The Best Shoes for Traveling this Summer
Walking is, without a shadow of a doubt is the best way I love to explore a new city. My husband and I enjoy walking because on foot we can easily spot the off the beaten path restaurants, trails, waterfalls, or whatever is unique about the destination we are exploring. It’s easy to lose track of time wandering around the Colosseum in Rome, exploring ruins of Xunantunich in Belize, or getting lost in Pompeii, Italy. But there’s no quicker way to demolish the mood while exploring these great places of cultural relevance than having “Barking Dogs” half way through your excursion.
Comfort vs. Fashion has been a dilemma for the fashion-conscious traveler for as long as I can remember. The Tory Burch flats you wear to work every day are not the most practical for a full day walking and exploring unknown places, but you also wouldn’t want to be caught dead in a pair of Birkenstock no matter how expensive or stylish they claim to be.
Steve Madden Women’s Peppa Espadrille Flat
My husband and I visit Costa Rica every year and Costa Rica calls for a well-built shoe due to rugged terrain and the extreme weather. You wouldn’t want to get caught in one of those torrential rain falls with flimsy shoes on because between the rain and the unpaved roads your feet will have to be amputated after you arrived back in the states.
I have sorted through sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops to find the best shoes for those off the beaten path excursions so you will have the right shoe for the right destination.
Tory Burch Jesse Perforated Ballet Flat in Royal Tan
What makes a good travel shoe? The right shoes for trips heavy on walking go beyond preventing blisters and calluses, according to Dr. Suzanne Levine, a podiatrist at Institute Beauté, a foot clinic in New York City. “If you don’t have supportive shoes, you can develop heel and hip pain so it’s key to find a pair that works for your foot and test it out at home before you travel,” she said.
When I first began traveling I would pack 5 pairs of shoes including wedges in case my husband decided to take me on a nice romantic date, sneakers for those days of walking, then, of course, I needed sandals and flip flops. I have learned over time that I really only need two pairs of shoes that are easy to pack and will match with all of my clothes. Plus, those five just-in-case pairs of shoes are often what add the most weight to your luggage. I decided I would much rather have the extra space for souvenirs.
I would also suggest giving your new shoes a test run before the big trip: A weekend staycation is a great way to break in your new favorite travel shoes.
What are your favorite traveling shoes that have both comfort and style?