For those of us counting down the days to ‘festival-season’, we all know how much planning goes into our outfits.
While flower crowns and sequins are usually on the ‘essentials’ checklist (when else can you get away with dressing like a cross between a disco-ball and Frida Kahlo?), festival-friendly footwear is also a must.
For one thing, the weather is always going to be unpredictable. One minute it’s boiling hot, the next it’s pouring with rain.
So you can look fleeky AF, The Sole Womens has listed its top ‘sneaker saviours’ for every festival scenario…
It’s getting’ hot in hurrrrre
The struggle is real when you’ve packed your most durable, water-resistant trainers and suddenly it’s hotter than the Sahara. Flip-flops at a festival are a definite no-go, with your feet subject to broken glass, burning fag butts and being stomped on by other over-enthusiastic festival goers.
Sneaker saviour: Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low Purple
Taking both height and craft to new levels, the Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low features a platform midsole and a pared-down upper for a bold yet feminine look. Your foot is well covered, but the original AF-1 perforation pattern lets your feet breathe. This pastel purple colourway adds a modern twist to the all-white.
Get a grip
The UK has enjoyed some blistering heatwaves in recent years but that doesn’t mean you’ll get lucky with the Great British weather.
There’s a high chance you’ll find yourself slipping and sliding in sludge and mud on the way back to your tent.
You want some rugged flatform sneakers and a trusty treaded sole to keep you from faceplanting at the end of the day.
Sneaker saviour: Nike Air Max 95
The Nike Air Max 95 is not only an iconic style, which will get you noticed by festival fashionistas, it also has flex grooves in the outsole which supports natural motion and flexibility – even on the muddiest of campsites.
Standing in queues… all the queues…
No matter how desperate you are to see your favourite acts, there will come a point when you need to eat, hydrate and pay a visit to the dreaded facilities.
These three things have one thing in common; queues.
Everyone wants to look their festival best, but you also want a pair of comfortable sneakers, so queuing won’t ruin the experience.
Sneaker saviour: Adidas Yung 1 trainers Crystal White clear orange collegiate royal
Adidas literally describes this shoe as ‘built for all-day comfort’, because of its cushioned lightweight EVA midsole and breathable upper mesh. Bright blocks of colour and curved lines complete the ‘90s look.
Water works
In a festival setting, it’s not just the threat of looming rain clouds you have to worry about. Beer spillage, flying cups and puddle splashback are inevitable. So, you want to keep your feet dry with a chic waterproof sneaker.
Sneaker saviour: Sketchers White & Black Dlites Trainers
A 90s favourite relive some retro nostalgia and channel your inner Britney with these fun, quirky trainers. These will keep your feet nice and dry from day to night. The silver, holographic strip is also perfect for guiding your crew back to camp after dark.
Going the distance
Your Fitbit action will be off the chain over the festival weekends, as you have nothing but your feet to get you from A to B. Not only does this mean it’s important to break in any new trainers before you go, but you need a super comfy sole, that won’t rub and keep you blister-free.
Sneaker saviour: Nike Sportswear Wmns P-6000
Described by Nike as ‘as mash-up of Pegasus’ past’, the leather, textile and synthetic upper of this trainer give you comfortable support all day long.
The foam midsole also means your feet are cushioned – perfect for when you’ve lost your mates – and end up searching for them until the early hours… who needs sleep at a festival anyway?
Because not washing for three days has never looked so fresh…
Image credits: The Sole Supplier
