Let’s Talk Shoes and Travel!

Shoes, shoes, shoes! I simply love shoes! Just to give you an idea of how much, this is a photo that my mom just recently sent me on Facebook!

This photo couldn’t be any more accurate about the way I feel. Yes, I’m “that” girl…the girl that will buy the shoes first and then purchase the outfit(s) that will compliment them the best.

Okay, let’s get started!

First, ask yourself these questions…Where am I going? What is the weather going to be like? What am I going to be doing?

Next, challenge yourself to only bring three pair. Gasp! I could literally hear some of you suck all the air out of the room just now! Those of you that are still reading, hear me out. I have been that person that took too many pairs of shoes when traveling. Honestly, I just stopped being that person. Suitcase space is precious, am I right? Airlines charge for extra luggage, and if you’re anything like me, you like to travel light. No need to bring shoes with you that you might not wear.

*travel tip: Choose either neutral color shoes or clothes…to give more outfit options.

Here are the three pair that I suggest:

The Walking Pair

These shoes are the ones that you will probably use the most. Unless you are planning on only sitting at the beach or poolside for your entire trip, you will most likely be walking quite a bit. Choose wisely. This is where taste differ, but we should all agree they should be comfortable. So, a pair of Converse or Toms might do the trick. Maybe a pair of well worn flats or sandals might work? My husband purchased a pair of Sketchers that literally had memory foam in the sole for our Italy trip this year…I added a photo and link to this post, if you’re interested. Remember, you do not you have to lose style when wanting comfort? However, like art, style is “In the eye of the beholder”. Just bring shoes with you that you know you can walk in for a long time, up many stairs, for many miles, down winding streets. Here are a few photos of my favorites right now and the links for you to find them…click on the underlined text, not the photo.

Women’s

Hand Painted Toms
(I chose these for obvious reasons…travel inspired shoes! How fun! I have also included a less expensive pair of Toms to this list.)

Ballet Flats
(These are a tad on the expensive side, I chose them because they have great reviews…and I want to buy a pair someday. These can also be considered dressy.)

Converse

Crochet Toms

Men’s

Grey Toms

Sketchers with Memory Foam

The Dressy Pair

For a night out, or a brunch date? Going to the theater, maybe? These are the ones that you really get to show off your personal style and get dressed up for. Loafers, ballet flats, wedges, etc. Ladies, notice I mentioned wedges not heels. You don’t have to wear heels to feel and look dressed up. Get creative. Think about a pair that you could wear with dressy or somewhat casual outfits. Even a pair of boots or booties could be the right choice. Some of my favorites…

Women’s

Tom’s Black Strappy Wedges

Booties

Nuetral Oxfords

Men’s

Black Dress Shoes

Brown Leather Boots

The Activity Pair

Going on a safari? Hiking through the mountains? Workout junkies? This is the pair that you need for those special activities. I’m going to be honest here, I don’t even own a pair of proper running shoes. I’m a dance instructor, pointe shoes I do have. Dance is how I choose to exercise, and happily, it is also my job. So, unless I’m going to be trampling up some mountains (those of you that know me are laughing hysterically now and will need a picture to prove such an event actually occurred, haha!), I just bring another pair of either dressy or walking shoes. Not really sure what the best choice is here, but here are a few that I found online that looked appropriate…

Women’s

Ladies Hiking Shoes

Ladies Running Shoes

Men’s

Men’s Hiking Shoes

Men’s Running Shoes

*travel tip: When packing shoes, always use a cover! Think about what you walk on everyday…do you really want that next to your clean clothes? I re-use grocery bags when packing shoes. What do you use?

The Good News
You have to travel in a pair of shoes, so that’s actually four pairs you can bring on your trip! When choosing this pair, I usually opt for the comfortable boots or wedges. Any pair that has the most weight and bulkiness. You could also take it a step further, and challenge yourself to count this pair as your third. Why not? Then maybe you could purchase a pair on your travels! Now we are talking my language…shoe shopping! Yesss! Well, that’s my two cents. Hope that it might have helped a bit. Maybe you have a suggestion or know a tip that all of us could learn from?

Thanks for reading and remember…Travel’s A Dance Away!

**all photos of shoes were taken from the featured sites.