Never underestimate the power of quality footwear.
The wrong shoes will not only spoil a trip but can cause long-term health problems to boot. Whether you’re hiking along the Appalachian Trail or sightseeing in Rome, wearing comfortable, well-made shoes can make all the difference.
Here’s how to put your best foot forward on your next trip.
Hiking Boots
Quality boots are the key to a good hiking experience. Today’s boots are much lighter, reducing the drag on every step you take while still providing support.
The investment in a good pair is well worth it. Your regular athletic or street sneakers probably won’t hold up during the trip and will cause unnecessary aches and pains in your feet.
As pointed out by BestHikingBoots.com, “your long term health and hiking enjoyment is at stake.” Their website is dedicated to helping you find the best hiking boots out there for you. REI is another sporting goods company with many customer-reviewed options to browse through and an article about How to Choose Hiking Boots.
As we mentioned in our Beginner’s Guide to Camping Anywhere article, don’t buy your boots right before your trip. Break them in starting with short walks and work your way up to longer ones.
Wear them for about a week so you know where they rub and if you need insoles. This also gives them time to conform to the shape of your foot and be more comfortable.
After spending a day crammed in your hiking boots - no matter how good they are - your feet are going to need a break, which is why you should always bring …
Flip-Flops
Whether you’ve been walking in hiking boots or sneakers, it’s nice to switch to flip-flops in the evening to let your feet breathe and relax. It also gives you the chance to dry off your shoes if they got wet.
Flip-flops are lightweight and thin, so they take up almost no space in your bag. They’re also super cheap - look at all these options from Old Navy under $5.
If you’re staying at a hostel it’s a good idea to bring a pair to wear in the shower. They’re also good if you’re going to be stopping near a beach or lake.
Dress Shoes Even the most low-maintenance of travelers are likely to venture into a nicer restaurant (or two) where a pair of athletic sneakers just won’t cut it.
Let’s say you meet some crazy fun Europeans in a hostel who invite you out for a night on the town and all you have are heavy hiking boots - you might not even be able to get into most places.
For the sake of space and weight however, whatever shoes you bring should have utility beyond a single occasion. Luckily there are plenty of options for both guys and gals:
Ladies: Some of you might brave heels (kudos) but for the rest a pair of dressy sandals are perfect. Find a pair that are comfy enough to sight-see during the day and plenty chic for a fancy evening.
I like these Bass Elastic Sandals from Urban Outfitters ($30) and these cute embellished sandals with padded soles from Target ($10).
I also recommend the Kork Ease brand. Since 1958 this collection of cool but super comfortable shoes have been widely popular among women. They’re a splurge (+/- $130) but a solid investment - they look designer and customers report them as the most comfortable shoes.
Fellows: A pair of nice sneakers is usually fine. Not big white athletic ones but a sleeker pair that you can transform from daytime sightseeing into nighttime partying without any hassle.
I like the Vans Rata Vulc Sneaker ($45) - they’ve been reviewed as comfortable and lightweight, and are available in a bunch of colors. The Zig-Zag Chukka Boots ($28) are a steal - light, comfy and stylish to boot.
Sneakers
Sneakers may not be the best option for serious hiking, but for most other travel adventures they’re perfectly fine. When I travel, I wear my sneaks on the plane, and pack a pair of flip-flops and dressy sandals and I’m good to go for a week or two.
Keen Austins are reportedly very comfy and their darker colors can make them pass as a dressier alternative. I also really like the Teva brand. Waterproof, sturdy and lightweight, these are perfect adventure sneakers (and sandals) if I ever saw them.
One tip: If your sneakers get worn out during your trip, leave them behind at the end to make space in your bags for souvenirs. Throw them out or donate them. Same for flip-flops.
Comfy Alternatives
Birkenstocks somehow got a bad rep. I think it’s a little unfair though because not only are these shoes super comfortable to walk around in (they mold to your feet) but the designs have gotten a lot more sophisticated over the past few years.
Crocs are another alternative shoe brand popular for their extreme comfort and practicality. I however, recommend their more attractive, sleeker cousin, Natives. I just got a pair of these myself and they are easy to wear but feel modern and cool.
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