Tall Gladiator Heels ($39.80)

Rating: Buy it never

Fit: Forever 21 says these shoes feature “multiple elastic straps that zip all the way up and fit super snug.” The first part is true. They do feature elastic straps, which look like stirrups lining your calves. Not so hot. At first, it was so hard to zip up the sandals that I thought my skin was going to get caught in the hardware. Then it was the exact opposite. Granted, I have thinner claves. But if you have thicker calves, matters are only worse. The elastic will make your legs look liked stuffed sausages. It’s a lose-lose situation.

Versatility: Even Rihanna was only able to wear her Balenciaga knee-high gladiators a few times. Translation? They’re not versatile.

Trend Factor: Last year, these shoes were supertrendy with everyone from Mary-Kate Olsen to Jennifer Connelly making men cringe (the male race doesn’t exactly think knee-high gladiators are sexy).  Now I personally think they’re old news but even if you still want a pair, Forever 21’s are not a wise choice.

Demographic: Nobody

Trendy for now
Studded Spike Heels ($28.80) This type of shoe has been around since the Sex and the City movie. The studs make it still trendy but since the style is already kinda played out you’re not going to want these shoes past fall.

Suedette Ankle Boot ($27.80) We’re not into booties but these are cute—in both colors. They’re hard as a rock but a Dr. Scholl’s pad fixes that. They’re no Manolos, they’re not even Guess quality but they’re cute. We (Sydne) even ordered a pair after they didn’t carry a size 7 in the store.

Carlita Lace Up Bootie ($18.80) The black looks a little like a witch shoe but we love the camel, which is incorrectly called brown online. Wear them with knee socks or navy tights. Supercute for fall.

Wear it Forever
Zebra Rain Boots ($29.80) It’s pretty hard to mess up a rain boot.

But it maybe
Lattice Platform Bootie ($22.80) They’re not super comfortable, but neither are the Steve Madden ones that are very similar. They look way better on than they do on the shelf.

Grandee Oxford Pumps ($22.80) They looked okay but the patent leather was so stiff that it hurt to walk across the store.

Buy it never
Suedette Ankle Boot ($32.80) Hideous. There’s no reason to buy these when you have the other Suedette Ankle Boots, which are way cuter and $5 cheaper.

Walking Bootie Heel ($22.80) Neither one of us could get our feet in this thing. It’s so stiff you can’t even loosen the laces. Plus, it’s just another witch shoe and anything too pointy is an instant turnoff for guys—if you care.

Erin Sequin Pump ($19.80) We didn’t even both trying these on because the sequins looked like something Paris Hilton threw up.

Steve Madden’s way: Mystrroo Bootie ($99.95) —comes in black, gray and blush

Forever 21’s way: Lattice Platform Bootie ($22.80) — comes in black and brown

Kim Kardashian’s way: Givenchy Birdcage booties ($565)

Forever 21’s way: Odette Cage Bootie ($28.80)

Photo credit: Splash News

Dr. Martens’ way:  Fluorescents 8 Eye Boot ($114.95)

Forever 21’s way: Trooper Patent Leather Boots ($24.80)