The Perfect Shoes for Yom Kippur

Hi GOLDA gang,

We’re deep in the Days of Awe–the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur where we focus on repentance and renewal. The gates of heaven are said to be open, and our prayers more likely to be answered. 

One of my favorite Jewish spiritual leaders, Mijal Bitton, described these days as “the Jewish season of hope” in her most recent newsletter, and I really love that interpretation. Yom Kippur always felt ominous and foreboding when I was growing up, a scary day of judgement. But it doesn’t have to be. 

Instead, we can embrace this entire season as a chance to wipe our slates clean, and commit to being better and doing better this coming year. I appreciated this modest proposal from my friend Caroline Tell: “More presence, more pause, more space for actual life to break through.”

That way, once Kol Nidre rolls around on Wednesday evening and signals the start of Yom Kippur, we’ll be prepared. And not just on the inside: There’s a custom in some Jewish communities to wear white on Yom Kippur—to present the purest version of ourselves on the holiest day of the year. (It turns out God doesn’t mind white after Labor Day!) 

Judaism has no shortage of sartorial symbolism, an acknowledgement that what we wear (and buy!) matters. We couldn’t be happier to hear that–and to shop accordingly.

Leather—and leather footwear in particular—is another Yom Kippur prohibition, right up there with abstaining from food and drink in the holiday’s strictest interpretation. Leather was seen as a luxury item and a creature comfort, anathema to the day’s themes of humility. In more modern days, that’s made Yom Kippur footwear a bit complicated. And, let’s be honest, ugly.

But this year that restriction presents an exciting opportunity: there are so many designers eschewing leather and fun trends that fit the bill. From rubber flats to vegan heels, and high-end designers to more affordable options, we’ve assembled our favorite picks below.

Consider yourself covered for the Day of A-toe-nment. (Sorry!)

(Also: We’re following the spirit of the law, not the letter, when it comes to the leather-free classification. A few of these options do have leather linings or leather soles.)

Jellies

Finally, a religiously sanctioned excuse to wear rubber shoes as an adult. Here are our picks.

Ama Rubber Slides by The Row

Grove Jelly Flat by Steve Madden

Jelly Glitter Ballerina Flats by Jimmy Choo

(note the leather lining)

Flats

Keep it chic and comfortable all the way through Neilah.

The Max Buckle Mary Jane by Rothys

Reggie Flat Mule by Matisse

We consider leopard-print a neutral here at GOLDA, but you can always go with the nude option from this vegan-friendly brand.

Pointed Toe Lace-Up Loafers by Stella McCartney

Women's V-10 CWL Sneaker by Veja

Heels

For when you want to keep it glam at the ‘gogue.

Silvana Slingback Vegan Kitten Heel by Aera

Vegan brand!

Monle Pointed Toe Pump by iRi

From the New York City-based brand’s vegan collection.

Vegan Snake-Effect Knee Boots by Stella McCartney

Stella, our vegan queen.

GOLDA may earn a few shekels from any purchases made through links in this article.

Thanks to JoBeth Abecassis for inspiring this post, and Sophia Rossi and Erin Allweiss for their input. Our editor Ariel Shapiro has never been happier than working on this guide.

We’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow sharing my conversation with Sarah Hurwitz about her new book, As A Jew. It’s just the book we need to start the new year with confidence and intention.

Wishing you a meaningful Yom Kippur, an easy fast if you plan to do so, and my favorite Jewish phrase of all: a “good seal.”

Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie