There’s nothing worse than aching feet, sore muscles, and uncomfortable blisters in the middle of an otherwise lovely vacation. Picking the correct shoes is one of the most important parts of planning a trip, yet a lot of travelers still fail to keep this in mind. As borders started to reopen, walking holidays in locations like England, Spain, and Greece have become all the rage recently — but do you have the right footwear for varied locales? Here are the five kinds of shoes that will get you to anywhere you want to go.
Sandals
While some people might argue that sandals can make you seem very touristy, they are still a very versatile and reliable pair of footwear to bring along for walks on the boulevard or on the beachside. Many veteran travelers swear by a good pair of old-fashioned Birks, thanks to the wide array of styles to choose from and the footbed that molds to your feet over time. Moreover, the brand lets you choose between regular or narrow-fit Birkenstocks depending on how slim your feet are to ensure that you’re walking in the utmost comfort.
Sneakers
A good pair of sneakers will ensure that you’ll get to your destination no matter the distance and the weather. For those looking to purchase a durable pair, the Allbirds’ and Adidas FUTURECRAFT.FOOTPRINT is a fantastic eco-friendly choice that will also allow you to reduce your carbon footprint if you’re a frequent traveler. The pair was created with 63% fewer emissions, as sustainability is at the core of its creation. Despite the reduced carbon emissions, Adidas made sure that it still delivers the same performance quality as its other models.
Hiking boots
Hiking boots are specifically designed for rough terrain and long distances, so expect a higher price tag and a less “fashionable” look. But it’s a small trade-off to ensure that you’re being as comfortable and safe as possible. Hiking or trekking beginners might find it quite difficult to choose a pair at first, but this Advnture hiking boots buying guide recommends looking into these four basic attributes; sole, comfort, material, and the area you’ll be hiking in. If you’re on the hunt for a good pair, Columbia and Timberland produce a variety of boots for different environments.
Aqua shoes
Not many travelers may own aqua shoes, but for those who love to visit bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or the sea, investing in your own pair can be quite useful. A good aqua shoe like the Teva Hurricane and the Merrell Hydro Moc can allow you to explore further out at sea without worrying about sharp rocks. They can also cushion your feet when you’re wading through rivers or forest streams, and can also dry quicker than regular traveling shoes.
Exercise shoes
Of course, there are quite a lot of travelers that also love going on staycations. As we’ve mentioned in our feature ‘The Insider’s Guide to 5 Great Travel Exercise Hacks’, some like to pack exercise shoes with them for a bit of exercising amidst all the relaxing. To save up on precious luggage space, your best option would be to choose a pair of exercise shoes that are lightweight and easy to store. The Nike Flyknits and the Reebok ZQuicks are good options, as they’re both semi-collapsible and can fit any shoe compartment easily.
We’ve given you plenty of options— which ones are you taking with you on your next trip?
