The Best Travel Shoes: What To Pack?

Choosing the right shoes to take travelling can be a challenge. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to look good and not have to lug around a heavy suitcase. So, what are the best shoes for travelling?

Well, it depends on where you're going and what you'll be doing, but generally speaking, three is the magic number. You'll want a quality pair of comfortable walking shoes with solid support, a stylish pair that can be dressed up or down, and a pair of shoes for your specific activity, be it hiking, dancing or working out.

If you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors or doing a lot of walking, you might want to consider a pair of trainers or hiking boots. If you're travelling for business or to a wedding, a pair of nice sandals or cute flats could be a good option. And if you're heading to a hot climate, you might want to pack some flip-flops or sandals.

Whatever shoes you choose, make sure you break them in before you leave! The last thing you want is to be dealing with blisters when you're trying to enjoy your trip.

Choosing the right shoes for your trip

When it comes to travelling, shoes can make or break your trip. It's important to find shoes that are not only comfortable but also versatile and suitable for your destination. Here are some tips to help you choose the right shoes for your travels:

• Keep it minimal: To save space and weight in your luggage, it's best to limit yourself to two or three pairs of shoes. One pair can be the bulkier option that you wear during travel, and the other(s) can be packed.
• Prioritize comfort: Comfortable shoes are essential for a pleasant travelling experience. Look for shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and a flexible sole.
• Break them in: Always break in your shoes before your trip to avoid blisters and sore feet. Wear them around your town or on short hikes to ensure they're comfortable and don't need any adjustments.
• Consider your destination: Think about the activities you'll be doing and the weather conditions you'll encounter. If you're planning to do a lot of walking or hiking, invest in a good pair of comfortable trainers or hiking shoes. For city breaks, consider a pair of stylish yet comfortable shoes like Converse or leather boots. For tropical climates, pack sandals or flip-flops that are easy to pack and provide breathability.
• Versatility is key: Choose shoes that can be dressed up or down and paired with multiple outfits. For example, a simple pair of black heels can be worn with various outfits for nicer dinners or drinks.
• Waterproof options: If you're travelling to a place with unpredictable weather or plan to engage in water activities, consider packing waterproof shoes or boots.
• Pack smart: Use packing cubes or shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes.
• Buy if necessary: If you find that you didn't pack the right shoes, remember that you can always buy a new pair at your destination.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right shoes for your trip, ensuring comfort and style on your travels. Happy travelling!

How many pairs of shoes to take

When travelling, the number of shoes to take depends on the type of trip, the weather, and the activities you plan to do.

For example, if you're travelling for business, you may need to take more pairs of shoes than if you're travelling for leisure. If you're travelling for a special occasion, you may want to take a pair of shoes specifically for that event.

The weather will also impact the number of shoes you take. For example, if you're travelling in winter, you may need to take boots, whereas in summer, you may only need sandals or flip-flops.

If you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking, you'll need to take comfortable, sturdy shoes. It's also a good idea to take a pair of shoes you can wear in the evening to give your feet a break.

Most sources recommend taking two pairs of shoes when travelling—wear one pair and pack the other. However, some people suggest taking three pairs of shoes to allow for different activities and weather conditions. Ultimately, it's important to pack only what you need and to choose shoes that are comfortable and versatile.

Comfort and support

It's recommended that you buy your travel shoes well in advance of your trip, to give yourself time to break them in. This will also allow you to test them out on longer walks and hikes, to make sure they're the right fit for you.

When it comes to the type of shoe, it's best to go for something lightweight and easy to pack. Shoes with a wider toe box can help if your feet start to swell after a long day of travel. Zero-drop soles can also help with balance and posture, by taking weight off the more fragile parts of your foot.

If you're going to be doing a lot of walking, you might want to look for shoes with thick soles, which will provide more cushioning for your feet. You could also consider shoes with insoles, for added comfort.

If you're travelling to a hot destination, sandals or flip-flops are a good option. You can find sturdy and comfortable flip-flops that are designed by podiatrists, which provide ample support for your feet. Sandals are also a good option if you're going to be walking on the beach or visiting water parks.

If you're travelling in colder weather, you'll want to opt for something that will keep your feet warm and dry. Boots are a good option, and can often be dressed up or down, to suit a variety of occasions.

If you're travelling for business, or you have a special occasion during your trip, you might want to bring a pair of dress shoes. Ballet flats are a good option, as they can be dressed up or down, and they're easy to pack.

Ultimately, the best shoes for travelling will be the ones that you find most comfortable. It's important to consider the type of activities you'll be doing, and the weather conditions you're likely to encounter, to make sure you have the most suitable footwear.

Style and versatility

When it comes to travelling, versatility is key. You want shoes that can take you from day to night, from the beach to the bar, and from the city to the countryside. Here are some tips on choosing stylish and versatile shoes for your travels:

Choose shoes that can be dressed up or down

If you're looking for versatility, choose shoes that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For example, a pair of simple black heels can be worn with a nice dress for a night out, but can also be dressed down with a pair of jeans for a more casual look. Similarly, a pair of leather biker boots can be paired with leggings or a skirt for a city break, or with jeans for a more casual look. For men, a pair of leather loafers can be dressed up with slacks or dressed down with jeans.

Pack shoes that are comfortable and stylish

When travelling, comfort is key. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. There are plenty of comfortable shoe options that also look great. For example, sneakers like Converse or Nike Frees are comfortable enough for walking all day, but also have a stylish, casual look. If you're looking for something more dressy, Rothy's The Sneaker is a comfortable and stylish option that can be dressed up or down. For men, the Adidas Ultraboost is a stylish and comfortable option.

Consider the climate and activities of your destination

When choosing versatile travel shoes, it's important to consider the climate and activities you'll be doing at your destination. If you're travelling to a hot climate, sandals or flip-flops might be a good option. For example, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals are lightweight and adjustable, making them perfect for walking around in warm weather. If you're planning on doing a lot of active pursuits, such as hiking or biking, make sure to pack a pair of sturdy shoes or boots that will provide support and protection for your feet. Merrell and Chaco are popular brands for outdoor activities.

Limit yourself to 2-3 pairs of shoes

When travelling, it's important to pack light. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to 2-3 pairs of shoes. This will help you save space in your luggage and avoid overpacking. Choose shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits and that are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.

Break in your shoes before your trip

Finally, make sure to break in your shoes before your trip. Wear them around your town or on short walks to make sure they're comfortable and don't give you blisters. This will ensure that your shoes are comfortable and ready for all the walking and exploring you'll be doing on your trip.

Breaking in your shoes

• Ensure you have the right shoe size. This may seem obvious, but it's important to make sure your shoes fit properly before trying to break them in.
• Break your shoes in slowly. Wear them for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in them. This will help the shoes to conform to the shape of your feet.
• Tie your shoes up tightly. This will help to stretch the fabric and speed up the breaking-in process.
• Protect against blisters. Moisturise your feet or use petroleum jelly to reduce friction between your skin and the shoe. You can also use products such as moleskin or medical tape to cover areas that are likely to blister.
• Wear thick socks. This will create a padded layer between your feet and the shoe, reducing rubbing and helping to stretch out the material.
• Alternate your footwear. Continue to wear your broken-in shoes intermittently with other shoes to ensure they remain comfortable.

It's important to note that different types of shoes may require different breaking-in techniques. For example, leather shoes can be softened using moisturiser or conditioner, while suede shoes can be stretched using the methods outlined above. Running trainers should be worn for shorter exercises before taking them out on a run to ensure they are comfortable.

Frequently asked questions