When I packed Merope (my Jeep) for my 2024 epic summer music festival journey I thought 10 pairs of shoes seemed like a lot and it was, but to my surprise I actually wore all 10! Some pairs I wore more than others and it was nice to have options. I had the room in my spaceship… I mean vehicle so I might as well bring extra since it fit. That was the whole point of getting a Jeep. I wanted a more comfortable experience && room while traveling... especially to music festivals!
I'll be honest I didn't get many pictures of myself as the trip progressed. I travel solo and I get shy about asking other people to take my picture. I know I need to get over it for the sake of my blog, but I get caught up at the music festival. I really don't want to waste time on taking pictures of me when I'm trying to catch musical acts, volunteering, meeting new people, or just relaxing at my campsite. I'm there to enjoy my experience first and foremost. Also, if you didn't read the news Electric Forest had a weekend filled with storms and attendees had to be sent back to their campsites for safety several times having to miss the festival including the Sunday closing sets. I wasn't even at the festival grounds much.
Regardless I had a wonderful time and I felt prepared. I brought enough clothes, shoes, and supplies to feel like a satisfied Venus in Taurus with all the comforts she needs.
Check out my video for the full scoop on the kicks aka the 10 pairs of shoes-
Note: I am experimenting with making videos still. I know the sound, lighting, and focus isn't the best. I'm learning.
Skip to 5:30 to go straight to the shoes. :)
Here are all the shoes presented in the video with links to websites-
3 Pairs of Buffalos
Metallic Rainbow - Old, beat up, and perfect for volunteering. The metallic rainbow matches with everything colorful and I always get compliments on these shoes.
Lavender - Paired well with a lot of outfits. I like the pop of color without being too bold. Lavender has been speaking to me for the past year. I've purchased quite a few items for my wardrobe in the color and it's honestly really complimentary for dancewear. Lavender is the new black.
White + Holographic Trim - I needed a cleaner pair for the trip in case I had any side quests when road tripping. I for some reason cannot get the pink cotton candy drip off the side from EDCO. I think it kind of goes with the shoe’s vibe now and an indicator that it’s unique to me- Elektra Flora!
Final Thoughts: All 3 sneakers in Classic Low style, this is a staple in my wardrobe. They are a bit heavy once you’ve been partying or volunteering for several days however they are extremely durable. My metallic rainbow pair got left outside in the rain. They were soaked and I let them air dry in the sun. They still seem to be in good condition. I walked in gravel and through the forest in these and not once have I baby giraffed or rolled an ankle. See my previous EDSea b2b EDCO 2034 Shoe Capsule vlog for more deets about my first time wearing the lavender and holographic pairs.
2 Pairs of Birkenstocks
Website: https://www.birkenstock.com/us
White - My cleaner “nicer” ones for the road trip.
Red - A second pair for around camp and showering.
Final Thoughts: Both in Arizona Essentials Eva style, these are easy to slide off and on especially around camp. These have lasted years and look like they still have life in them. I recommend these sandals over flip-flops because you can also wear them with socks in case you want to keep your toes clean, but need to slip in and out of your tent. They are also waterproof. I do not recommend these for the actual festival. The material does not breath well and will rub on your skin and cause blisters.
2 Pairs of Tevas
Website: https://www.teva.com/
Sun & Moon (Original) - Newer and purchased because they were on sale for $20. I don’t think these will last that long in terms of lifespan because I can see some front portions of the sole peeling.
Gold & Black (Flatform) - I got these in 2016 and they are my #1 absolute must have music festival shoe. This sandal has a 1.75” platform height and with velcro they can slide off and on easily. These are so comfortable I’ve worn them to EDCLV, EDCO, Bonnaroo, Elements, Imagine, and EForest music festivals. These are made really well and mine still have so much life in them. I wish they made this color combo again because the black && gold went with everything.
Final thoughts: Get the flatform to give your foot more cushion and yourself more height. There is thick, tall grass, gravel, sticks, ect. at music festivals and the flatform is at a better height for debris to not hit your toes as much.
