they’re definitely not the best. How about a pair of Adidas? When surveyed, many girls singled out a pair of Adidas shoes as their favourite. They’re far less offensive and you don’t even need to sacrifice your comfort. If they strech out your budget, you could always go for some Converse. While I don’t advocate dodgy knock offs, Penneys are doing excellent dupes at the moment. They’ll never go out of style and there’s a range of colours for you to choose from, though I’d avoid the vivid colours, unless you care to look like you’ve wandered off Paul Street circa 2008.

     Finally, the hiking boot, this is the one I was most surprised to come across in my few short weeks at UCC. The questions they evoke in me are endless. Have I missed a mountain on campus? An archelogical excavation under the Boole? I only reccomend Dr. Martens for men in rare instances, but here, I feel it is necessary. They will fulfill your need to be ready for the mountain in a much more stylish way.

     So there you have it, boys. shoes aren’t difficult but they are vital, take it from us girls, a good choice could make all the difference.