The big red boots

to. Most are similar to Wisdom’s featuring a lot of leather, red colour palettes, and ‘Stussy’ related pieces.

Everyone is talking about the big, red boots from MSCHF. I think it’s safe to say incorporating them into a decent outfit is a challenge, and only a few have managed to do it and wear them well. Still, the viral boots are dominating the internet. But, why?

The vibe I’m getting is ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’, mixed with cosplaying a garden gnome, or a supersized ‘Peppa Pig’. Personally, I don’t see the hype. But I am heavily invested in watching people make them look good, it just might be the biggest flex of 2023 so far.

If anybody was going to make them look wearable - it was always going to be Wisdom Kaye, @wisdm8 on social media platforms. Some of his styling ideas take inspiration from ‘Astro Boy’, then incorporating a white and red colour palette with two layered puffer jackets.

However, in some of the most viral trending styles, most are cargos and a sweater. Arguably, one of the most overworn outfits of 2022 carried into 2023. Don’t get me wrong, it works, but only because it’s easy, plain, and straightforward. This way of styling almost feels like the boots aren’t a central piece to the outfit, despite retailing for $400.

As Wisdom himself says, “posing changes the whole game”. As we’ve seen in much discourse over the fabrication of social media, this begs the question, are they actually possible to style out in the real world, away from social media?

This leads me to segment into the new era of fashion, hyperreality. With recent developments in virtual reality and AI, these boots feel like a fever dream. I would be shocked to see anybody wearing them out in public, despite seeing them everywhere across TikTok and Instagram. Despite grabbing the attention of much controversy, they do have everyone talking. I think these boots might just be the first fashion statement of this idea of ‘hyperreality’ fashion. And, where better to showcase this on social media? Debatably, one of the most ‘hyperreal’ places of all.

Katy Anya McEwan - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

Tired of your trusty Air Force 1s? Here are some alternatives

The grip Nike Air Force 1s have on uni students is unmatched. Try and walk through campus without spotting a pair – you can’t. Their popularity is absolutely justified. They're timeless and versatile, perfect being for dressed up or down. However, if you are tired of walking into your uni house and not being able to identify which trainers are yours, there are alternatives which are just as fashionable, and will make you stand out from the crowd.

VEJA

Veja V10s really are the shoe for every occasion. All white options are available to replicate the Air Force look, but a splash of colour helps make this shoe stand out. Although the most expensive on this list, these are undeniably the shoes that go with anything, but perhaps a little basic for some.

New Balance 530

The New Balance 530s really tap into the dad shoe trend which has been circulating, and they are becoming increasingly popular. With a more unique look than Air Force and a retro feel, this is a shoe I can get behind and a variety of colour options means there’s something for everyone. If this is straying too far from your beloved Air Force, try the 550s – a tad more expensive, but stays closer to the Air Force look.

New Balance CT302

New Balance is really set on making an it girl shoe, and with this being their second mention on the list, I think they might be onto something. The CT302s have a traditional court silhouette, with a chunky platform for a more modern feel. Suede and rubber elements add dimension creating a shoe that makes a statement. The New Balance 373 is a similar option, for a slightly cheaper price tag.

Adidas Stan Smiths

The Stan Smiths are certainly an iconic Adidas staple, with a minimalist design. They are a firm celebrity favorite, being worn by the likes of Barack Obama and Meghan Markle. I will never forgive Adidas for the grip Superstars had over girls in 2016 – but if you do not have personal beef with Adidas, these may be the shoe for you.

Reebok Club c 85 and Puma Cali Dream

These trainers have more of a vintage feel than the rest of the list, and the pop of color gives a retro vibe. Similar to Club c 85s are the Puma Cali Dream - with a little more colour, these are bound to make you stand out.

Converse

Although definitely not an Air Force dupe, I couldn’t leave Converse off this list. You really can’t go wrong with any pair of Converse – a classic option that should not be forgotten when looking for a new pair of trainers.

Or, Arabella, @lilrotini on TikTok. I trust her styling abilities, as I’ve written articles about her iconic Tim Burton fashion sense. Even though she says that she’s “not a fan of the big red boot” she does provide ways to style if she absolutely had

Something needs to be said about the process of removing the boots and putting them on, because by the time this article has been read - I bet MSCHF boot owners are still struggling to take those cartoonish boots off. Like something out of ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’.

What is reverse culture shock?

Culture shock is a common experience - arriving in a new place, excited and ready to explore, only to feel completely disoriented and surprised by the new environment. It can take some time to get used to a new climate, food, language, surroundings. So why do we experience this again when returning home? Is reverse culture shock a real phenomenon, or is it just the come-down from the excitement of travelling?

When I returned home after living for nine months in Barcelona, I was surprised to come home and feel stuck, demotivated and out of place in my own hometown. I had been looking forward to coming home, and the first week was amazing: seeing my family, my friends and enjoying the comforts of living at home again. But then reality set in and I realised that life was the same as it had been before I’d left - the same routines, the same town, nothing new or too exciting. You’ve just had this incredible experience yet can’t put it into words for those around you and have to just get on with normal life again.

This feeling is known as reverse culture shock and many people experience it after travelling for long periods or coming back from a year abroad studying. It’s an unexpected experience because you want coming home to be comforting and familiar, rather than feeling out of place and alienated.