The Best Travel Shoes: How To Pick and Pack Them

When deciding which shoes to bring on your upcoming trip, here are a few things to keep in mind when packing and shopping for the best travel shoes: 

1. Lightweight Material: The best travel shoes are made from lightweight materials like the On Cloud 6. This reduces bulk and makes them easy to carry. 
2. Versatility: Choose shoes that work for multiple occasions. The Birkenstock Boston, for example, is an everyday shoe that can be worn just about everywhere.
3. Comfort and Support: Essential for long walks and sightseeing, shoes like the Hoka Bondi 9 offer excellent cushioning and support, making it comfortable for prolonged wear.
4. Packability: Look for flexible shoes that take up minimal suitcase space. The Vionic Uptown is not only insanely stylish but are collapsable so they fit easily in your bag without creasing or being bulky.

Best Travel Shoes Types For Carry-On Travelers 

1. Slip-On Sneakers: Comfortable and easy to remove at security checkpoints, the RIVAL Reign is lightweight and versatile, perfect for various travel activities.
2. Travel-Friendly Sandals: Compact and airy, great for warm-weather destinations that bring you from the shops to the beach and back again, Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals are durable, stylish and water friendly.
3. Multipurpose Shoes: Carry-on travelers have a limited amount of space so shoes that do it all are key, and the HOKA Transport is a perfect choice. Urban exploration? Check. Light hiking? Check. Running through the airport to catch your connecting flight? Check. These are light and versatile, making them the perfect traveling companion.

Shoe Packing Tips:

1. Efficient Packing: Place shoes with soles lined up against the suitcase edge to maximize space. 
   • Align footwear toe-to-heel for the tightest pack possible.
2. Use Packing Cubes: Utilize plastic bags or packing cubes to separate shoes from clean clothes.
   • This prevents dirt transfer and protects delicate shoes from scuffing.
   • Maximize Space: Stuff shoes with socks, underwear, or other small items to save space and maintain shoe shape.
   • Take advantage of extra compartments in your luggage for storing smaller, flexible footwear.
3. Weight Distribution:
   • Pack heavier shoes at the bottom of your luggage to prevent crushing other items and maintain balance.

By following these tip and tricks for choosing the right travel shoes, you can be sure that your footwear will be comfortable, versatile, and easy to pack.