Fashion has always been a way for people to express themselves. You can push boundaries, make a statement, and redefine yourself beyond the norms with your clothes, shoes, and accessories. In recent years, there has been a dramatic shift by Gen Z in terms of breaking the stereotypical “gender-abided” fashion. Be it gender-neutral clothing, unisex shoes, makeup, or hairstyles, many millennials and Gen Z have openly welcomed these trends, making them mainstream.
Talking about fashion, your shoes are an essential element in your ensemble. Whether you love bold prints or minimal elegance, there is a shoe that reflects your style. And unisex shoes have completely changed the game, breaking the traditional notions of people wearing gender-specific footwear. Both men and women are celebrating their personal style and catering to diverse tastes and preferences by wearing boots, sneakers, crocs, flip-flops, etc. Wondering why this trend has gained popularity? Read on to find out.
5 Reasons Why Unisex Shoes Are Popular
Unisex shoes are a symbol of inclusivity and a means of expressing yourself. They have been embodying the progress of how the world views gender equality or fluidity. The following reasons make it apparent why people love unisex shoes:
1. The Androgynous Trend
Gender-neutral elements of your outfit, be it clothing, accessory, or footwear, have become widely popular. People want to create versatile, comfortable outfits that do not “fit in a box.” Women do not want only to wear heels for an outing, and men do not only want to pull off a subtle look of black and white. People want to break gender norms – women want to dance in shoes while looking pretty in their skirts, while men want to wear floral shirts for a casual lunch. Society’s shift towards pangender styling has become prominent in the fashion industry.
2. The Style Quotient
Brands have loudly and clearly understood the unisex trend and have been designing shoes that leave out no one. Due to their unique styles, unisex shoes look great on anyone who wears them. Whether you want something traditional like boots or something modern like sneakers, you can buy unisex shoes online. And since they are designed to fit everyone irrespective of their gender, you don’t need to worry about the size. With a plethora of options, different colours, prints, designs, and materials, there is something for everyone’s personal taste and preferences.
3. Encouraging Sustainability
The younger generations are vocal about the causes they support and the changes they seek around them. With genderless fashion and unisex shoes comes the opportunity for brands to align with circular fashion and sustainability efforts. Many people are choosing brands that create timeless, gender-neutral pieces that emphasize waste reduction and longevity. All these factors contribute towards sustainable fashion, striking a chord with millennials and Gen Z.
4. Breaking Stereotypes
Unisex shoes are a symbol of inclusivity, deconstructing rigid expectations from men and women. Such small elements pave the way for bigger conversations around identity and expression. This positively impacts society and improves diversity. For instance, diverse models walking down the runway wearing unisex shoes or nonconforming clothes redefine fashion boundaries.
5. The Economic Benefit
For families with multiple children or couples who share the same wardrobe, unisex shoes provide an economical solution. People find it more affordable to buy a single pair of unisex flip flops or Crocs, especially if it has to be worn in the house than to buy two pairs. Thus, this is another reason why you can buy these shoes without compromising on style.
5 Classic Unisex Shoes Styles You Must Try
With unisex shoes gaining prominence on runways and streets, here are a few styles you can try:
1. Sneakers
Planning a relaxed outing with minimal effort on your outfit? Try sneakers! It does not matter whether you are going for a game with your boys or going out for lunch with your girls. Not only are they comfortable, but these unisex shoes complement any look.
2. Boots
From times immemorial, men and women have loved boots for their comfort, warmth, and functionality. You will find many varieties such as timberland, uggs, work boots, laced, heels, knee-high, and many others.
3. Clogs
Crocs made rubber clogs famous, and ever since then, these unisex shoes have been on everyone’s list. You can match your clogs to your outfits and sport this ultra-comfortable footwear for any casual outing.
4. Slide Sandals
Slide sandals, also called slides, began initially as shower footwear. However, due to their utility, these unisex shoes were renamed slides depicting their everyday use.
5. Flip-Flops
There is no better accessory for the beach than flip-flops. They are comfortable and stylish and come in various colours and patterns, making them everyone’s favourite.
Conclusion
With changing norms and societal values, inclusive fashion is a trend here to stay for a long time. Gender-neutral fashion has broken all boundaries, whether with dress suits for men or bob cuts for women. Since shoes are an integral part of curating different looks, they have also enabled inclusivity for all genders. People are increasingly drawn towards buying unisex shoes because of their unique styles, sustainability, and economic benefits. The millennials and Gen Z have elevated their pangender fashion game with boots, logs, slides, etc., that complement the styles of both men and women. If you have been looking to spice up your outfits, it is time to embrace unisex fashion!
