You’ve done the easy bit and packed your clothes for your summer vacation, but now comes the hard part – the shoes!
Shoes take up a lot more room and weight in the suitcase, so we know that we have to be extra selective when it comes to picking our holiday footwear. We don’t want to overpack and risk paying for the excess weight.
However, you don’t want to forget the essentials or pack the wrong footwear either. Especially as the wrong shoes could ruin your vacation entirely!
So, knowing exactly what footwear to pack is key. The kind of shoes you’ll bring along largely depends on the type of vacation you will be taking, including any activities you’ve planned. To make your shoe selection process easier this summer, here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect vacation shoes:
Arch support
Flimsy flip flops aren’t going to cut it if you plan on doing any kind of walking. If you expect to do several activities, then finding a pair of sandals with ample arch support is absolutely essential.
Look for comfortable sandals that aren’t completely flat, and ensure they have arch support to make both walking and standing in place more comfortable. This is a must if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. Your back will thank you for it!
Durable soles
Traction is very important, especially if you’re visiting unfamiliar territories and you’re not quite sure what surfaces you’ll be walking on. You don’t want to come across a slippery surface without the appropriate footwear. Durable soles are vital for multiple terrains and environments you may not be familiar with.
Weather-proof fabric
Although we always hope for plenty of sun when we head to warmer climates, we know that it isn’t always guaranteed. Take this into account when packing footwear. This isn’t so much of a problem with sandals and other open toed shoes, as we just wouldn’t wear them if the weather wasn’t cooperating. But what about other types of footwear like boots, for example?
Boots are essential for any type of active holiday such as backpacking or hiking. If you don’t want to invest in a pair of boots for a short vacation, you might even be able to get away with a pair of supportive sneakers instead. A lot of places in Europe, for example, can have very wet and cold summers, so even if you’re not planning a hugely active vacation, a pair of close-toed shoes should be packed for those “just in case” moments.
Ankle boots are perfect for summer sightseeing, but be careful when it comes to the fabric. Avoid suede and other fabrics that will get dirty easily and absorb water. Go for weather-proof materials instead to avoid ruining your shoes. Again, look for styles that aren’t completely flat to provide that much-needed arch support.
Convenience and versatility
Choose shoes in styles and colors that are versatile enough to go with the majority of your wardrobe so you can avoid packing any more pairs than necessary.
Flat canvas shoes in neutral colors are versatile enough to wear with everything from trousers to dresses to shorts to maxi skirts. Breathable materials are great for hot temperatures, as are sturdy rubber soles. They’ll keep you comfortable in the summer even if you spend all day walking around.
They’re also extremely convenient, as their slip on style makes them super-easy to put on in a matter of seconds. They could come in handy at the airport, especially when going through security and the removal of footwear is required.
One final tip
The last tip is to break in your shoes before taking them on vacation. Blisters and overall discomfort are not fun, especially on vacation. Always be sure to put in the time and break in all of your shoes before jetting off.
While you may want to bring a different pair of shoes to match each outfit you bring on vacation, that’s not the most realistic plan. These tips will help you cut down your luggage and only bring the essential footwear.
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