Packing Lists

Best Shoes for Traveling

With summer here, I know a lot of people are booking trips! I also just wrapped up my (first!) trip to Paris, which included a lot of walking. I had a few questions pop up about what the best shoes for traveling are and I thought that I would share my two cents on the topic.

The Best Shoes for Traveling

First and foremost… I think the shoes you ALREADY own and love and have broken in are going to be your best bet for traveling shoes. Don’t try to buy a new pair, even if it’s a sneaker, right before a trip. At the very least, give yourself a few weeks to break them in and test them out before committing to a trip.

I firmly believe that comfortable shoes are necessary for happy tourists. (And I’m sorry to say, but you’re going to look like a tourist no matter what you wear, so go ahead and wear the comfortable shoes!) I can’t think of anything more miserable than walking around miles in a new city worrying about or dealing with blisters.

But if you do want some shoe recommendations, here are my favorites:

White Tennis Shoes | So one of my favorite shoes for traveling are plain white tennis shoes. They’re almost as comfortable as a running shoe, but look a little bit chicer. Plus they go with everything from dresses to shorts to cropped jeans. In my experience, these take a little bit of time to break in, but once they’re broken in, you’re good to go.

I’m currently wearing my Superga sneakers all the time, but I’ve also loved the Converse Shoreline (cuter silhouette than the regular sneak) and Tretorns.

And as an additional FYI, these are the best socks to wear with sneakers if you don’t want your socks to show. I hate wearing socks, but these work so well and don’t drive me crazy as normal socks do.

Ballet Flats | Next to sneakers, ballet flats are a typical go-to for me. I have had many over the years, of course, but few pass the test of days of long walking. (As much as I love J. Crew flats, they don’t tend to cut it for traveling days.)

Two brands that I’ve really loved in the past: Sam Edelman’s Felicia flats and Margaux flats. I brought two pairs of the Margaux flats with me to Paris and loved them.

Sneakers | If you’re going to go the running shoe/sneaker route, you’re in luck. There are SO many cute running shoes out there nowadays. It seems like everyone has a pair of the Stan Smiths right now. (Everyone in Paris was wearing them!) These ruffle sneakers are a bit more my speed though. You also can’t go wrong with a cute pair of New Balance sneakers.

Sandals | Of all these shoes, sandals are the ones where you really have to be sure they’re broken in. And everyone is going to have a different preference, so you’ll really want to figure it out what works for you. My mom and sister swear by these sandals. I haven’t personally tried them yet, but they have great reviews from them (and other shoppers online). I LOVE my Jack Rogers, but as you know, they take a lot of breaking in before they’re ready for a big trip.

Rainboots | I almost always bring rainboots with me when I travel. The only thing worse than blisters while doing a lot of walking is walking around in the wrong shoes when it’s raining out! Nooooo, thank you. These packable Hunter boots save the day over and over again. They really are packable too, so they don’t take up as much space in a suitcase. They’re also much lighter than the original which is great for packing but also for walking around as your legs won’t get tired!

What are your favorite shoes for traveling?

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24 Comments

Gina

I just got the UGG Sammy sneakers, and not only are they cute, but they’re one of the most comfortable shoes I own now! Definitely an amazing travel shoe.

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Stephanie Grace

Another great post! If I were to add to add a favorite show for traveling, under the tennis shoes section, I would definitely add Keds. Once, you break them in they’re super comfortable and practically mold to your feet!

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Sarah

Thanks so much for this post! I have lots of trips this summer and am worried about my feet killing me! You’re right though; the best shoes are probably already in our closets. Love the Shoreline sneakers and I swear by my Felicia flats. Can’t wait to read your Paris post once it’s up! Thanks again 🙂

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Sarah Banks

You should look into Bombas socks for the now-show socks to wear with converse/sneakers. They are THE BEST! They have grippy strips inside the sock to stay in place, are thick enough to be comfortable and last, and they come in a variety of colors to match whatever shoe you’re wearing (I have white, tan, gray, and black). The best part is that for every pair you purchase, a pair is donated to a homeless shelter. https://bombas.com/products/womens-solid-invisibles-mixed-color-four-pack

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Victoria

I love this article! I loved the suggestions and the breakdown of each!! Hope to see more pics of your France trip.

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Angela

Totally agree with you on the not buying new shoes for a trip. There’s nothing worse than having your feet hurt because you are wearing brand new shoes that haven’t been worn in yet. My picks are Converse and Stan Smiths! I usually rotate between the two!

Angela

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Kristen from Pugs & Pearls

I never really thought about packing my Hunter boots before! If you are doing touristy stuff and it’s raining though, it’d be the perfect thing to have. I just ordered some Felicia flats, after wearing my cheapy flats to the ground. Hoping they hold up well, because I think I will be wearing them with everything!

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Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

I go for sleek black sneakers! Mine are New Balance. It’s awesome that athletic companies are making their shoes and clothing so chic and fashionable, or on the other side of the spectrum, minimal, which means a sleek pair of black sneakers can be very versatile and work with a variety of outfits, and also provide the maximum amount of comfort! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

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Cristina - Memories of the Pacific

For me the most important thing is not to wear new shoes when I’m travelling. I had a bad experience with blisters many years ago and I learnt my lesson. Nowadays I wear tennis shoes, ballet flats, espadrilles or reasonable platform shoes.

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Shannon Mahaney

Sneakers are a must have for me when I’m flying! I have a pair of Reeboks that I just LOVE to travel with. They are lightweight and comfortable for walking in.

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Emily

Hey Carly, great post! I’m leaving for Europe for two months next week (!!) and am in the middle of packing. I’ll be in Scotland, so I want to take my Hunters, but I’ve noticed that they are starting to crack and I’m nervous about packing them in my suitcase. Really disappointed since I’ve only had them since Christmas. Have you had this problem?

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Kate C

Sneakers! I wore right through a Tretorn pair I wore them so much – and now I’m currently rocking the light grey Superga sneakers! Also, maybe not great for walking tons BUT have you seen the gingham T-strap bow sandals at J.Crew?!

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Diane

Long haul flights sneakers are a must. Huge fan of Adidas energy cloud. Flats and Sandal are chic and practical for exploring and a night out adventures.

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Sinead Loftus

Love this! Recently took the plunge and bought a red pair of New Balance for my trip to London as I knew I’d be doing a lot of walking and it’d be too hot for boots.

Now I can’t stop wearing them!!

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Krystal // The Krystal Diaries

I just booked a trip to Paris & Brussels in the fall and I always have the hardest time figuring out what shoes to pack. I want to look cute but I know sneakers will probably be more comfortable. I am going to order those socks asap though!

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Taylor Dickinson

Loved this post– went ahead and pulled the trigger on Aididas Superstars (love) for an upcoming trip and Sam Edelman flats for work (thanks Poshmark for great deal).

Planning to also pick up the J.Crew no-show socks today.

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