It used to be that I would buy travel shoes with slightly more style than comfort. I survived multiple trips to Europe and Asia this way, bringing my Tory Burch flats and Sam Edelman Trina sandals that were so popular with fashion bloggers. Sure, my feet would hurt a bit after 10 hours of sightseeing, but it was nothing unbearable.
Last year, I wasn’t so lucky. In the middle of a trip to Copenhagen, my right foot started hurting badly. It turned out I fractured tiny bones in my foot pad, which sometimes never heals. My podiatrist explained it was simply one too many cobblestone roads in shoes with thin soles, and there was a price to pay. I now have chronic sesamoiditis, so wearing high heels and flats with thin soles can cause a lot of pain for me.
Now that I’m forced to err on the side of comfort over style, my choices are more limited. I spent the summer checking out shoes in stores like The Walking Company, Aerosoles and Clarks, in addition to selections offered at Nordstrom and Zappos. Some pairs, like the Adam Tucker brand I purchased from Nordstrom, felt heavenly when I first slipped them on and then gave me cramps after a few hours of wear. The problem is that we tend to fall for the “cloud-like” feeling of soft padding, but what your feet actually needs is firm padding with some flexibility. Thank goodness for Nordstrom’s satisfaction policy! When I explained my situation, they were more than happy to take them back.
After a few months of trial and error, I finally made some purchases based on the five criteria for purchasing travel shoes from my last post. Here they are!
Best Sandals for Travel
After a lot of online research, I came across the brand Vionic with Orthaheel Technology. Founded by a podiatrist, their shoes are definitely comfortable. I ended up selecting this pair of sandals from their line, which has taken me from walking around all day to going out at night. Do I miss wearing a pair of heels for dinner? Sure. But these are pain free, and according to Mr. Wonderful, a smiling face is always prettier than one that is wincing from pinched feet. My only quibble with the sandals is that it could have been more slimly shaped in the front. My feet are on the wider side of “normal” but there is still a 1/2″ of extra room around my toes. Otherwise I’m happy with the classic (even attractive) style.
Best Flip Flops for Travel
For nearly a decade, I always wore a pair of black Reefs. They were comfortable, they fit, and they were light. They went to every beach destination with me. But when I spied a girl wearing a pair of Havaianas one day, I appreciated how they were a dressier version of your traditional flip flops. I could see them paired with a maxi dress or a cute pair of shorts, and figured they would be more versatile than the standard thongs.
Just for comparison’s sake, I ordered other brands of flip flops too. Besides trying on five different Havaianas styles, I also tested Ipanema (love this pair!) and Vionic (because I love my sandals). But Ipanema flip flops weren’t as comfortable on my feet, and Vionic’s versions were rather chunky. I didn’t plan on walking in flip flops all day; I just needed something packable and wearable from the beach to maybe dinner. The Havaianas Luna was the overall winner in terms of comfort and style.
Best Walking Shoes for Travel
The answer might surprise you, because I never thought I’d be the (very) happy owner of…
Crocs.
Yeah, I know. Those round, plastic, dwarf-like shoes? Even when Crocs first tried to be stylish, I was put off by their round and plastic look. They might be easy to clean, but I couldn’t see myself wearing them except for gardening. But when one of my friends told me she was a committed convert after walking in a pair of Crocs for over 8 hours in China, I knew I had to give them a try. “They come in canvas now, too,” she informed me. After reading various reviews, I ordered the Crocs Walu loafer in leopard print.
I wasn’t in love with the design, but it wasn’t bad. And…they were comfortable. Really comfortable. To be sure, I ordered sneakers from other brands, everywhere from the collapsible Nike to Merrells and Pumas. Some cramped my feet, some were plain uncomfortable, and others were just too heavy or big. Now that I’ve spent entire days walking in these Crocs, I have to admit my friend was right. And they are ridiculously light. And they smush easy for travel. And they have good grip in the rain. And did I tell you they are truly the best walking shoes for travel?
So what about those slip on sneakers?
