style guide

Festival Fashion: The Best Music Festival Shoes to Wear This Year

The best festival shoes should be comfortable and versatile, whether you're running to make your favorite artist's set time, or just standing in line for the merch booth

By Erin Parker

Erin Parker

View all posts by Erin Parker

February 21, 2024

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Converse

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With festival season fast approaching, you may be planning your must-see acts, must-try snacks, and festival-ready outfits to deliver style and functionality over a jam-packed weekend. Whether you go all out with festival fashion or keep your look more low-key, your footwear might be the most important styling decision of all, considering the tens of thousands of steps that likely await you. Sore feet are the last thing you want hindering your experience, which is why we’ve curated the best festival footwear for men and women below.

What are the best festival shoes?

The best festival shoes are stylish, durable, and designed to withstand the elements. But above all else, comfort is key. From Coachella’s sandstorms to Glastonbury’s unpredictable showers, each music festival brings its own set of potential challenges related to weather and terrain. That’s why we’ve pulled stylish footwear to suit every setting and aesthetic. From minimalist loafers to futuristic sneakers and classic boots, take your pick of the best festival shoes that will not only carry you through this year’s festivities but remain a wardrobe staple for years to come.

1. Converse Chuck 70 De Luxe Square Toe (Gender Inclusive)

Nordstrom

No shoe is quite as synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll as the Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, making it a clear pick for a weekend of back-to-back shows. This updated version features OrthoLite cushioning and faux leather paneling for added comfort and visual interest, all while maintaining the reliability that has propelled it to icon status over the past century.

$110

Buy converse all star at nordstrom

2. Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots (Women’s)

Blundstone

This top-rated Chelsea boot features a padded footbed for all-day comfort, along with convenient pull-on tabs for easy removal after a long day on your feet. Available in a range of neutral hues, its stylistic versatility makes it a seamless option for pairing with both jeans and dresses alike.

$229.95

Buy chelsea boot at blundstone

3. Dr. Martens Adrian Loafers (Gender Inclusive)

Zappos.com

Available in army green, burgundy, and our personal favorite, classic black, these durable Dr. Martens loafers are the real deal. Crafted with soft leather lining, a cushioned leather footbed, and a slip-resistant outsole, this style is both eternally chic and surprisingly comfortable — complete with the yellow Z-welt stitch signature to the iconic brand.

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$129.95 $150 13% off

Buy dr. martens loafers at zappos

$150

Buy Loafers at Dr. Martens

4. Vans Classic Slip-On (Gender Inclusive)

Nordstrom

Keep it classic with these instantly recognizable Vans slip-on sneakers, renowned for their checkered pattern, supportive padded collars, and elastic side accents. Its cross-generational relevance makes it an ideal choice for every kind of festival-goer, especially at the enticing price of $60. Choose from a myriad of colorways and wide or regular width options, and style it with your favorite baggy jeans or cargo pants.

$15.97+ $39.95+ 60% off

Buy vans slip-on at nordstrom

5. Hunter Original Short Rain Boots (Women’s)

Hunter

Anticipating showers? Keep these celebrity-approved Hunter rain boots on deck. Slightly shorter than the traditional knee-high silhouette, this updated version serves as a more manageable option for summertime, all while keeping you dry and comfortable if rain pops up.

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$170

Buy original boots at hunter

6. Birkenstock Milano Sandal (Gender Inclusive)

Zappos.com

Embrace Birkenstock’s timeless Milano sandal featuring an ankle strap designed for easy traveling from stage to stage. Its contouring cork footbed shapes to the foot for added support, ensuring you can dance the day away without sacrificing style or comfort.

$130

Buy birkenstock milano at zappos.com

7. Adidas Ozweego Sneaker (Gender Inclusive)

Nordstrom

A ‘90s-inspired sneaker with a futuristic twist, these Adidas Ozwego sneakers are a versatile option that can be paired with so many festival ‘fits. With cushioning to absorb impact and distribute weight consistently, plus buoyancy for added comfort, it’s a winning pick for navigating festival grounds or exploring city streets.

$130

Buy adidas ozwego at nordstrom

8. Frye Harness 8R (Women’s)

Motorcycle boots are having a moment, and when it comes to quality, Frye stands out as a trusted brand worthy of investment. These stylish ankle boots from the brand feature a lightly cushioned leather footbed and Genuine Goodyear welt construction, offering added support and durability. We recommend wearing them a few times to ensure they’re properly broken in ahead of the big weekend.

$298

Buy frye boots at nordstrom

9. Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Sandal (Men’s)

Nordstrom

Go granola with these strappy Teva sandals (and their hundreds of positive reviews). Available in four colorways, you can keep it neutral with olive green or opt for a statement touch via multicolored straps — all equipped with a shock pad and padded heel for all-day comfort.

$75

Buy teva sandals at nordstrom

10. Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Tech Sneaker (Women’s)

Nordstrom

Sorel’s lightweight sneaker comes in a range of hues that will instantly energize your festival aesthetic. They offer a springy response, flexible construction, and high-traction outsole fit for all kinds of terrain. What’s more, they’ll earn you sustainability points thanks to a Livelyfoam midsole made of 10% BLOOM, an algae-blended resin that offsets a portion of EVA found in most footwear foams.

$80.97 $135 40% off

Buy sorel sneaker at nordstrom

11. Dr. Martens Boury Boots (Gender Inclusive)

Dr. Martens

Take the utilitarian route with these top-rated lace-up boots from Dr. Martens. Reviewers rave about their all-day comfort, thanks to a 2-inch outsole made with cemented construction and deep grooves for top-notch traction. They’re available in pale green as well as a statement yellow shade that’s selling fast.

$65 $130 50% off

Buy boury boots at dr. martens

12. Timberland 6″ Premium Waterproof Boot (Men’s)

Zappos.com

Timberland’s waterproof work boot is iconic for a reason. Thanks to its leather-covered, lightly cushioned footbed, impeccable shock absorption, and Anti-Fatigue midsole — it’s the ultimate option for hours of standing comfortably in style, rain or shine.

$198 $210 6% off

Buy timberland boots at zappos

13. Salomon ACS Unisex Sportstyle Shoes (Women’s)

Salomon

Tap into Salomon’s archive with a modern-day adaptation to technical footwear, complete with a stride-stabilizing Agile Chassis System and lightweight construction that reviewers can’t get enough of. Take your pick of black, white, or beige with green detailing — all sleek enough to seamlessly complete any activewear look.

$180

Buy salomon sneakers at ssense

14. New Balance Sneakers (Gender Inclusive)

Shopbop

Step into festival season with confidence in these sleek and versatile New Balance sneakers featuring a metallic finish and emerald green detailing. With a design that prioritizes comfort and style, they’re ready to take on any terrain from day to night.

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$154.99

Buy new balance 1906 at shopbop

15. Hoka Anacapa Running Shoe (Women’s)

Nordstrom

Conquer concerts in style with this does-it-all Hoka running shoe, crafted for breathability and durability that will keep you light on your feet all weekend long. Choose between chic beige or a bold baked clay that will make a statement wherever you go.

$155

Buy hoka anacapa at nordstrom

16. Keen Newport H2 (Men’s)

Zappos.com

Stay cool and comfortable on your next adventure with the Keen Newport H2 sandals, available in a myriad of hues for every color story. Their patent-pending toe guard offers added protection against heavy-footed concert-goers, while their water-friendly design makes them perfect for unexpected precipitation.

$124.95

Buy keen newport at zappos

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