For women, finding the right shoes for vacation if you're not checking a bag and carrying on can be a challenge. I've found that bringing footwear that's both comfortable and versatile for different occasions can be difficult so I've taken the time to list out a formula for comfort, versatility, and efficient packing without losing your style.
The comfort formula:
- Leather is ideal because it molds to your foot over time and has softness without friction and is long-lasting
- Well-textured sole for grip when walking up hills and on cobblestone
- Leather inner sole for forming to your arch
- Cushion for ground impact
- Versatility for dressing up or down
- Open toe in warm weather or breathable material in cool weather allows for dryness and odor control
- Consider the shape of your foot and research shoes for high arch vs. low arch, wide vs. narrow
I've researched shoes that match the majority of this criteria, sharing the best travel footwear for comfort below along with travel shoe accessories.
Elf leather strappy sandals with padded footbed
Sorel lightweight leather puffy strap sandals
Nisolo leather sandal with cushioned sole
Sorel leather sandal with cushioned sole
Steve Madden chunky heel lug sole sandals
Sorel leather wedge sandal with cushioned footbed
Sorel leather wedge sandal with grippy outsole
Sorel leather heeled mules with rubber grippy sole for stability
Elf leather pointed toe twisted strap mules with padded footbed
Belle handwoven goatskin leather mules
Elf leather woven mules with padded footbed
Nisolo leather huarache sandals
Elf closed toe leather strappy sandal
Macarena leather huarache sandals with straps
Elf leather t-strap sandals with padded footbed
Sezane moccasin loafer
Jack Rogers leather pointed flat
Italeau leather pointed flat with cushioned memory foam arch support
Birdies leather loafer with rubber no-slip sole
Sabah leather slip ons with replaceable sole
Feiyue breathable canvas sneaker with a grippy sole for maximum traction
Allbirds breathable wool runner sneaker
Madewell leather penny loafer with chunky lug sole
Birdies suede slip-on sneaker bootie with removable insole
Nisolo leather Chelsea boot with 5 layer memory foam insoles
Nisolo leather waterproof boots with shock absorbing insoles and slip resistant heel
Sorel waterproof suede Chelsea boot with removable insole and rubber sole for traction
Foot Matters leather shoe stretch and softener
Magic eraser cut smaller for rubbing out marks and cleaning your shoes so they look nice for nice dinners
Body Glide blister prevention stick
Ball of foot cushion for bunions, calluses, blisters and comfortable walking
Blister bandages and bandaids
Lidocaine pain relief spray
The best solutions if you do end up in pain while traveling is to:
- Stretch your feet by rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under them
- Roll your ankles and elevate your feet to increase blood flow
- Reduce inflammation and numb the pain by icing for 20 minutes
- Soak your feet in warm water with epsom salt for soothing sore muscles
- Improve circulation by wearing compression socks
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Before your trip, make sure to break in any new footwear and wear socks that provide adequate cushioning and protection. Paying attention to your footwear choices and taking care of your feet during your travels can help you avoid discomfort and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
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