I’m sure every traveler at some stage has found themselves in the situation where they’re stuck traveling with the wrong kind of shoes.
Whether it’s trying to trudge through the jungle in Adidas sneakers and shorts jungle, or turning up to your luxury hotel in well-worn combat boots, the comfort of traveling experience is often about choosing the right kind of shoes.
And there are many different types of shoes, which will be suitable for different types of trips. So don’t fall into the trap of thinking one shoe fits all – no pun intended.
So before you set off on your next trip, put some thought into what kind of shoes you need to take (no we’re not advocating packing 10 different pairs – who wants to lug that around), but instead simply follow our guide and avoid any future ‘shoe faux pas’.
Hiking Boots – Hiking boots will be necessary for the person that is serious about exploring the outdoors, trails and mountains, but they will be the worst things to carry with you long-term. Take these only if you need them and consider whether or not a light hiker that can double as your hardcore walking shoe will work instead.
Walking Shoes – On almost any trip, people find they walk more than they do in their normal lives. A comfortable walking shoe is a must so that you can continue to enjoy the experience instead of dealing with blisters and soreness. Comfortable trainers such as Vans or Converse will fit the bill.
Running Shoes – If you like to run in order to stay in shape, you’ll definitely want to pack a running shoe. If you can find a shoe that works for both walking and running, try to pack just the one for both.
Comfortable Sandals – Warmer climates can be stifling to feet covered in hot shoes. In that case, a good walking sandal is probably a great idea. Pairs from Birkenstock and Teva are practical and stylish.
Flip Flops – Flip flops of some sort are a must for most travelers, especially if you’ll be staying in hostels and sharing communal showers. These are also great if you’re heading to the beach. Try to avoid fabric or leather straps since they are usually not the best to use for your daily showers. If you’ll only be needing a shower flip flop, try investing in a pair of fold-up flip flops (like Flipsters) instead.
Casual Dress Shoes – We recommend going with a casual shoe such as ballet flats for girls or boat shoes that can be worn to nicer dinners or nights out. If you can afford it we recommend investing in high-quality Italian leather, meaning you can head to more dressy events without feeling self-conscious.
Last but not least we recommend making sure you plan ahead and save a shoe size conversion chart on your phone or tablet. Meaning, if you’re ever stuck abroad with a broken flip-flop, you can easily follow the chart guideline and know what fit you are.
Follow itravelnet.com