5 Controversial Shoe Trends My Stylish 58-Year-Old Aunt and I Actually Agree On

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

My aunt and I definitely have different personal styles, but we agree on specific items more often than not. Our assortment of quality basics and investment pieces are pretty comparable, but it's in the trend department that we differ. I tend to buy into trends more often than her, but when it comes to a shoe trend, she's typically always down. Since there are quite a few controversial shoe trends floating around this season, I thought it would be fun to sit down with her and find out which we both would actually wear. 

Below, I listed out the 5 controversial fall shoe trends that my 58-year-old aunt and I both actually love and own. You'll find a pleasant balance of shoes that are extremely wearable and others that truly are a bold statement. From Uggs to the latest wader boot trend, I have a feeling we'll convince you of one or two new shoe trends to try this fall.

Ultra-Mini Uggs

I used to hate these Uggs too, but after seeing celeb after celeb and It girl after It girl donning them, I was quickly convinced. My aunt is a die-hard Ugg fan so she didn't even need convincing. If Ugg comes out with any new style, she will buy it. 

Designer Sneakers

Now, when I say designer sneakers, I do not mean the hype-y styles that sneakerheads go wild for, I mean the niche set of styles designers release that are super wearable and sleek. I personally never understood the idea of investing in these over Converse or Adidas, but the styles below changed both of our minds. 

Birkenstock Clogs

You're either a Birkenstock person or you aren't. For those of you who identify as the former, then you better get your hands on a pair of Birkenstock clogs before they sell out (again). My aunt and I are definitely Birkenstock people so come fall, this transition from the classic slides to the clogs couldn't be easier. 

Satin Ballet Slippers

Ballet flats are finally cool again and most people are very happy about that. However, there is a trending subset of this shoe style that has some people divided—satin ballet slippers. Balletcore is a current aesthetic sweeping the sartorial crowd, mainly thanks to Miu Miu's release of its ballet flats. These very on-the-nose satin slippers have caused a movement and both my aunt and I are here for it.

Wader Boots

Last but not least, wader boots. This boot trend was spotted all over the FW22 runways and despite some hesitation, they have come to fruition. These ultra-wide knee-high and over-the-knee boots are certainly the most controversial of them all, but if there's one thing my aunt and I love, it's wearing something that will start a conversation. 

Next: These Fall Items Are Expensive Looking, Cool, and Under $100—Yup, I'm Obsessed

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Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.