Every fashion enthusiast knows that Fifth Avenue is one of the best places to go shopping. But here at The New School, Fifth Avenue is more than that — it’s a runway. From statement bags to standout shoes, Fashion on Fifth is here to give you weekly, front-row access to some of The New School’s chicest looks. This week, we’re focusing on what shoes The New School students are stepping out in.

With the weather swinging from rainy and cold to sunny and hot, I set out on a sole search to see how New School students are stepping out to brave such fluctuating weather. On my expedition, I spotted everything from colorful Puma sneakers to buckled leather boots. This transitional season from summer to fall does not seem to be scaring New School Students away from dressing in style. No matter the forecast, they always know how to put their best foot forward. 

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Cammy Feng – she/her 

First-year Parsons School of Design fine arts student 

I talked to Cammy Feng as she was walking to class in style wearing her brand new kicks. I immediately loved how sleek yet spunky her shoes looked compared with her minimalistic outfit. Sometimes, a bright pair of shoes can be the perfect pop of color, and Feng knew just that stylish trick. 

These sneakers, only two weeks old, hold a special place in Feng’s wardrobe. When asked her favorite part about them, Feng said, “I love that when I’m stepping around, I feel like I’m tiptoeing like a cat” — a statement that makes sense considering she’s flaunting the Puma Speedcat OGs. The name itself hints at their sleek and stealthy look that Feng loves so much. 

Originally designed in 1999, Puma Speedcats were worn exclusively by professional Formula 1 race car drivers, according to Who What Wear Now, they’re making a comeback so that anyone can feel like a high-speed racer while wearing these super speedy shoes. 

The Puma Speedcat OGs come in various colors, but when asked why she picked the baby blue ones with a bright orange detail, Feng said, “It was just a gut feeling … this one was just speaking to me.” Fashion is such a great mode of self expression for that reason — there are no rules, just experiments. Though Feng has found her style of basic white tees, she also loves how these shoes incorporate color into her outfits

When asked if these shoes have any fun facts, Feng said, “I only wear them on non-rainy days.”  Relatable, considering this hot and rainy season. Soon, though, winter will be here and snow boots will be everywhere, so now is the perfect time to take a risk and wear your favorite sneakers while you can! 

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Cami Araque – she/her @Camiija @Casedbycamii

Fourth-year Parsons illustration student 

I ran into this stylish student right outside the University Center Library. Her outfit made her pop — especially her motorcycle boots. Cami Araque told me her boots were from Steve Madden, though she found them at Macy’s a few years ago. With some investigative work, I found more details for anyone interested in sporting them. 

These highly fashionable, punk-esque boots are listed on the Steve Madden website as “ROCKY,” described as engineer heel knee boots. During this rainy yet hot season, a good boot with a sturdy heel is a great way to keep flowy skirts off the ground, just as we see Araque doing. 

One of my favorite aspects of this boot is that with all its buckles and straps, it pairs perfectly with a belt — just as we see Araque implement. Araque herself said these boots are a great accessory: “I think that [the boots] go with [or] elevate the majority of the outfits I whip up.” 

One fashion tip that Araque offers is that sometimes, all an outfit needs to pop is a standout pair of shoes that tie it all together. When asked why she loves wearing these boots, Araque said, “I think my favorite part about wearing them is honestly the fact that they act as a statement piece in my wardrobe … Also, they are very comfortable, and even though they might be incredibly worn out by now, I still choose to wear them all the time.” A trustworthy statement shoe is hard to find, but Araque has certainly succeeded! 

A good pair of shoes can truly inspire outfits. A great pair of shoes, in Araque’s case, inspired her entire small business! Her  phone case-making company now features a design inspired by her boots. Never overlook fashion’s ability to inspire creativity in other fields. 

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Rozella Kim – she/her @Rozella.Kim

Graduate Parsons fashion management student 

I met Rozella Kim in the University Center dining hall. Seeing Kim wearing ballerina flats didn’t surprise me, since the adorable style is trending , but what stood out was the absolutely eye-catching color. Kim, as a content creator, received the shoes as a gift from the brand Charleston Key. 

“I mean, with shoes, I think the most important factor is [comfort],” Kim said. “Like, you need to be able to wear them and walk around — especially if you’re in the city.” Such a statement is a great reminder that New York City does not go easy on footwear. From smog, dirt on the roads, and overall tough walking conditions, footwear can make or break a good day for you in the city. Kim seems to have found a durable yet stylish option.

Kim showed deep appreciation for the durability of the ballerina flats, stating, “The front side of [ballet flats] tend to chip really easily for me. I don’t know if that has to do with my walking, but these [flats] haven’t done that so far, so that’s also a bonus.” I must agree. Shoes that have the endurance needed to stay looking brand new is a must in New York. 

A playful, elegant addition to the flat-shoe genre, these ballerina flats are classy  with a star quality in their unique shine and defined toe. 

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Photo by Cozette Calderon

Christina Alsanjakli – she/her @christinaalsanjakli

 First-year Parsons Strategic Design and Management student 

Though a pair of boots are already featured in this sole-searching article, Christina Alsanjakli’s boots are a perfectly stylish and unique finale to my journey. 

Specifically, I loved the height, color, and sleek look of the boots. Black boots can be great for an edgy, stand-out look, or clean and sleek in a professional setting. However, brown is black’s lighter counterpart that brings softness to an outfit. When I see brown boots, I envision a bookworm with a magnificent closet, or a villager frolicking in a field. 

When asked for a fun fact about her boots, Alsanjakli gushed when she said, “I just got them ‘cause my sister just delivered them. She delivered a lot of my stuff this weekend.” Siblings! Love them or hate them, they always seem to save the day when it comes to fashion. 

As we head further into the fall 2025 semester and move into colder weather, new, cozy shoes will be popping up left and right. For now, colorful sneakers, leather boots, and ballerina flats are the way to go!