Navigating travel footwear and unveiling the ULTIMATE style

Whether you’re trekking the Himalayas, shopping in Paris or meandering around the busy streets of Vietnam, your feet will be put to work.

It may seem frivolous but there is an art to deciding what shoes will make the cut (or suitcase). Put your best foot forward with these top tips on navigating travel footwear.

• Comfort The good old ‘comfort or style’ debacle is a tale as old as time, but as a fashion stylist and writer I have to be frank with you — this question is no longer relevant. Why? Because there’s a multitude of options out there in the footwear (and clothing) department which means we no longer have to sacrifice style for comfort. There’s no need to pack an uncomfortable pair of stilettos or sandals that bring you more pain than pleasure. As long as you choose wisely and invest in a high-quality pair of shoes, you’ll be rewarded tenfold.
• Versatility Calculate how versatile the style of shoe is by asking yourself a few simple questions; how many outfits can you pair these shoes with? Can you wear them for a casual day out, and then dress them up for a restaurant meal? Can they be cleaned or washed on the road? Prioritising versatility will result in a broad travel wardrobe and you won’t feel you’re wearing the same thing all the time. Ideal options include loafers — they’re timeless, mostly waterproof and bridge the gap between casual and smart; sneakers — always comfortable, durable, and great for adventurous trips; and ankle boots — can be paired with almost any outfit, keep feet warm and protected during cooler months and have excellent cushioning.
• Worn-in If there was one golden rule of travel footwear, it would undoubtedly be to never pack a new pair of shoes. They simply must be worn-in before you step foot on the plane, or you will be signing yourself up for a blister competition (spoiler: you’re the only one playing and there are no winners). Flip-flops and slippers are the only exception but if space is tight, you need a good reason to be packing them in the first place.
• Pack smart At the end of the day, a suitcase can only fit so many pairs of shoes. Be ruthless when it comes to culling the ‘statement’ shoes you may only wear once or twice. It’s also a smart idea to wear your heaviest pair on the plane, even if it means being THAT person at airport security untying their laces.
• Don’t knock Crocs until you try them If Jade Jurewicz’s cover story isn’t enough proof that they may be the ultimate travel shoe, I don’t know what is. The resurgence of Crocs during and post-pandemic is a testament to their ultra-comfort level.

On the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled, travel journalist Penny Thomas and STM deputy editor Jade Jurewicz join fashion writer Megan French to discuss the wonderful world of travel footwear. From how many pairs to bring, to all-terrain styles and a shock revelation from Jade.

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