Summer is here and with that comes convocation season! It’s that time of year to celebrate our hard-working graduates as this chapter of their life comes to a close. Choosing the right shoes for this special (and long) day is crucial! Comfort is the number one priority to be able to withstand the hours-long ceremonies and the celebrations to follow. Which is why heels are absolutely not essential! Everyone will be focusing on you and not criticizing you for not wearing heels.
Also, with oversized gowns covering your outfit, let your shoes express your unique style. The possibilities and colours are endless!
We want to ensure a graceful walk across the stage! Check out Heel Boy’s convocation picks and all our stylish alternatives to heels!
STRAPPY HEELS
The unofficial graduation shoe! A minimalistic style that looks chic and sophisticated on all feet. Just be sure you are already comfortable walking in heels if you opt for strappy pumps.
Our Top Picks:
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Sam Edelman - Alisandra in Black The perfect combo of classic with a twist. The continuing strap from the heel over the arch provide an interesting a new look to the usual strappy heel but the black colour and skinny heel make them feel timeless. |
You really couldn't ask for any more straps! Have a total of 6 straps, they not only ensure you'll be secure in your shoe but as some visual interest the look. The Gilficco also comes in Black, White and Yellow. |
Chinese Laundry - Julien in Allure The definition of tradition. This sweet periwinkle blue pump has your classic ankle and toe strap that can really do no wrong. If you're looking for something classic this shoe also comes in Camel. |
Shop Our Grad Pumps ->
BLOCK HEELS AND WEDGES
A much more comfortable twist on the stiletto heel. Block heels are both extremely trendy and very easy to walk in; it’s a win-win! They are also great for any outdoor celebration. No need to worry about your heels sinking into the grass!
Our Top Picks:
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Intentionally Blank - Willow in Black The perfect balance between a block heel and a stiletto. The skinny but wide heel alleviates that large blocky back end while still providing just that extra bit of support you might be looking for. The Willow is also available in Yellow. |
If you're on the hunt for something a little more casual then this wedge might be what you're looking for. The wood design detail keeps the heel feeling more casual which mean it can be worn more than once! This is also available in Black. |
One of our best selling styles, the Odila's are perfect if you're still looking for some height with the heel and a shoe versatile enough to wear again and again. Available in Black, Corn Flower Blue and White. |
Jessica Simpson - Winsty in Black Who says wedges have to be clunky? The Winsty wedge is as sleek as it gets. The solid black, wrapped leather heel looks so smooth and having the clear arch strap ensures there's nothing extra to take away from it. |
Shop Our Grad Block Heels And Wedges ->
FLATS AND SANDALS
A very comfy (and safe) untraditional choice. Flats have come a long way from the plain black ones reminiscent of school uniforms. From sling-backs and sandals to the very popular d’Orsay style; flats are having a moment right now in fashion. They’ll have you walking smoothly across the stage, worry-free of tripping!
Our Top Picks:
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Vince Camuto - Kathalia in Gold Platforms are great for height without having the heel. They're a reliable outfit addition especially when it comes time to climb those stairs and you'll find yourself wearing them again and again (we speak from experience).They're available in the Gold, Black, Brown and White. |
The Keelia sandal is great if you're looking for something easy that doesn't sacrifice class. The silver and rose gold flower details dress-up what would be a simple sandal so they fit right into your grad environment. |
Audrey is our best seller this summer known for it's ease of wear and comfort. They are so simple it can be dressed up for the event and dress down for day to day wear. They come in some bright colours too such as Groovy Yellow, Sakura Red, Milk Pink and Metallic Rose Gold. |
Shop Our Grad Sandals And Flats ->
NOT YOUR TRADITIONAL SHOE
Sometimes you just need something out of the box to either make a statement or live up to a style that's uniquely all YOU. With so many options you can play with colour, style, heel height, and design to find what the perfect match (or perfect mis-match).
