The last thing on your mind when packing for a big trip is what shoes to wear, right? It’s probably a mild afterthought, somewhere up there with, “should I bring 3 dresses or 4…”, despite the fact that you’ve never worn a dress voluntarily. However, picking the right shoes should be the first thing on your agenda as the right shoe can make or break your entire trip.

If you’re going somewhere where you’re going to be walking a lot, you don’t want to traverse the land in cheap, floral-print ballet flats that will leave your feet blistered (and probably won’t survive the trip). 

Furthermore, shoes can be a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. For example, impractical, uncomfortable-looking shoes will stick out like a sore thumb in Europe. They’ve figured out that comfort trumps fashion, or at least, can live symbiotically with it. 

Here are some tips on what the best shoes are for traveling.

Casual Travel Boots

Nothing beats a good leather boot when it comes to a shoe that is classy, stylish, durable, breathable, timeless, and comfortable. Leather boots check all the boxes. Although they may be a bit more expensive upfront, a shoe like this will last you many years to come. 

A good leather boot will look good with jeans, dresses, business casual, regular casual, night out on the town… the list goes on and on. You can literally wear these with anything, and it can only make an outfit look better. These are great travel shoes because of their versatility and durability. You can get away with just one pair of shoes for your whole trip! 

Army Boots

This may sound crazy, but army boots and combat boots have long been part of the fashion scene. Anyone can buy them, and when they’re truly military-grade, they’re amazing quality. Light-weight, breathable, durable, and maybe even waterproof – these boots will get you through many adventures. 

Head on over to Boot Bomb in order to read up on reviews about some popular army boots on today’s market. 

Casual Sneakers

These aren’t the shoes you take to the gym – no, these babies are the shoes you wear when you want to look like you’re intentionally trying not to try that hard. Albeit, their price might say something different. While a good quality pair of casual sneakers can run upwards of $100 or more, these are shoes you can wear for years to come. 

A good leather pair of casual sneakers can be worn with just about anything, even to work with a dressier outfit. A nice casual shoe is a good way to dress something down, while still staying incredibly cute. Plus, they will keep your feet comfortable during an entire day of walking. 

You can have fun with these and choose bright colors and patterns, or go for something more neutral and casual that you can wear with more outfits. 

Hiking Shoes 

If you’re doing more adventuring than actual touring – i.e., climbing things, getting deep into nature, walking rough terrain – you may want to opt for something with more ankle and foot support. A sneaker that’s made for hiking will keep your foot protected and help prevent ankle rolling. You don’t necessarily need a shoe this supportive if you’re just walking around a city. 

These shoes aren’t necessarily the most attractive, and you won’t win any fashion awards with them, but by golly, you’ll be comfortable. They’re usually weather/waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about wet socks and feet if you’re going somewhere that’s often poured on. 

Flats with Support 

If you’re hellbent on staying fashionable and just have to wear a flat, find a flat with good arch support and cushion. A flat with a touch of a heel is best, to avoid stretching out your arch throughout the day. There are several brands that offer flats with foot support, although they may not offer as much support as a more solid shoe. 

Make sure you check the weather when packing these shoes – you’ll be SOL if there’s any rough weather. 

Sandals for Travel 

If your travels take you somewhere hot, sticky, rainy, or dusty, you may want to opt for a sturdy travel sandal. Sandals like these are great for beaches and outdoors travel. They have a thick and sturdy sole that will withstand just about anything, and tons of straps to keep your foot secure. While these may not be the most attractive shoes on the market, they can really come in handy. 

If you’re more worried about fashion and blending in, these are probably not your best bet. A travel sandal will more than likely act as a big arrow to your “Western-ness.” But, we’re here for comfort first! 

Wrap Up

Before we part ways on this shoe guide, we’d like to mention to keep songs in mind as well. If you’re wearing close-toed shoes, opt for a good quality cotton pair of socks. This will keep odor at bay and prevent overheating and blisters!