What Shoes Should You Take With You On Holiday?

A guest post by Susannah Perez

Let’s face it: for the true fans of fabulous footwear, there’s no travel wardrobe decision more agonising than having to pick which shoes to take along with you on vacation.

It’s a tricky one – you want to be prepared for every occasion, but you don’t want to overload your luggage. Shoes are cumbersome, heavy, and they take up space in a suitcase. But they are a necessity for comfort and style. So what’s a conscientious traveller to do?

Fret not: whether you plan on walking down windy streets or stretching out by the sea, here are some tips on how to dress your feet accordingly. My suggestion would be to take no more than three pairs from the following:

Trainers

Obviously, there are variations on this depending on how much walking you plan to do. Serious hikers will definitely need several pairs of sturdy shoes. However most holidays are fairly evenly divided between exploring and relaxing, in which case one pair of trainers should suit you fine.

Even if you’re not traversing any terrain more treacherous than Las Ramblas, you’ll still need shoes with good support. And if you’re headed anywhere more remote or venturing outside a city, adequate protection for your feet is a must.

Trainers are just a great catchall for unexpected occasions – nothing’s more hellish than walking on cobblestones in heels, or negotiating muddy streets in flip-flops.

Flip-flops

Still, flip-flops are great for travelling – they’re light to pack, take up minimal suitcase space and are easy to throw on for quick trips to the beach. They come in a range of colours and styles, and rubber flip-flops can easily double as shower shoes if you’re using communal bathing facilities.

Just be warned – they’re not exactly long-lasting, so only include them alongside more hardy footwear choices!

Sandals

If you’re not partial to flip-flops, sandals are a good alternative. They provide just as much comfort with a smidge more support – and they’re a hint dressier, too.

Bring along a smarter pair for going out, or pack more heavy-duty walking sandals that allow your feet to breathe while trekking around a new city. Of course, a suitable alternative to either is also a nice pair of flats.

Heels

If you’re likely to go out for a nice meal or hit the local clubs, a pair of heels is a good option. Take your favourite statement pair to stand out or pack a neutral pair that goes nicely with all your outfits.

Whether you opt for kitten heels, wedges or just your most killer pair of stilettos, definitely bring something that shows off your style!

Bonus pair!

If I don’t need any more than two types of shoes, I tend to allow myself an extra pair of one of the types just listed. So I let myself pack one pair of trainers and two pairs of flip-flops, or two pairs of trainers and one pair of heels. If you’ve got the room to spare, why not add to your shoe options? As long as you leave plenty of room for souvenirs!