Choosing the Right Shoes for Travel

One of the most common topics I see in online travel forums is about choosing the right shoes for travel. Why are shoes one of the most important decisions you make when you pack for vacation? Because those shoes can often make or break your trip!

The reality is we can’t take our entire closet full of shoes on every getaway, especially when flying. If you are attempting to pack light (and I suggest you do!) you will likely only pack 1-2 pairs of shoes in addition to the ones you wear on the flight. So you need to make each pair of shoes count.

Whether I’m buying a new pair of shoes for my next vacation or choosing ones already in my closet, there are several critical factors to consider.

Be sure to keep reading to the end for a product review of my new favorite travel shoes for summer!

Comfort

I may be a woman, but I’m still putting comfort above style when it comes to shoes, especially when traveling!

Have you ever walked in shoes that continuously rub on your heal, exposing raw skin or leaving blisters? Ouch! That is the last thing you want to deal with while navigating the ancient ruins in Rome or exploring natural wonders in Colorado.

If you plan to sightsee from dawn until dusk, then do yourself a favor and make sure you have the right shoes on for plenty of walking.

Do NOT take a brand new pair of shoes!

Travel shoes should be sufficiently worn-in at least a few weeks before your trip.

Whether you plan to spend the day touring museums, shopping, ziplining, or lounging by the water, having a comfortable pair of shoes will ensure you don’t have to interrupt your vacation vibe with a trip back to the hotel for more sensible footwear.

Style

Just because comfort tops my list of criteria for travel shoes, doesn’t mean you can’t still have stylish footwear. Unless your itinerary includes a black-tie event, then I do suggest leaving your 4-inch heels at home!

There are plenty of stylish AND comfortable shoes for all kinds of travel adventures.

If you will be touring state parks, invest in a pair of stylish hiking boots that have you ready to be adventurous. Planning to wander the streets of Paris? A comfortable flat or stylish slip-on shoe that coordinates with many of your outfits and can keep your feet happy all day long may be the best option.

Consider your unique style and select travel shoes that make you feel confident and ready to explore!

Weight

The structure and weight of your shoes is also worth considering. Flimsy sandals might not take up much room in your suitcase, but they shouldn’t be the only footwear you pack. Unless your goal is to be barefoot and beachside your entire vacation!

Select travel shoes that are sturdy enough to provide adequate support for the amount of walking and adventure you have planned. At the same time, don’t pack several bulky pairs of boots that will weigh down your suitcase and get heavier on your legs as the day wears on.

If possible, wear your bulkiest shoes on the flight.

It may take a few extra minutes to get through security, but you will reduce the weight of your suitcase and avoid extra baggage fees.

Season

Any savvy traveler checks the weather for their destination at least a few days before the journey begins. This is a crucial step in the packing process and will help you determine the right shoes to throw in your suitcase.

Depending on how far you venture from home, you could be stepping into a whole new season upon arrival. Summer, winter, spring, and fall can all require different kinds of footwear. But unless you are traveling for an extended period of time, you should only need shoes for the current season at your destination.

Will you need hiking boots, flipflops, tennis shoes, or rain boots?

Considering the season and studying the forecast will help you decide, without filling your suitcase with shoes you will never end up wearing.

Terrain

It’s also important to consider the surfaces you will be walking on during your trip.

Adventure travel often requires specific shoes, and having good traction makes for a safe vacation.

Roaming the quaint cobblestone streets in Europe can also be a bit treacherous! Don’t risk twisting your ankle. Wear shoes with a sturdy base and no/low heels.

Believe it or not, even classy museums with slick floors and hoards of tourists can pose a danger to your feet if you don’t wear appropriate shoes.

Thinking through your selection of shoes prior to the journey will allow you to see even more sites and make your trip a positive experience.

Do you have additional tips for choosing the right shoes for travel? Please share them in the comments below.

When a woman finds a pair of shoes she loves, she wants to tell everyone about them!

The Monterey Sandal is my new favorite shoe!

Arcopedico’s Monterey Sandal

If you will be traveling during warm weather, then a comfortable and stylish sandal should be on the top of your packing list.

I will admit that I’m pretty picky when it comes to sandals. I’m one of those people who can’t stand having anything between my toes…which really limits a lot of cute sandal styles!

Arcopedico has a huge selection of footwear with many styles that are perfect for travel. I was so excited to try out their Monterey Sandals!

“Monterey is one of Arcopedico’s top selling sandals. It features their Arne-Dry cushioned footbed which will keep your feet dry, well-ventilated and comfortable. These sandals will get you through an entire day of walking and you’ll STILL feel good.”

Here are just a few things I love about these sandals:

• they slip on easily with no buckles to mess with
• the straps are flexible so you can get them in just the right position for your feet
• there is nothing between my toes!
• having a back strap keeps them securely on my feet
• the sole is a thick cushion that provides comfort and support
• they are the perfect footwear to highlight my summer pedicure!

I chose the black ones, but these leather sandals also come in purple and red. You can also select the 100% Vegan version of the Monterey sandal in a light shade called biscuit.

At $95 I’ll be the first to admit, these sandals cost a bit more than I typically pay for summer footwear. But when it comes to good travel shoes, they are totally worth the investment.

Check out Arcopedio’s vast array of travel shoes and see which ones are right for you and your next adventure.

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

I’d like to express a HUGE thank you to Arcopedico for providing a complimentary pair of sandals for Traveling Tanya to review! As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

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