How Do I Choose the Best Traveling Shoes Available Today?
What do your packing habits say about you?
Do you wait until the last minute and throw everything into your suitcase the night before an early flight? Or do you start packing days (or even weeks) ahead, carefully laying out every item and checking it off your packing list?
Either way, 62% of people admit that they always overpack for a vacation. Traveling shoes are among the hardest items to get right, especially in destinations where you'll be walking a lot.
How can you choose the best traveling shoes for your next vacay? Keep reading to learn how to be a smart traveler with shoes that are both comfortable and stylish.
What to Look for in Traveling Shoes
No matter how cute a pair of shoes might be, they'll make your life miserable if they don't fit correctly. Even if the fit is perfect, they need to be practical for your destination.
Unless you're visiting an all-inclusive resort where you'll be lounging by the pool all day, chances are you'll be doing a lot more walking than you do at home. The average tourist visiting a European city, for example, walks 8-10 miles a day. Meanwhile, visitors to Disney World average 10-12 miles of daily walking around each theme park!
Start your vacation off on the right foot (pun intended) by choosing the best traveling shoes. Here are some tips to help you travel smart.
1. Comfort, Comfort, Comfort
This must be your number one criteria when choosing a pair of travel shoes. No one (yourself included) will care how amazing your stilettos look if you have to limp up the street towards the Eiffel Tower.
Here are some popular brands of traveling shoes that are comfortable (without sacrificing style):
- Adidas
- Aerosoles
- Blondo
- Chaco
- Cole Haan
- Dr. Scholl's
- Ecco
- Naot
- Sketchers
- Superga
- Taos
- UGG
Traditional walking shoes, sneakers, or hiking shoes are always popular options, but the style alone isn't enough to make a solid decision. You'll also need to consider the other factors below.
2. Arch & Ankle Support
Hours of walking each day put a serious strain on your arches and ankles — especially when you're not used to it. The best traveling shoes will offer plenty of support for each of the vulnerable areas of your feet.
If you tend to overpronate (roll your feet in or have fallen arches), consider a pair of shoes for arch support. Another option is to buy some generic or customized inserts for the soles of your shoes.
3. Lightweight
Every smart traveler knows how to pack light. This includes choosing lightweight shoes that are easy to walk in without straining your ankles, legs, or back.
Bonus: With airlines constantly reducing the size and weight allowances for baggage, it will help you save on your luggage fees too!
4. Durable
Nothing will spoil your trip faster than a pair of shoes that fall apart halfway through your walking tour.
You don't have to spend a fortune, but you should opt for a well-known brand with a reputation for making durable footwear. Think brands like Timberland, Adidas, and New Balance.
5. Functional
Of course, the best travel shoes should also match the needs of your vacation. A great pair of walking sandals won't do you any good at a ski resort, just like knee-high leather boots are impractical for a tropical getaway.
Ideally, you want to choose shoes that are practical for a variety of settings. For example, sandals with a low wedge could be suitable for a walking tour and for dinner in a nice restaurant.
How to Find the Best Traveling Shoes: Bonus Tips
To ensure you find the perfect shoes for your trip, make sure you consider these factors and follow these steps as well.
Break Your Shoes In (Before You Go)
We cannot stress this enough: Brand-new sneakers or boots are a huge no-no! You're asking for nothing but blisters and pain if you try to walk for miles in out-of-the-box shoes.
If you do buy new shoes for a trip, wear them several times at home before you leave. Ideally, give them a few weeks to soften up and conform to your feet.
Pack (No More Than) Three Pairs
Even on a longer trip or variable weather elements, you can easily get by with two or three pairs of shoes. Wear your bulkiest shoes (sneakers or boots) on the plane and slip the others into your luggage.
A comfortable pair of walking sandals or ballet flats are a second option. If you need something dressier, choose shoes with low heels that are already broken in. Opt for neutral colors (blacks, browns, grays) so you can easily match your shoes to the rest of your wardrobe.
Be Realistic About Working Out
You might intend to go to the hotel gym every morning, but how likely are you to stick to that goal? Bulky sneakers will take up valuable room in your luggage that could be better used for other items.
If you're 100% sure you'll be working out or going for your usual morning runs, opt for a pair of lightweight athletic shoes. These could easily double as your daytime walking shoes too.
Travel Smart With Comfortable Shoes
You don't want your vacation memories to include a gigantic blister you got from packing the wrong shoes. Keep your feet (and the rest of you) happy by opting for traveling shoes that are comfortable and fashionable.
Bookmark this article and refer back to it the next time you pull out that suitcase. Your feet will thank you for it!
Now that you know how to choose the best traveling shoes, what's next? Our site is full of tips and tricks to help you become a smart traveler, so stick around and keep browsing.
