The Only Travel Shoes You'll Ever Need
Long gone are the days of airlines allowing two free 50 lbs. bags on an international flight. Now days, you’re LUCKY to get even one free bag and a personal item, and many domestic flights don’t even grant you a single free piece. And I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend the 25-100 USD on cool adventures and Lemon Drops than on baggage fees. So for me, packing smart is essential!
That being said, I’m going to share with you the only travel shoes you’ll ever need, tested through and through, by yours truly.
You’re going to think I’m crazy for this first suggestion, but I promise you, once you try them, you'll be building up a stockpile just in case they ever decide to discontinue them. (I myself have 2 pairs).
These bad boys look great on (casual and dressy), weigh nothing, pack flat, can be hosed off, come in multiple colors, and are the ultimate in comfort. PLUS, unless you tell people, they will never know you’re sporting Crocs. AND, they’re only around 20 bucks.
I’ve been struting, hiking, climbing, swimming, and exploring in my Chaco’s for 10 years now and I am OBSESSED. The rubber sole makes them incredibly durable and supportive, (if you need arch support, buy these now) but the sole does make them a little heavy, so I always wear them on the plane. These are by far the best purpose sandal I have ever worn. I like the classic black, because they’re more versatile and even better, they offer wide size options! I will say, that I personally hate the kind with a toe loop, because it squeezes the life out of my toe, which is why I go with the simple Z Style.
$2 Old Navy flip flops just don’t cut it for me anymore, if I spend any time at all walking around in them, my feet end up hurting. And I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to dance and roam on vacay, not soak my feet in epsom salts. That’s where Yellow Box comes in. This brand has TONS of different options style wise (including wedges), but the selling feature is the awesome foam soles. I always pack a pair, just for walking around the hotel, or for shower rooms in hostels. I suggest wearing them for a while before your trip so they mold to your feet. Once you do that, it’ll just feel like you’re walking on air.
I’m wearing my Birkenstock Mules a lot right now. They look great on and their tough soles really protect my feet when I’m out roaming around. These are work and exploration shoes for me. I don’t yet have a pair of the Arizona’s but I am so excited to try them soon, because people RAVE about them. Keep in mind though, because their soles are so rigid, there is definitely like a week long break in process needed, but once they are broken in, you’re gold.
You may have noticed that all of my travel shoes are sandals, and that’s because I live and explore mostly in hot climates, but I’ve also got a boot suggestion for you.
Chaco Women's Skye Hiking Shoe
These boots are everything you’d need for cold weather or longer hiking excursions, plus the look fabulous! They have a rugged rubber sole and a full grain leather upper. I probably wouldn’t hike the entire AT in them, but other than that, you’re good to go!
