20 Best Shoes for College Students in 2024 (for Girls and Guys)

Written by Ethan Schattauer in College,Fashion

Are you a college student trying to keep up with the latest shoe styles? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered.

As a recent college graduate, who happens to really be into shoes, I know first hand what sneakers college students are wearing.

Nowadays, many sneaker companies are making unisex shoe styles that are popular with both women and men.

With that being said, here are the 20 best shoes for college students.

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15 Best Shoes for College Students

1. Nike Air Force 1

If you’re a college student, then you’re probably familiar with the Nike Air Force 1. This is an extremely popular sneaker and is being worn by college students everywhere.

This shoe is so popular, that Nike generates $800 Million dollars in Air Force 1 sales in one year! The Air Force 1 is a clean, stylish and durable sneaker that college students absolutely love.

This shoe is super versatile and can be worn with many different outfits. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, Air Force 1’s should be a wardrobe essential for any college student.

2. Adidas Ultraboost

If you’re a college student looking for a comfortable running shoe, look no further than the Adidas Ultraboost. Back in 2015, Adidas released the Ultraboost and it was a serious game changer.

These shoes are incredibly comfortable and they have a stylish look to them as well. Whether they’re for working out, going on runs or walking around college campus, the Adidas Ultraboost is the most comfortable shoe currently on the shoe market.

The Adidas Ultraboost has nice designs for both men and women so there is something for everyone!

3. Nike Blazer Mid 77

Nike Man

This year, the Nike Blazer has made a huge comeback and is being seen more and more across college campuses. These shoes have a retro look and are different from most shoes on this list because of their high-top look.

This vintage shoe is popular among university students, regardless of their gender. Both guys and girls have found cool and unique ways of wearing these shoes by styling them with retro brands.

4. New Balance 550

In the last few years, thanks to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, New Balance has become extremely popular among college students. New Balance has made shoes that were loved by the running community for years, but as of late they have released some very trendy sneaker designs.

The New Balance 550 has become an extremely sought after sneaker for both guys and girls. This shoe is currently out of stock and hard to find because of how popular it has become among college students and young adults.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to find the New Balance 550 in stores and online, but as of now they are still hard to find.

If you’re looking for other New Balances that are still cool and popular, but a bit easier to find, check out the New Balance 515.

5. Nike Dunks

Nike Dunks

Nike Dunks are currently some of the hottest sneakers for college students. Skate style has been making a comeback and the Nike Dunks fit in really well with this aesthetic.

The Nike Dunks originally were released in 1985 as basketball shoes. College students love pairing Nike Dunks with retro styles and unique outfits.

The Nike dunks can be found at Nike stores, Footlocker or Champs. Certain designs and colors can be hard to find and may have to be purchased through a resale website like StockX or GOAT.

Related: 15 Best Shoes College Guys Should Wear

6. CDG Converse

Converse shoes have been around for over 100 years and are some of the most iconic sneakers. Over the years, Converse was losing some steam until 2015, when they collaborate with streetwear brand Comme Des Garçons.

This collaboration is super popular among college and university students as well as Gen Z. When I was in college, these shoes were pretty popular and a lot of other students had them.

These shoes can be pretty hard to get your hands on. If you are looking for them, I would check out SSENSE. If you’re looking for regular Converse, check these out:

7. Air Jordan 1’s

Sneakers (Jordans)

Air Jordans are some of the most iconic sneakers ever made. If you’re in college, there’s a good chance that at some point you’ve either owned or wanted to get a pair of Air Jordan 1’s.

These shoes are super popular for basketball players and other athletes. You can get yourself a pair of Air Jordan 1’s at Footlocker, Champs or the Nike store.

Related: 9 Ways to Be Cool in College – Advice From a Recent Graduate

8. Converse High Tops

In college, Converse are some of the most popular shoes for students. In my opinion, Converse make for some of the best shoes for college students.

Converse are stylish, versatile, durable and affordable. The Converse Chuck Taylor is a timeless sneaker design that is perfect for male and female students that are in college.

Right now, their is massive amounts of hype around the Converse Chuck 70. These shoes are being worn all over college campuses and are very popular right now.

Recommended: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top (Unisex)

9. Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2

Yeezy

The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is my personal favorite shoe and a great shoe for college students. At one time these shoes were impossible to get your hands on. Now, they are become easier and easier to purchase.

When I was in college I had two pairs of Yeezy’s and I would rotate them depending on my outfit. These shoes are so well made that they look almost the exact way as the day I got them.

Whether you’re a guy or girl, the Yeezy Boost 350‘s are great sneakers that are extremely comfortable and long lasting. These shoes do come at an expensive price but they are well worth it.

Related: Are Yeezy’s Worth it? and Why They Are so Expensive

10. Vans Old Skool

Vans

Vans Old Skool’s are some great shoes for college. They are a subtle sneaker that goes well with many different outfits. If you’re going for the skater look, Vans are the perfect shoes to wear.

The Vans Old Skool is super popular but Vans also makes some other great styles of shoes. If you’re looking for an affordable and durable shoe for college, Vans are a great option.

11. Adidas Stan Smith

Stan Smith

Stan Smith’s originally came out in 1965 and they are still a popular shoe today. This shoe style trendy among college students and these shoes look great with anything from sweatpants to joggers and jeans.

If you’re looking for affordable sneakers, Stan Smiths are college student wardrobe essentials. These shoes are so versatile and go super well with so many different outfits.

