What shoes to pack for travel: my three-pair formula

The best shoes for travel

Capsule wardrobes, week-in-a-backpack lists, even my beloved packing sketches—they’re all secondary to choosing the right travel shoes. But before you start dumping shoes into a suitcase, consider the many factors that determine which travel shoes to pack. For starters, shoes cannot be rolled down into crevices of your luggage. Shoes consume more packing space than any item except a winter coat. There are also seasons, weather, activities, and occasions to consider. Style matters, too. Above all, travel shoes must be comfortable. You simply cannot enjoy a single minute of any trip if your feet hurt. Happy feet are non-negotiable.

If you have problem feet like me and walk every day like you're paid per step, it can be pretty frustrating to find comfortable, versatile, style-minded shoes. But over the trial and error of a bazillion trips, I’ve landed on a recommended formula for what shoes to pack. 

Some context:

• I am an extensive walker; my typical day clocks in around 25,000 steps. When we travel, we usually clock about 40,000 daily steps. The shoes rounded up here have passed this rigor. 

• High-quality, comfortable, durable shoes are often an investment. But as in so many other categories, you don't need a ton of shoes—you need the right ones. I have never regretted purchasing a shoe that allows me to totally forget about my feet.

Three-pair formula for what shoes to pack

When I make my packing sketch for a trip, I never exceed three pairs of shoes, which vary by season.  If your itinerary includes something truly exceptional like a black-tie wedding or skiing, well—we’ll have to adjust. But these staples will cover almost any weather, activities, and occasion you have planned. 

Warm weather shoes to pack 

• Mary janes: These affordable vegan leather mary janes shocked me by becoming my travel favorites. They accommodate my orthotics and are soft, stretchy, adjustable, and come in wide widths and several colors. The soles aren't great—a little slippery and thin—but I found adding sole protectors solved that issue. For travel, I prefer mary janes with a closed weave like this so they can move between warmer and colder weather and seasonal styles from linen to sweaters. 

• Waterproof white sneaker: A great white sneaker is a traveler’s best friend. I love these white suede sneakers that read more feminine than a standard athletic shoe and pair wonderfully with almost anything except a ball gown. The grippy waffle sole not only adds a little personality, but also grips those charming yet slippery cobblestones. This pair is soft, comfortable, and waterproof. It’s always wise to pack at least one pair of waterproof shoes when you travel. They come in a few colorways including versatile black. 

• Flat sandals: Saltwaters are my ultimate travel love. They don't take up any space in packing. They are wildly comfortable as the leather molds to your feet with personalized precision. They last an eternity and look great with everything (the straps even conceal bunions). Bonus: they're waterproof. Saltwaters come in a dozen colors, but if you buy one pair, make it the tan or rose gold. They will pair beautifully with every color outfit under the sun (I especially love how it looks with a white or black linen dress). Full disclosure: the soles have zero arch support. They will mold to your feet like butter, but if you need more arch support, you can do what I did: velcro in your custom orthotics. Voila!

Colder weather shoes to pack 

• Mary janes (again)

• Cognac sneaker (or repeat the waterproof sneakers): A chic, neutral sneaker is the perfect companion for travel. With a leather upgrade, these Nikes lend cool-girl style to your cold weather ensembles. I’ve walked miles upon miles in these. 

• Loafers or low-heel boots: When it’s too cold to bare your ankles, try these loafers. I have a few different colors of these loafers and find them super comfortable, walkable, and versatile. If you prefer boots, make your boots waterproof, low heeled, and sleek so it can easily dress up or down. 

And one exception

• I bring these along when I absolutely need an option that can get formal. A nude minimalist sandal pairs with almost anything you'd wear to a wedding or the opera. These are not in league with the others listed for comfort and support, but they are a case of "perfection is the enemy of the good." They are comfortable, pack small, affordable, and come in wide widths. These sandals won't last forever, but formal events are pretty rare anyway.

Let’s talk about socks

• Merino wool ankle socks: I gradually swapped out all my ankle socks for these merino wool pairs. The no-show cream colorway offers the best versatility. Merino feels pleasantly nubby on your feet, holds up to tons of use, never smells funky, and wicks moisture. Even in Louisiana August, your feet will stay dry. 

• No show socks: If you're on the hunt for truly no-show that do not slip down, stop testing random brands and get these. These are quite simply a product that does what it's supposed to do. Isn't it the best when you can just solve a need and move on?

• Merino wool boot socks: I love these soft, ribbed quarter-socks for colder weather. They offer merino’s benefits plus a fun ruffled edge that adds just enough style. I wear an assortment of neutrals and white. 

• Thermal tall socks: If you need truly thermal socks in freezing weather (hi, Poland!), try these. I pack these for my annual January trip to Washington, D.C. They add blessed warmth all the way from your toes to your knees and lay well under jeans and long skirts. 

How to pack your shoes to maximize space

• Wear the bulkiest for your travel days. 

• Pack the others sole-side up on top of your packing cubes. You can add a layer of tissue if you don’t want your shoes to touch your packing cubes. 

• Line up shoes in alternating toe to heel order, not side by side, so they fit more closely together like puzzle pieces. 

• Remember to stuff your shoes with socks or other odds and ends to maximize the space.

When your feet are happy attention, your attention becomes freer for everything else—that's when a trip becomes a true encounter.

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