I was four days into my New York City trip when I gave in. I can’t do this anymore, I thought as I hobbled back to my hotel room after a long day. Every tearful step back to my room made me want to throw my helplessly cute, but uncomfortable, high heeled booties into the street.

The next morning, I promptly marched to Fifth Ave and bought myself a pair of Birkenstocks.

This was the first pair of Birks I had purchased for myself. I had actually owned one pair back in elementary school: they were clogs with half of a cow painted on each shoe. Put the shoes together, and it completed the cow. No joke.

You have to see ‘em to believe it:

Alas, the days of cow Birkenstocks were in the past. I walked out of the shoe store already wearing my pair of pink Birkenstock Gizehs. Needless to say, my booties were banished back to my suitcase.

Product: Pink Birkenstock Gizehs

After purchasing my new Birkenstock Gizehs, I thought I had condemned myself to a long trip full of lackluster fashion and pitiful outfits. However, I soon came to the realization I could look acceptable – nay, cute – in my Birks. I could walk the streets of New York with pride. Best of all, there were no more tear-filled nights: I could easily get from place to place with no pain.

The lesson I learned in New York followed me back to school. Every time I am on campus, I see students prioritizing comfort when it comes to their footwear. I am no exception; my Birks go everywhere with me. (Here at CF, we’ve done three separate posts on them within the last year or so – the obsession is real.)

Now, there’s nothing wrong with an awesome ankle boot or heel, but if you’re a comfort-first girl like me or just want to expand your comfort-footwear wardrobe, you need to keep reading.

Below, I have chosen four “comfort-focused” shoes I see most around campus (Birkenstocks, Chacos, Tevas, and the classic athletic shoe). I have identified my favorite style from each respective brand and shown how I would style it. Let’s get to it!