‘They’re fuzzy and warm. They show off my funky side. But I don’t care what others think. I’m my own woman. I can wear what I want’ Zara Rapoport ’02

By Diana Silbergeld
Features Editor

Diversity at Wesleyan? That’s right–just look at our shoes. From Birkenstocks to army boots, the variety of shoes mirrors the vast assortment of personalities on campus.

"Shoes reflect people’s personalities," said Matt Pierce ’03.

And if that’s true, Wesleyan students have a lot of personality.

"As a whole," said Becca Rasch ’02, "Wesleyan has fabulous shoes. Way more exciting than Trinity."

‘They’re made of rubber. What does that say about me?’ Mary Cyriac ’02

William Avedon ’02 wears his skater shoes all the time.

"It’s a big part of my identity," Avedon said.

"I wear boots a lot because I’m a big, dumb jock," said Connor Wilson ’03.

Greg Barlow ’02 did not have much to say about shoe diversity on campus.

"Everyone wears the same goddamn New Balances, me included," he said. "But that’s okay, they’re awesome shoes. It’s like walking on air."

‘I didn’t have to kill a cow but it looks like I could if I wanted to. Woof.’ Meredith Silverman ’02

"I never take my heels off," said Laura Morley ’03. "I’m too short without them."

Some even posit that the choice of shoe indicates something about a person.

"There’s definitely something psychological about people’s shoes," said Zara Rapoport ’02. "I mean, if you look at someone and they are wearing red, sequined slippers, you know they’re not in Kansas anymore."

"Shoes can reflect your personality, but you have to have the financial resources to be able to express yourself that way," said Rebecca Milburn ’02. "But people choose clothes to portray an image, and shoes go along with that."

‘No, I’m not a wookie, but my dad thinks I’m a tough cookie.’ Erin Sharoni ’03

"I really like this pair of sandals I own," Milburn said. "I think they’re kind of funky and I’d like to say that I’m funky."

"When I’m in class I look at people’s shoes," Rasch said. "There’s no shame in that. People have really cool shoes."

"They are my favorite part of the wardrobe," said Erin Larkin ’03. "I love shoes."

"Shoes are very important because they are the article of clothing you wear most," Rasch said. "When I’m checking out a guy, shoes are key. Doesn’t matter how sweet you are. Penny loafers? You’re out of here!"

‘I don’t like these shoes. They’re ugly. But they were free. They’re my skate shoes. Yeah.’ William Aredon ’02

‘It’s all about the stitching.’ Ben Hopson ’00