The Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots, a controversial pair of heels from the 2010s, are making a comeback as an ode to the “Tumblr summer” era that glorified indie sleaze a decade ago. The brand decided to bring back the trend and other early 2010s styles because they saw a resurgence of these trends on the horizon. The Litas, retailing for $195, have sold approximately 430 pairs since the relaunch, giving customers a chance to purchase a pair if they missed out before.
Many customers are excited about the return of the Lita boots, with some expressing their joy on social media platforms like TikTok. The shoe was incredibly popular when it first launched in 2010, with 160,000 pairs sold by 2013. The Lita boots were even considered the trendiest footwear for a wedding day after the company unveiled a bridal collection. The revival of this trend is bringing back nostalgia for the early 2010s and allowing people to reclaim a style they may not have been able to afford in the past.
One TikTok user, Erin Miller, reminisced about her love for the Lita boots in 2011, noting that the shoe embodied a certain edginess that she admired. The boots were popularized by celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, who wore them to events like Coachella. Despite the popularity of the Lita boots, they also faced criticism for being the “world’s ugliest shoe,” possibly contributing to their resurgence in today’s age where “ugly shoes” are considered cool.
Mark Hunter, also known as Cobrasnake, a photographer who captured the hottest party scenes in the 2010s, reflected on the subjective nature of art and fashion. While some may consider the Lita boots ugly, there is a reason they appeal to certain individuals. Hunter highlighted the DIY spirit of the era, where fashion was more about standing out than fitting in. The Lita boots embodied this spirit, even if they were perceived as uncomfortable or resembling a horse hoof.
Overall, the return of the Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots represents a nostalgic trip back to the early 2010s when this style of footwear was at the height of popularity. The revival of the Lita boots allows individuals who missed out on owning a pair the first time around to purchase them now. The boots have a mix of positive and negative reactions, with some celebrating their return and others critiquing their design. However, the resurgence of the Lita boots symbolizes the cyclical nature of fashion trends and the ability to revisit styles from the past with a fresh perspective.
