At West Chicago Community High School, students of all styles can be seen roaming the halls. But nothing completes an outfit like a good pair of shoes. Whether students dress casually, athletically, or trend-forward, footwear often becomes the centerpiece of their look.
West Chicago Community High School students all have different styles, but shoes seem to tie their outfits together. In recent years, prices have climbed from $80 to $140 for the average pair of shoes, yet students continue to invest in pairs that match their personal aesthetic. Whether it is the squeak of Adidas when it is wet outside, or the sound of slides shuffling down the hall, shoes pull outfits together and remain a staple of WEGO’s fashion culture.
Here are the top five shoes that complete a stylish outfit.
#5 Uggs
Despite Uggs’ simple yet cute design, they still meet the criteria for this list. Uggs are typically worn during the colder seasons like fall or winter, but they offer many different versions to cater to consumers’ tastes. People can pick from a wide variety of sneakers, boots, or even the iconic Tasmans. Uggs are very comfortable shoes for fall weather, not so hot and not so cold. The iconic Tasmans come in many different sizes and silhouettes, ranging from short soles to tall soles, and in colors from brown to pink.
#4 Dunks
Nike Dunk shoes continue to rank among the most popular choices for stylish footwear. These short sneakers with thick soles come in many different colors and designs, ranging from dark red, black and blue, to calmer shades of brown, pink, and even white.
Dunks are both simple and bold, making them not only stylish, but also one of the most versatile shoes for completing any outfit.
#3 Jordans
While Jordans seemed like the clear bet for the number one spot, according to a poll conducted on the Chronicle’s Instagram between Oct. 27–28, 88% of people agreed that Jordans are not actually the most stylish shoes. So, Jordans are not the worst shoes, but there are better, more stylish options.
That said, praise has to be given to Jordans for their tall soles and structured design that supports the ankle. Their bold colors and iconic silhouette keep them relevant year after year, especially among sneaker collectors and basketball fans. The combination of performance features and cultural influence secures their spot at number three.
#2 Converse
Converse shoes have proven to be a very simple, yet timeless option; they have been worn for decades, demonstrating their durability and appeal. Converse can also come in different sole sizing like Jordan’s, but they differ in that they are designed for everyday movement and casual wear. These shoes allow you to do anything from painting, running in PE, or even acting in performances.
Converse are easily destroyed over time, but getting new ones is like a sweet reward: the clean, pure white soles shine brightly in the halls of WEGO. Converse are definitely a top option and have even been endorsed by celebrities like Tyler, the Creator and Billie Eilish, earning them a spot at number two.
#1 Adidas
Taking the number one spot is Adidas. Adidas has recently made a comeback in the shoe market with high schoolers taking an interest in the retro/classic styles of the Sambas and Gazelles.
While Adidas are a very popular shoe among high schoolers, they were ranked fourth-most stylish in the Chronicle’s poll. Adidas comes in with that pretty white or black stripe but only offers a few basic colorways. Through the halls, students and staff will see that shiny stripe of Adidas brand. They are comfortable but not very good for sports players sliding on turf, though perfectly suitable for everyday wear.
