Wearing two different colored shoes, also known as mix-matched shoes, is a trend that has been around for many years. Some people do it for fashion purposes, while others have a practical reason for wearing non-matching shoes. There are a few things to consider when deciding if you want to wear two different colored shoes.
The History of Mix-Matched Shoes
Wearing mismatched shoes dates back to the ancient Romans in the 2nd century BC. Romans wore different sandals for the left and right foot as a status symbol. Wealthy aristocrats would wear elaborately decorated sandals to show off their fortune. The poorer working class could only afford plain sandals, so they would wear one fancy and one plain sandal. This style became known as the “calcei repandi” in Latin.
In the 1960s and 70s, mix-matched shoes became popular in the glam rock and punk rock subcultures. Musicians like David Bowie, Elton John, and Joan Jett would pair shoes with different colors, patterns, and styles as part of their eclectic fashion. The unconventional look was a way to rebel against mainstream society.
More recently, mix-matched shoes had a resurgence in the 1990s and early 2000s. Big fashion houses like Prada and Vivienne Westwood featured mismatched footwear on the runway. Celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga have also been spotted rocking the eclectic shoe style. Today it remains a fun fashion statement.
Fashion Statement
For many people, wearing shoes of two different colors is simply a fashion choice. It allows you to have a playful, whimsical style. Mixing and matching shoes is an easy way to add a touch of flare to an outfit. You can choose shoes with slight variations or go for high contrast colors – the options are endless!
Some ways to rock mix-matched shoes fashionably include:
- Pairing neutral tones like black and white
- Matching the shoes to different colors in your outfit
- Letting the shoes complement each other through shared colors or patterns
- Going for an extreme contrast like red and blue
When wearing two different colored shoes as a fashion statement, the rest of the outfit should be cohesive. Try wearing neutral basics that allow the funky footwear to stand out. You can also coordinate the shoes with the colors in your clothing. The key is balancing the fun shoes with simple, solid pieces.
Practical Reasons
For some people, wearing non-matching shoes is not a style choice – there is a practical reason behind it. Here are some common practical reasons for mismatching footwear:
- Fit Issues – If one foot is slightly bigger than the other, you may need to wear different sized shoes. Buying two pairs of the same style in different sizes allows both feet to be comfortable.
- Medical Conditions – Those with medical issues like swollen feet, bunions, or foot injuries may need to wear specific shoes to accommodate their condition. Mixing a regular shoe with a medical shoe can help.
- Orthotics – People who use orthotic inserts may find they only fit properly in certain shoes. Wearing the insert in one shoe can require wearing two different styles.
- Missing Shoe – If you lose one shoe out of a pair or it gets damaged beyond wear, you may need to substitute a different shoe on the other foot temporarily.
When mismatching shoes out of necessity, aim to make them as similar as possible. Choose the same style of shoe in different colors or alternate between dressy and casual shoes. Pay attention to keeping the heel height consistent to avoid affecting your posture. Mix-matching out of need shouldn’t look too chaotic.
What to Consider Before Wearing Mismatched Shoes
While there are no hard rules against wearing two different colored shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Make sure mix-matched shoes are appropriate for the event. They may work for casual settings but not formal occasions. |
| Your Comfort Level | Wearing unconventional shoes draws attention. Make sure you feel confident and comfortable with that attention. |
| The Rest of Your Outfit | Balance the mismatched shoes with simple, coordinated pieces. Don’t pair with other wild prints or colors. |
| Weather | During rain or snow, stick to waterproof styles. Make sure at least one of the shoes has traction. |
| Your Activities | If doing physical activities, choose athletic shoes. Heels won’t work for sports. |
Think about the situation and plan the rest of your outfit accordingly. The mix-matched shoes should enhance your look, not distract from it.
Tips for Pulling Off Mismatched Shoes
If you want to experiment with wearing two different colored shoes, here are some tips to pull it off stylishly:
- Pick colors that complement each other like navy and black or magenta and lilac.
- Match metals and textures instead of colors, like a patent leather heel and suede boot.
- Make sure both shoes have a similar silhouette, like flats, ankle boots, etc.
- Aim for subtle variations over completely clashing. For example, leopard print and polka dot may be too much.
- Add interesting socks or tights that tie the shoe colors together.
- Start slow by mixing black and white or pairing prints with solids before trying bolder combos.
- Have confidence and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a mismatched look you love!
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when wearing two different shoes:
Do:
- Do choose shoes that are close in style and height
- Do pick colors within the same palette like different shades of blue
- Do coordinate the shoes with the rest of your outfit
- Do add fun accessories like striped socks to tie the look together
Don’t:
- Don’t wear drastically different styles like a boot and ballet flat
- Don’t mix formal and casual shoe styles
- Don’t pair wild prints and colors that clash
- Don’t mix more than two shoe colors
Conclusion
Wearing non-matching shoes can be a fun fashion statement when done intentionally. But it also may happen by necessity to accommodate medical issues. Before rocking mix-matched shoes, consider the occasion, comfort level, and coordinating outfit. Choose colors and silhouettes that complement each other. Start slow with subtle pairings. Mix and match with confidence to show off your unique style!