Our Top Picks:
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This is the boot to make a statement. The bold Red colour and mesh upper will draw anyones attention with it's chic design. These boots will be a great focal point for your day. If you're looking for a little more subtlety, they are also available in Black. |
Vince Camuto - Petronia in Nude This heel is all about the design details. The strappy caged and side cut-out creating a really cool design effect once on the foot. The cut-out is placed in such a way, its feels unexpected and the zipper at the back allows for easy access. These are also in Red and Black. |
Rebecca Minkoff - Capriana in Light Orchid Between the large chunky heel, the knotted front and the beautiful purple colour, this shoe was made to have a good time. The chunky heel will help with walking and the large strap helps prevent rubbing. The Capriana also comes in Black. |
Black Suede Studio - Sarina in Mustard Slip into this little flat for the comfort and style you're looking for. The Sarina takes full advantage of the translucent trend but adding it to the sides of the flat rather then the strap of a heel. A nice little touch. Also available in Python. |
Shop The Grad Collection ->
MEN
Now don't worry guys, we didn't forget about you. While the options may not be as grand or varied, we've still got a couple of cool styles to rock on your grad day. Whether you're looking to do the ultimate dress-up, or cool and casual or something in-between, we've got you covered.
DRESS SHOES
Dress shoes are the traditional footwear of choice for men when attending grad or convocation. They are a guaranteed way to look put together and sleek. These can also be helpful if you're looking to dress-up the clothes you're looking to wear. Take a look at our brogued, clean and slip-on style dress shoes.
Our Top Picks:
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Cole Haan - Men's Benton Cap Toe Classic, clean simple. A cap toe is sure to go with anything and everything no matter what you've got on top. They're a great in-between that can be worn afterward with something even as basic as jeans. Also available in Black. |
Vionic Men's Sullivan Slip On in Black The slip-on is a great way to keep that sleek dress shoe look with minimal effort. Vionic is well known for being comfortable so all you'll have to worry about is remembering to slip them on before you go. Check these guys out in the Brown too. |
Rockport - Men's Wp Wing in Black If you're looking to step it up a notch, adding some brogueing and a wingtip will be sure to do the trick. This guy is best with suits or dressing up a simple pair of dress pants and dress shirt. They can also be picked up in a wide or extra wide width. |
NOT QUITE DRESS, NOT QUITE CASUAL
Shoes don't have to be really casual or really dressy, there's an in between that exists too. The "business casual" so to say shoe has become more trendy among guys. They're a great way to add some flare without over-doing it. Best yet they're extremely versatile and can worn for more than just grad. Win - win right!
Our Top Picks:
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Cole Haan - Men's Zerogrand Stitchlite Oxford in Black The best of both worlds. The perfect combination of a dress shoe and a sneaker. The on-trend knit upper gives great flexibility and breathability. Dressy enough but also super comfortable and versatile. This design covers all the bases and comes in Navy and Grey. |
Camper - Men's K100243-011 in Navy Sturdy, clean but not too fancy. Campers naturally have a more casual appeal to them without crossing the line into sneaker territory. The navy and grey combo gives a little pop without dressing them down. They hold their own for special event like convocation and versatile enough to be day to day after. |
This must-have lace up oxford delivers the dapper polished look in a casual canvas material. Sport this in-between dress shoe without the fuss of fancy materials. Great with chinos or dress pants for a looking that isn't trying too hard. Also available in Navy. |
CASUAL
Not everyone wants to dress to the nines for convocation or grad. Sometimes you're goal is comfort and that's cool, we got you! Slip-ons, loafers, sneakers all make great picks for a chill day. They bring comfort, slip on ease and they also don't sacrifice style. It's true, you can have both!
Our Top Picks:
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Brother X Frere - Men's Dandy in Sky Adding a pop colour can be just what you need to complete the whole look. These easy loafers are great if you're looking for something not too complicated and more fashion forward than fancy. These guys are also available in Green and Sand. |
Sperry - Men's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe in Black The tried and true original, Sperry's are a classic. If looking for a laid-back vibe, something easy to thrown on, get you through the day without any comfort worried this is the shoe to wear. It comes in a variety of colours to choose from with Brown, Tan, Amaretto, and Grey. |
Champion - Unisex 93Eighteen Metallic in Gold Sometimes, you just need to rock a suit and sneakers. A popular combo that's been on the rise over the past couple of years but you can't wear just any sneakers. They've got to be bold and really stand out in the crowd. These guys will get that done. Plus you'll be extremely comfortable. Be sure to see them in Red and Multi too. |
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