The decision to wear traditional Trachten shoes and modern Oktoberfest boots can be challenging for both men and women. It highly demands what you are wearing to the famous German folk festival.
Considering the Bavarian tradition, men wear Lederhosen (Leather pants), pairing them with all-time favorite Haferlschuh. Whereas women dress up in Dirndl, pairing it with the classic shoes – Mary Janes. But the trends have changed now, and a touch of modernity has been added to traditional German clothing as well as shoe styles. The preference of what shoe type to wear at the festival highly depends on your outfit style, comfort, and weather conditions.
What Shoes Should Men Wear With Lederhosen
Selecting the appropriate footwear to complement Lederhosen is crucial to achieving an authentic and stylish Oktoberfest look. Explore the multiple options available.
Haferlschuh – Authentic Look
These are the most authentic and traditional choices. Haferlschuh is a type of sturdy, lace-up shoe often made of leather. They usually have a robust appearance, with decorative stitching and detailing, following a similar style. These shoes complement Lederhosen perfectly, providing an authentic touch to the outfit.
Trachten Loafers – Modern Appeal
For a more modern and comfortable twist, consider Trachten loafers with your leather pants. These slip-on shoes are made up of high-quality leather loafers. The available colors on Trachten Loafers are brown and black, keeping it close to the traditional aesthetics.
Trachten Inspired Sneakers – Ultimate Comfort
Some men opt for Trachten-inspired sneakers to look more casual. These shoes combine the comfort of sneakers with traditional elements of German festivals, making them a practical choice for those planning to walk a lot, exploring every corner for the festival.
Trachten Boots – Traditional Touch
Another option for your Oktoberfest shoes is the Trachten Boots, which are made of leather. You will find laces and buckles on them. Pair these shoes with your leather pants.
Casual Oxford – For Fashionistas
With time, traditional German attire has changed and adopted the modern touch. If you choose to wear something between traditional and modern Lederhosen, these Oxfords in leather or Suede should be your ultimate choice. If it offers a great balance to your traditional, come trendy leather pants paired with a casual white checked shirt.
What Shoes Women Can Wear With Dirndl/Lederhosen
There are unlimited options for finding the perfect Oktoberfest shoes for ladies. The shoe selection heavily depends on the type of Dirndl (Mini, Midi, Maxi) you wear. From traditional to modern footwear, you will get everything through the online stores with the ease of a click.
Traditional Shoe Options
Traditional footwear can never go wrong with your perfect Dirndl look.
Bavarian Shoes – Haferlschuhe
These lederhosen shoes, often known as “Trachtenschuhe” or “Haferlschuhe,” contribute to the overall traditional and festive look. Classic Bavarian shoes typically feature a laced design with eyelets and laces. The laces allow for a secure and adjustable fit.
Most traditional Bavarian shoes are made of high-quality leather. This durable material provides a rustic appearance and ensures the boots are sturdy and long-lasting.
The colors of traditional Bavarian shoes often include earthy tones such as brown, tan, or black. These neutral colors complement the natural hues found in traditional German clothing like Lederhosen or dirndls, becoming the ideal choice in footwear.
Mary Jane – The Classic
Mary Jane shoes are a classic and timeless style characterized by a closed, rounded toe, a low-cut vamp, and single or multiple straps across the instep that fasten with a buckle or button. These are popular choices to wear with Oktoberfest dirndl. Their various heights make them an ideal choice for every equation.
Modern Yet Comfortable Footwear
If you are looking for comfortable women’s footwear to complete your Dirndl look, below are the options to explore.
Ballet Flats
Closed-toe ballet flats are a comfortable and versatile choice for your perfect Oktoberfest outfit. They are available in various colors to match your festive vibe.
Ballet flats are found in various leather, Suede, and synthetic materials. Please choose the color wisely, as it complements your Oktoberfest appearance. Being versatile, you can wear ballet flats other than the German festival. Pair it with leather pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses. This is the ultimate budget-friendly option to invest in.
Loafers
Loafers are famous for their slip-on design, typically lacking laces or fasteners, and easy to put on and off. Some loafers may have a low block heel, but many are flat or feature a low heel, contributing to a comfortable and practical design.
Comfortable loafers with a closed toe provide a classic look and are practical for extended periods of walking and standing. You can choose between the material, as leather loafers offer a classic and polished look, whereas Suede Loafers give a softer look to your German attire.
Ankle Boots
From traditional to modern designs, you will find ankle boots in various styles to match your exclusive Lederhosen. You will find traditional options in Ankle boots (Shoes with laces). The modern lederhosen shoes come with zippers, bucklers, and other decorative embellishments. Made from material like Suede, ankle boots can offer a softer and more casual appearance. They are suitable for a modern take on traditional outfits.
Neutral tones like brown (light & dark) are a common choice. However, olive green and beige are also in trend to look modern. Stylish ankle boots can be a great choice, especially in cooler weather. Look for ones with a low heel for comfort.
How to Keep Your Oktoberfest Look Flawless with Traditional Shoes
Every little detail matters and adds value to your outlook. Therefore, when deciding what dress to wear at the traditional German festival, pay close attention to your shoes.
When deciding on your Oktoberfest shoes, say “NO” to;
- Poorly fitted shoes
- High heels
- Open-toe shoes
- Mismatched color & style
- Damaged shoes
Conclusion
Gone are the days when you were bound to wear the classic options for Oktoberfest shoes: Mary Janes for women and Haferlschuh for men. But today, the world is more inclined to comfortable options and prefers wearing clothes & shoes that allow them to enjoy the Bavarian festival. Choose the shoe style that compliments your look to stand out.
FAQs
Can you wear trainers with a Dirndl?
If you want comfortable footwear for a long day, trainers are the perfect option to rely on. They look super cute as well as modern.
What socks can you wear with Lederhosen?
Trachten socks, commonly known as Lederhosen socks, are the best to wear with your Lederhosen. These wool socks will perfectly complement your Bavarian outfit.
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This post brought to you by Sahil Sagar.
Photo: iStock