Is it just me or do you find that showcasing your personal style, particularly when it comes to shoes to be a challenge? I’ll find this great outfit, or be inspired by the pieces that I already have to create a cute outfit, only to do so and realize I have no shoes to match. Now I know that this is an issue any girl can have really, not just wheelchair users, however, because how your disability affects you some shoes are already ruled out, right? This is something that I struggled with too, but after some window shopping and playing around with my outfits, I noticed that many of my outfits can be put together with simple shoe sections of just 3 shoe categories that can give you several options. These 3 categories can be broken down more for 8 types of shoes every wheelchair girl should have in her wardrobe.
Chances are you have these shoe types in your wardrobe already, because, you found one shoe that works with for you and stuck with it. Now you buy pieces and outfits that work with those shoes, occasionally skipping over some things you really like because you have nothing to wear with them. Sound familiar?
Sitting in a wheelchair and/or depend on how your disability affects you, the types of shoes you are able to wear comfortably might be limited. However, there are various shoe types you can wear with the three simple categories of sneakers, boots, and sandals, give you more options to express your personal style with outfits you truly love.
The 8 Types Of Shoes Every Wheelchair Girl Should Have In Her Wardrobe
Sneakers: Wondering why I added sneakers to the list? Sneakers have become a versatile shoe in the last couple of years. They’ve also become more aesthetically pleasing which is great when your shoe options are limited. From the athletic sneaker to high tops to converse, there are so many options for you to choose from to add to your wardrobe. You can even wear certain types of sneakers with some dresses to emphasize the casual look, such as a sweater or mini dress.
Low Tops Sneakers: First up is my favorite type of sneaker and I think the most common. Low top sneakers are strictly for fashion purposes and some do have slightly more support than others. This is, unfortunately, a trial and error basis sometimes which can be annoying particularly if someone has to help you put on your shoes. It’s one of the reasons I stick to brands and types that I already know fit well, One of my favorite pair of low-top sneakers is my sneakers from G byGuess which I’m often wearing in my Instagram photos.
High-tops Sneakers: When these came back into fashion a few years ago, and though the fashion lover in me loved the style of the sneaker I eventually bought, I hate it was chunky and I had to work more to move my foot around when I need to, but I loved the support of this shoe so much so I haven’t given up hope on wearing this style just yet.
Boots: My favorite category, if you’ve been reading my blog since I relaunched it or following me on Instagram, you know how much I love boots. These are my favorite types of shoes because they are so easy to wear and they can be casual or add a level of elegance to your outfit.
Combat Boots: Combat boots help you add a little bit of edge to your look, (well depending on the color, I have pink ones too). I love how these feel on my feet and they do give you some support. Although there are combat boots with heels, since heels and my feet don’t mix, I often go for a flat or one-inch option where the difference isn’t that noticeable. I love pairing my combat boots with my jeans or shorts, or leggings and a mini skirt or mini dress (depending on the style).
Ankle boots are perfect for all the seasons except winter in my opinion and go great with anything from professional attire to casual looks for a night out or hanging out with friends. This type of boot is a great alternative to the typical heeled shoe for special occasions which is why I added to this list type of shoes every wheelchair girl should have. I had 3 colors that I wore again and again for a few months years ago, but I’m currently looking for new ones for spring/ summer outfits.
Knee-high or over-the-knee boots: Knee-high boots are my favorite type. There’s just something that says classic and elegant to me about especially in black. Although I must say finding knee-high boots that have a low heel or no heel at all can be difficult, but when you find that perfect shoe that matches your style it will be worth it. I personally don’t wear over-the-knee boots because even though I like the style, it’s not all that comfortable for me to sit in them all day with that part that bends behind the knee, though that can change, depending on the material of the shoe.
Flats: Last, but not least flats. I don’t wear these shoes often because it’s hard to find styles I like that also will fit and stay on my feet during daily activities especially if I may have to transfer. That being said, sometimes you do find ones that work.
Ballet Flats: I wore these once in high school and I honestly lost track of how many times I had to have them put back on that day. I don’t wear these because I know that move my feet around sometimes during the day, but if this type of shoe works for you I’d add it to your wardrobe because it’s great for a casual or slightly more dressed up look.
Back Zipper Sandals: My favorite kind because it’s harder for my feet to slide around in the shoe. These sandals, depending on the other design details are perfect for several occasions such as casual, semi-formal, and formal. Though it can be difficult to find sandals for the latter occasion that do not have a heel of any kind.
Slingback/ Ankle Sandals: These sandals have a strap around the back of your foot or ankle and can be worn for a variety of occasions based on other details of the shoe. However, like the back zipper sandals, it can be difficult to find a style that you can wear to a more formal occasion that has a low heel.
Honorable Mentions:
Athletic Sneaker: Athletic sneakers a much more aesthetically pleasing than they were a few years ago and they offer great support. If you don’t mind a shoe that can be a bit bulky these may just be the sneaker for you.
Slip-on Sneakers: These sneakers are not my style, but if you are looking for some low-effort, really easy to grab and go sneakers, these should definitely be on your radar.
I may have started this post talking about several different types of shoes, but remember find what you like best for your personal style and go for that, you don’t have to try something or keep a fashion piece that you don’t feel amazing in whether it’s a top, jacket, or shoes.
Changing up something as simple as your shoes can help you alter the vibe of your look from, a mini dress for a semi-formal event to a mini-dress for a casual event. I hope trying new shoe types inspires new looks with your favorite fashion pieces. What is your favorite type of shoe to wear on most days? Think I left something off this list? Let me know with a comment below.
