Is it okay to write my college essay about shoes?

Writing your college essay about shoes has a lot of potential, especially because it feels personal and unique to you. At first glance, shoes might seem like a light or simple topic, but what matters most is how you use them as a window into your personality, growth, and values. Admissions officers don’t expect every essay to be about an earth-shattering challenge; they’re looking for insight into who you are and how you think.

The key is to go deeper than just a surface-level interest. Instead of focusing only on your collection, describe what shoes represent in your life. For example, you could use specific pairs as chapters: maybe the sneakers you wore to your first job interview, the boots you bought after a big move, or the shoes that you wore when you participated in a volunteer project. Each could symbolize a major turning point or lesson learned.

Don’t just describe the shoes themselves; share stories connected to them. If one pair reminds you of a moment you took a risk, talk about what you learned from that experience. This allows you to reveal aspects like resilience, creativity, or empathy. For example, one applicant wrote about her hobby of baking bread, but the essay worked because each loaf told a story about community, family, or overcoming failure—not just about bread baking.

If you’re worried about the topic feeling random or silly, focus on emotional honesty and reflection. Why do shoes matter to you? How have they shaped your view of yourself or your place in the world? Your passion will come through if you show why it’s meaningful.

Plenty of people have successfully written about "unusual" topics, from comic books to chess pieces. Just remember: the object or interest is a starting point, not the whole story. Your perspective is what makes it special.

If you can find authentic and specific connections between your shoes and your growth, your essay will absolutely stand out in a good way.