If you paid attention to the photo in my last post, there were four pairs of shoes I bought for travel, including a pair of Joie sneakers. I’ll admit it. They were a splurge, and according to Mr. Wonderful, totally unnecessary. But I love the street sneakers that are trending right now, and out of the ones I tried on, these were the lightest and most comfortable (not as light or as comfortable as my Crocs, of course!). Joie is known for their stylish yet comfortable clothes, so these shoes are in line with what they do best. These require a breaking-in period, though (I got two blisters on the first day).
Any other tips?
I like adding these slim Vionic inserts to my sneakers and walking shoes for added comfort!
What are the most comfortable shoes you own, and what shoes do you pack for travel? Are they the same? Let me know!
Agreed on the Vionic thing. After seeing a friend in these super cute Vionic sandals, I bought the same pair for myself, and they are great! I had to adjust the straps over the course of a few days to find a length/position that did not rub between my toes, but once I did, I can walk for a few miles in them. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DZPV9QG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I tried those on too! They’re cute. I liked the soft bed on mine though, super comfy.
Yay. Comfy shoes. I like vionic too. I def want to try cRocs now. I have a gardening pair, but didnt know they have canvas now too. Thanks for posting about comfy shoes. Always hard to find and it takes a lot of time to try all the shoes oN.
These all look so comfy!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Great shoes!
http://girlandthepolkadot.blogspot.com/
Such great options and choices! I REALLY LIKE THOSE SNEAKERS. DEFINITELY COMFY AND PERFECT FOR TRAVEL, BUT NOT UGLY
Oh wow. This is a much needed post!! I’m always on the lookout for shoes that are pretty AND comfortable; no point in blowing out my back just to wear cute shoes! Thanks so much for sharing these, I’ll be looking into this asap!
Daisy | Simplicity Relished
Great post! Love that joie sneakers!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Love all of these options!
– Sarah
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Lovely post and blog!
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xoxo ♥
I love slip-on sneakers, the last time I traveled with a pair, they were super comfy. They are totally in right now and come in so many gorgeous colors and looks. .especially when you are running to catch a connecting flight
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In love with those last snake skin sneakers! Too cute!! I hope Youre having a wonderful tIme!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Nice Blog! Would you like to follow each other?
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Love comfy shoes ….especially when going to travel Long. Your suggestions are so cute and suits to casual Outfits so well. <3
http://www.theeche.com
I am so surprised to learn that this can happen because of wearing inadequately cushoined shoes!! I’m so sorry! I really do love those vince slip ons! And luckily for you, the sneaker trend is coming back! I also like converses for touring around a city!
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Figuring out my shoes for when I’m traveling is usually the hardest thing for me in regards to packing. Finding shoes that are cute that are going to keep your feet happy all day is a tall order.
The Havaianas are so cute! I hadn’t seen them before but I’m going to consider getting a pair now.
And I would have had no idea that those were crocs! Who knew they had cute shoes too? 😉
i’m so happy i found this post! It couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m going on a trip in a couple weeks and i’m super torn about style over comfort. i choose style every time and now reading about what happened to you i’m a little spooked. i’m definitely eyeing those joie slip-ons!
http://aboutamor.com
Those joie slip-ons have been on my radar for a while now- I love the look of ’em!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
So sad to hear what happened to your feet. The second sandal is amazing! <3
http://itsjustshalay.blogspot.com/
Hi Jenn! I love your blog! I’ve read every post since you re-started. I’ve included my blog on here. I rarely feel like i have time but i try.
After seeing just a few of your posts I realize you are just the luckiest girl, you get to travel alot, you are beautiful, you have a loving husband, you’re a christian, it’s just amazing.
Like crocs, Birkenstocks is another brand I never thought I’d consider! But I’vebern eyeing the yara sandals for a week now.. what do you think of them?
http://www.freepeople.com/yara-birkenstock/
They’re cute! Definitely a step above the normal Birkenstocks.
Thankfulness to my father who shared with me on the topic of
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