12. Dr. Martens

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of boots but this list would not be complete without including Dr. Martens. The Dr. Martens boots are super stylish and look very nice if you’re trying to dress well for college.

Both men and women wear Dr. Martens in college and they have a very unique look that is different than any other shoe on this list.

Recommended: Dr. Martens Unisex Boot (see price on Amazon)

13. Adidas Superstar

Adidas Selection

The Adidas Superstar is one of the most timeless shoes ever released by Adidas. The three stripes are an iconic trademarks on these shoes that was originally released back in 1969.

In college, many students wear Adidas Superstars. These unisex shoes are affordable, stylish and they come in many different colors.

14. Reebok Club C 85

If you’re looking for a stylish white sneaker, look no further than the Reebok Club C 85. These simple shoes are great for college and will go well with so many different outfits.

The Reebok Club C 85 is a really popular shoe for college students and are great sneakers to wear around campus. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a guy or a girl, these shoes are unisex and look good on anyone.

15. Crocs

This may sound crazy to many people, but there is no denying that Crocs are making a major comeback. At first, I thought that Crocs were just a social media trend until my two friends got their own pairs!

In college, more and more students are showing up to class wearing Crocs. Are Crocs the most stylish or class shoe? No, but there is no denying that they are extremely comfortable to wear.

This list would not be complete if I didn’t mention Crocs!

Recommended: Crocs Unisex (see colors on Amazon)

Related: What to Wear In College for Guys – The Ultimate Guide

16. Nike Blazer Low

The Nike Blazer Low is a unisex sneaker that is really nice. Similarly to the Nike Blazer Mid 77, the Nike Blazer Low has that retro look that everybody loves.

These shoes are a personal favorite of mine and they always get plenty of compliments. If you’re a college student looking for a pair of everyday sneakers, you can’t go wrong with these shoes.

The great thing about the Nike Blazer Low is that they are versatile and look good with shorts, jeans and joggers.

Recommended: Nike Blazer Low Tops

17. Sperry 2-Eye Boat Shoe

If you go to college in a warmer climate, then you have to have a pair of Sperry 2-Eye Boat Shoes. These shoes are perfect for those sunny days in college.

Not only are Sperry’s super comfortable, but they’re also very stylish. There is no pair of shoes that goes better with a pair of shorts than Sperry shoes.

The Sperry 2-Eye Boat Shoe is a pair of sneakers that you will keep way after you’re done college. These shoes are a men’s wardrobe essential that is perfect for those warmer days that we all love.

(If you like the pair of shoes shown above, they are the Sperry 2-Eye Boat Shoe Sahara)

Recommended: Sperry 2-Eye Boat Shoe (see different colors on Amazon)

18. Alexander McQueen Court Sneakers

If you’re college student looking to add a pair of designer sneakers to your wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with the Alexander McQueen Court Sneakers.

These are some of the nicest unisex sneakers out right now and they have a timeless design. Sure, the cost is expensive, but these are shoes you will be able to wear for the next 10 years if they’re well taken care of.

These shoes can be found at stores like Nordstrom, SSENSE or Neiman Marcus.

19. Converse Chuck Taylor Platform Sneakers

If you’re a girl looking for some platform shoes for college, it doesn’t get much better than the Converse Chuck Taylor Platform Sneakers. These shoes are really popular right now and they’re all over TikTok.

These are the perfect shoe for wearing around campus, attending lectures or just for when you’re hanging out with your friends.

Recommended: Converse Chuck Taylor Platform Sneakers (see over 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon)

20. ON Cloud 5

ON is a newer shoe brand that has been making noise in the fashion industry. The ON brand was founded in 2010 by Ironman champion Olivier Bernhard.

These shoes became popular for their unique design and proprietary cushioning technology called “CloudTec”.

Right now, the ON shoes are being worn by nursing students, dental students and other students in the medical field. Additionally, these shoes are very popular among student athletes, since they are great for sports and very stylish.

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that is different from other shoe brands, check out the ON Cloud 5 shoes.

Recommended: ON Cloud 5 (see price on Amazon)

Recommended Products

If you’re getting yourself a new pair of shoes for college, these products will help you to keep your shoes looking like new, for longer!

Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner

No matter what shoes you get, having a shoe cleaner is super important. The last thing you want is to be wearing some dirty shoes to your lecture.

Jason Markk makes cleaning shoes super easy and their product is effective. This product has given a new life to some of my old shoes.

Recommended: Jason Markk Travel Kit

Crease Stoppers

If you want to make your shoes last longer, get some crease stoppers. Crease stoppers slide into the front of your shoe and they will prevent your sneakers from getting creased.

When I was a college student on a budget, crease stoppers would make my shoes last a lot longer and prevent them from getting worn out.

Recommended: Crease Stoppers (see price on Amazon)

UGG Slippers

UGG Slippers are the best slippers on the market. If it was appropriate, I would’ve worn my UGG slippers around campus throughout college.

These slippers are great for walking around your dorm or apartment as they are super warm and comfortable. If you’ve never had UGG slippers you should check them out.

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Final Thoughts on Best Shoes for College Students

With sneaker styles always coming and going, I felt the need to share an updated list of the shoes that are currently popular for college students. In this post we went over the best shoes for college students, for both guys and girls.

As a recent graduate, I know how hard it can be to keep up with the latest styles and look good. If you choose any of these shoes on this list, you will have some stylish shoes for college!

What are your favourite shoes? Please let me know in the comments below

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