One of the toughest packing challenges most people face involves shoes. What kind? How many? I’m often asked about this topic and it’s definitely time for a travel-friendly shoe guide. As an advocate for packing light and a frequent budget airline passenger, I tend to stick to two pairs of shoes per trip, wearing one on the plane and packing the lightest pair.
Summer travel offers a little more wiggle room, as sandals tend to be light and take up minimal space (as you’ll note from my recent Puerto Vallarta Packing List post, where I packed way more than two pairs of shoes…), and clothing also tends to be lighter and thinner.
This post is not sponsored by any of the brands listed here but contains affiliate links.
Regardless of how many pairs you choose to bring, you’ll want to select shoes that will fit in a variety of locations and situations that can handle hours of wear and miles of walking. Today I’m sharing my recommendations for practical summer travel shoes – yes, even heels as it is wedding season after all – ones that will fit all styles and budgets.
2022 Update: Many of the products in this post are no longer available, however, I've retained the original images and product names in case you decide to seek them out secondhand. Any products with an asterisk (*) have been linked to a similar item.
Essential Summer Shoe: Flat Sandals
Growing up in Florida meant having flip-flops permanently attached to your feet (fun fact: you can quickly spot a Floridian by the v-shaped tan lines on their feet), but as I’ve gotten older they no longer feel appropriate in most settings.
That being said, flat sandals are essential for beach travel, and it’s well worth it to find a sturdy pair that can withstand the salt, sand, and water. I recommend finding a pair that will take you from the beach to dinner, and will match everything in your suitcase, like the ones listed below:
Sporty Sandals
1. Sport Sandal, Eileen Fisher
2. Sydney Sandal, Birkenstock
3. Norma Slingback Sandal, David Tate*
4. Abbey Slide Sandal, Aquatalia*
Classic Sandals
1. Mai Easy Sandal, Børn*
2. Alanis Sandal, Miz Mooz
3. Nico Leather Slide Sandals, Vince*
4. Camilla Slide Sandal, Nisolo* [save 20% with code WAYWARD20]
Essential Summer Shoe: Heeled Sandals
Full disclaimer, I very, very rarely travel with heels or with heeled sandals (they take up a lot of space, can get uncomfortable, and navigating cobblestone streets can be challenging) but they’re often needed for weddings or other special events that tend to take place in the warmer months.
If you’re going for sandals, I encourage you to find a pair with a sturdy heel (please no stilettos!), an ankle strap if possible, and a lower heel if not. It’s up to you if your heeled sandals match the rest of your packing list or not – chances are you’ll only be wearing them once or twice, so you may wish to pick a fun pair!
Trendy
1. Miranda Sandal Toe, Bryr*
2. Round Block Heel Sandals, Chie Mihara*
3. Jene Knotted Block Heel Slide Sandals, Dolce Vita*
4. Elizabeth Perforated Block Heel, ABLE* (save 20% with code WAYWARD20)
Chic
1. The Summerland Heeled Sandal, Poppy Barley*
2. Retro Slingback Sandal, Paul Green*
3. Fairy Block Heel Sandal, Splendid*
4. Leather Heeled Sandal, Bianki*
Essential Summer Shoe: Summer Flats
This is my favorite shoe category of all, flats. They’re easy to slip into, are appropriate with shorts, jeans, and dresses alike, and are undeniably timeless. This list contains a few shoes in the “comfort” category, but I dare you to try to guess which ones just by glancing at them.
Long gone are the days of orthotic shoes; comfort and style have finally collided. If you treat your flats well, resole when needed, and protect them with waterproofing spray, you’ll get many miles out of them.
Modern
1. Simonette Mule, Naturalizer*
2. Nora Slip On, Nisolo* [save 20% with code WAYWARD20]
3. Adjust Flat, Dr. Scholls*
4. Audra Loafer Flat, Me Too*
Traditional
1. Brigitte Flats, Repetto*
2. Kimber Flat, Dr. Scholls*
3. Jackey Slingback Flat, CC Corso Como*
4. Brittany Ballet Flat, Naturalizer*
Essential Summer Shoe: Summer Heels
If heeled sandals aren’t your thing but you still want a little height, I’d recommend traveling with a low block heel or wedge. You’ll blend in with the locals (who may be more likely to wear heels) and you may feel a little safer with a less-exposed foot as well (I’m surprised at how often I navigate around broken glass in cities).
Here are a few stylish, yet reasonable picks based on current trends:
Enclosed
1. Day Heel, Everlane
2. Lacey Wedge, Cole Haan*
3. Villa Suede Block Heel Pumps, LoQ*
4. Bovisio Ghillie Wedge, L’Amour des Pieds*
Mules
1. Leanne Mule, 1.state*
2. Square Heel Mules, LoQ*
3. Paloma Mule, Nisolo [save 20% with code WAYWARD20]
4. Willa Platform Wedge Mule, Chocolat Blu*
Essential Summer Shoe: Sneakers
Whether Dad shoes are your thing or you prefer something a little more dainty, your soles will be so grateful that sneakers are no longer a “no” when traveling. Personally, I prefer the way a slim, neutral sneaker looks on my leg, but love seeing how others rock a really cool pair of kicks.
Sneaker trends change seemingly overnight, but here are a few options that combine trends and timelessness seamlessly:
Chunky
1. 574 Sneaker, New Balance*
2. Air Zoom Pegasus, Nike*
3. V-10 Terazzo, Veja*
4. Gumsole Sneakers, Superga
Slim
1. Sneak Name Sneaker, The Flexx
2. Wool Loungers, Allbirds
3. Avery Weatherproof Sneaker, Aquatalia*
4. Cornfield Sneaker, Børn*
Final Steps: My Thoughts on Shopping for Summer Shoes
Once you’ve selected shoes that travel seamlessly along with you, just know that the work isn’t quite done. You’ve chosen shoes that look good, but most importantly, now you need to ensure that they feel good.
When it comes to shoes and travel, there is little room for error. Blisters still hurt even when they are earned on the cobblestone streets of Paris, so give your pair a good test run before you leave home. Try them on and wear them around the house for a few days before you decide to keep them; if they don’t work for you (after all, we are all very unique, right down to our toes!) return and try again.
Be sure to give your pairs several weeks of testing during your grocery runs, school pickups, and dog walks before packing them for travel. And please don’t pack shoes with tags still on them – nothing good comes of packing brand-new shoes!
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Questions for you
What are your favorite shoe styles for travel?
What is next on your list?
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