1 Pair of Origos
Website: https://origoshoes.com/
Everyday Sneaker for Women in Natural Leather - These were recommended to me to help alleviate back problems. I was dropped on my back when I was 15 years old while stunting during a cheerleading practice. It caused me to have a pinched nerve and extreme pain down my right leg. This injury still haunts me. My back gets extremely fatigued and there have been times where I stepped the wrong way and I could feel that pinched nerve again. A former competitive gymnast recommended these shoes and she had said that “freeform” shoes are much better for the body anyways. I did quite a bit of research before I settled on these Origos. I liked that they were made in Mexico, real leather, and they had the most stylish options.
Final Thoughts: I need to go up a half size. Too tight on my right foot. I’m really not sure how they would have held up if I didn’t volunteer in them, but they are pretty beat up. I did like how my toes had the extra room and not as pinched compared to Vans or Keds. I did notice my back felt less fatigued over time.
1 Pair of Dr. Martens
Website: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/
Audrick Nappa Leather Platform Chelsea Boots - I got these on sale last summer. I’ve worn them to Elements, EDCLV, Bonnaroo, and EForest. I love how easily they slip off && on whether I'm on a blanket or in a hammock. I definitely shouldn’t have worn these volunteering. They were too heavy and got completely trashed with all the water. I think they could’ve stayed in a lot better condition for me to wear for future festivals if I took better care of them.
Final Thoughts - These were made for style and not work. I ruined them and the pretty leather.
1 Pair of Hunters
Website: https://hunterboots.com/
Women’s Original Tall Boots - Mine are in extended calf and it looks like Hunter does not offer that size anymore. I recommend the knee high for music festivals specifically! Jumping in puddles and not having to worry is so much fun. Also when the ground gets saturated and there are thousands of people walking along the same paths, mud can get out of control. The little ankle booties are not going to be enough and can be sucked off your feet. Invest in knee highs and you'll thank me later.
Final Thoughts - These are absolutely essential for any camping music festival. Bring them even if it only says 1% chance of rain… because it never fails that when you don’t bring them the rain comes. Case in point - TomorrowWorld 2015.
I have to say reflecting on my shoe choices that I am very happy with what I had and what I wore. I feel like the shoes I had were all made well, stylish, and at decent price points. I'm not sure which shoes are going to be purged, but some of them are looking pretty rough. Me trying to be sustainable I have looked into some programs on how I can I can keep my shoes and socks out of the landfill.
Shoe Recycling Programs
I cannot speak on either program, but I want to write about them in a future blog post. These are two programs I am interested in trying and figured I’d mention regardless. I already purchased a Trashie Take Back Bag so that is in the works!
Got Sneakers? Recycling Organization
Trashie Take Back Bag
If you've tried either program and have feedback leave a comment. What did you like/not like?
Writing about shoes is fun for me even though they aren’t my favorite accessory- it’s scarves and sunnies (sunglasses)! I’m not a sneakerhead or shoe connoisseur, but I do appreciate a beautifully crafted pair of “feet protectors”. Working at Saks 5th Avenue I was able to see the latest styles as they came in and because I had a decent employee discount I was (somewhat) able to afford luxury brand shoes at feasible prices. One thing I learned though is I felt like no matter how well-made a shoe could be, I personally and most certainly will “go hard” on them.
I’m too much of an adventurer. It’s the Sagittarius Rising in me. I like jumping in puddles. I like taking the road less traveled… which is going to have more bumps. My feet get stepped on easily in clubs and crowded music venues because of my petite stature. Scuffs, creases, and tears happen. There’s been times I tip-toed around trying to be as careful as I could be with a new pair of shoes, but they soon met their inevitable fate of normal wear and tear… sometimes met at a faster rate because they were shoes that belonged to me.
It's important to have a good pair of shoes while adventuring through life. When it is time to let them go, thank them for providing protection between the harsh grounds we walk on and our human bodies. Our bodies are delicate. Old and outworn soles can hinder our journey making it unpleasant. Invest in a good new pair and understand nothing lasts forever.
Alsooo quick love && appreciation for my new new fairy dress by Disco Lemonade//Vanishing Fae.
Take care of yourself && know you are loved. <333
xo,
Elektra Flora
Light of the Sky && Color of Gaia
PS: I am not getting any sort of money off linking these sites. I am writing this for fun because I get asked about my shoes. :)
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