Personally, I'm impartial to Valentine's Day. But my husband and I never pass up an opportunity to have a date night, so technically we do celebrate. And that means I get to gush over pink and red shoes -- my absolute favourite colours! I've rounded up some of my top picks for V-Day, categorized by type of date.
Before we get started, I should let you know my selection criteria:
SHOES MUST:
Come in a size 5, obviously (some exceptions may apply)
Be something I'd actually wear (Sorry! You won't see any stilettos here.)
Be affordable
Be found in Canada
Be practical for the current season
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CASUAL MOVIE/BAR/DINNER DATE
Women's Chuck Taylor All Star Twisted Hearts High Top Sneakers
Adorbs, right? I'm picturing them with skinny jeans and a baseball T. I love the black-and-white palette, rather than the typical colours you associate with hearts -- a great option if you're not into flashy colours. Of course, these are awesome year round, too.
Adidas Women's Superstar in White/Black/Glory Pink
These sneakers couldn't be cuter -- or more on theme. The size of the hearts are just perfect -- they're subtle, but still make a statement. And I love how they're mixed in with the mini Adidas logos. Plus, can you ever go wrong with a white sneaker?
Keds Champion CVO Canvas Sneakers
Keds should be a staple in everyone's closet. These Champions come in a wide variety of colours, but I'll always choose red, especially for Valentine's Day. Comfy and low-profile, these are definitely a top choice for throwing darts, playing pool and drinking beer with your SO.
ZARA Soft Leather Ballet Flats
As a lover of all things ballet, these give me all the feels. Sometimes, I like to add a touch of elegance to a dressed-down look and it can be as simple as sporting a cute flat like these. What's more, spring is just around the corner, so these gems are about to be worn on a daily basis.
WINTER STROLL DATE
UGG Cold Weather Tech Adirondack III Fluff Sheepskin Winter Boots
I usually wouldn't even consider walking a nature trail in winter. But these boots are so warm (even in temperatures as cold as -32 degrees celsius!) and trendy that I'd find any excuse to wear them. I'm imagining a clear night under the stars with a light dusting of snow underfoot. Happy to bundle up if these beauties are the finishing touch to my winter fit.
ZARA Laced Leather Ankle Boots
Clearly, Millennial Pink is still top of mind. I don't think I'll be getting sick of it any time soon. If it isn't too cold on Feb. 14, you might catch me wearing these in the Distillery District or window shopping on Queen St. I'm obsessed with the bold black accents and how they're such a cool contrast to the pink. And if you like being creative with laces, these are the shoes to experiment with. Best of all, the leather is super soft for guaranteed comfort. Add to cart? Yes, please.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sherpa High-Top Sneaker
Warm and fuzzy on the inside, durable and pretty on the outside. They look like Chucks and feel like slippers, making them ideal for a V-Day stroll just about anywhere -- even if it's just to take you from the parking lot to the mall entrance. Converse seriously nailed it with these killer high tops.
FANCY SHMANCY DINNER DATE
Vagabond Shoemakers Olivia Leather Boot
The perfect match for a little black dress. Or a midi skirt. Or a wide-legged jumpsuit. These chunky-heeled ankle boots scream romance. They're genuine leather, have a slightly pointed toe and come in this irresistible red. It's almost a shame that they'll be hiding under a table. Guess some after-dinner plans are in order!
ALDO Brookshear
There's a bit of a pattern here -- chunky heels. But these still have a daintiness to them, which I love. You can achieve a sexy look without wearing stilettos and this criss-cross strap proves it. Best of all, they'll easily transition from work day to date night.
H&M Pointed Flats
You don't have to wear heels to look dressed up -- something I've learned (and accepted) more recently. I'm all about convenience, comfort and practicality these days, so flats are my date night go-to. This pair combines animal print and red, so ya, I'm smitten.
COUPLE'S NIGHT IN
H&M Patterned Slippers
Now, it wouldn't be fair to leave out the couples who opt for an evening of takeout and cuddles -- let's be honest, with no real V-Day plans to date, this is most likely what I'll be doing (no complaints!). That's why I adore these snuggly slippers. It's not always easy to find a pair that doesn't have pompoms or tassels. And I should mention that light blue and red is one of my favourite colour combos. These are a win in my books.