Deciding what shoes to wear on your graduation day can be tough. After all, you’ll want to strike a balance between picking a stylish pair, that will look good at the bottom of your robes whilst also being comfortable and practical to wear for an extended period of time.
Here is a protocol designed to help you pick the best shoes for your graduation ceremony.
Comfort is Key
Prioritise comfort above all else when selecting graduation day shoes.
You’ll likely be on your feet for the full day including the photographs and celebration after the ceremony, so opt for shoes with ample padding and support.
You don’t want to be tending to painful blisters the next day, so if you’ll be treating yourself to a brand new pair of graduation shoes, try them on well in advance of your big day and wear them in a little while so that they can stretch a bit to accommodate your feet more comfortably.
Consider the Venue
Take into account the venue of your graduation ceremony. For the most part, your graduation ceremony will be held in a large hall. But consider the following: Will you be walking across a stage, grass, or uneven terrain? What time of year will you be graduating? Choose a pair of graduation shoes that are suitable for where and when your graduation ceremony will be held to avoid discomfort.
Want to wear heels on your graduation day? Opt for Low to Medium Heels
Heels add height, elongate the legs and can improve the appearance of your posture. Hence they are a popular shoe choice for graduates-to-be on their graduation day.
While high heels may be tempting for a formal occasion like graduation, consider the practicality of wearing them for an extended period.
If you are extremely confident and comfortable walking in high heels and feel they will complete your graduation day outfit, then by all means wear them. However, you may wish to bring a second pair of shoes to change into in case you begin to feel uncomfortable on the day.
Otherwise, low to medium heels might be a more comfortable option whilst reducing the risk of tripping or foot/ankle pain.
Test your graduation shoes in advance
You might have the perfect pair of graduation shoes in mind, however, be sure to try on the shoes well in advance. Ideally, you’ll want to spend some time walking around in the shoes to test their comfort, stability and support.
Make sure that they do not rub or pinch your feet. Also, check that the shoe has robust fastenings or straps so that you can adjust your shoes accordingly on your graduation day.
Once you’ve chosen your shoes, practice walking in them to get comfortable and confident. This will help prevent any surprises or discomfort on graduation day.
Coordinate your graduation shoes with Your Outfit
Choose shoes that complement your graduation attire. Consider the colour, style, and material of your gown and garments under your robes when selecting shoes to ensure a cohesive look.
Bring Backup footwear
Consider bringing a pair of backup shoes, such as flats or sandals, in case your primary shoes become uncomfortable or unsuitable for any reason.
You might decide to wear a pair of heels for walking across the stage and taking your graduation photos. However, you might want to wear a pair of flats when walking to and from the graduation venue.
Incorporate your Personal Style:
While comfort and practicality are essential, don’t forget to incorporate your personal style into your graduation shoe choice.
Select shoes that make you feel confident and reflect your personality for a memorable graduation day look.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, when selecting your perfect shoes for your graduation take into consideration comfort, practicality, the rest of your graduation outfit and your personal style. With all this in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to pick a pair of shoes that will enhance your outfit and your confidence whilst supporting you as you walk across the stage during one of your proudest moments. Remember, you can always bring a second pair of shoes with you just in case your primary pair become uncomfortable. Also, be sure to adhere to your university’s dress code when selecting your shoes.
As your time as a university student draws to a close, you might be thinking seriously about your next steps. If you have not yet secured yourself a graduate job, get in touch with us. We can help you to land your dream job with our one-to-one career coaching and interview preparation that has to date helped over 5000 students and graduates to launch their successful graduate careers.
Featured image by Alexandra Maria from Pexels
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