The Worst Shoes for Travel (and what to wear instead)

I always find myself stressing out about what shoes to bring when I pack for travel.  I think that shoes are the hardest piece of travel wardrobe to get right.  You need to strike a balance between shoes that are easy to pack and yet comfortable for miles of walking as well as fashionable enough.

So let’s drill down to which shoes are worst for travel and what alternative options are available.

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Flip Flops

Flip-flops are fun, cheap, and easy which makes flip-flops the ultimate vacation shoes.   Unfortunately, if you plan on wearing them beyond the beach or the pool, they can turn on you quite quickly.  According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), flip-flops can cause major foot pain due to a lack of arch support, heel cushioning, and shock absorption.  And because there is insufficient traction on the cheap rubber soles you have to be careful as you can slip on wet surfaces when wearing flip-flops.  If your heart is set on weraing flip flops, you can still have the fun parts of flip-flops without the pain if you look for a pair that offers support.  The APMA has given their seal of approval on these two recommendations.

Alternatives for Women: FitFlop’s Lulu Thong Sandal features a biomechanist-designed midsole, which gives these sandals orthotic support. The Lulu can help reduce overpronation (which causes pain everywhere from the lower back to the knee to the foot). There’s also a patterned bottom tread to give you traction in slippery situations, a lightweight midsole to absorb shock, and a comfortable rubber footbed.

Alternatives for Men: ECCO’s Men’s Yucatan Sandal offers a comfortable leather footbed and a rubber sole for traction and shock absorption. Three adjustable straps allow you to customize how the shoe fits you. The footbed is designed to inhibit bacterial growth for odor reduction.

Ballet Flats

If you think that ballet flats are the answer to women’s problems with high heels, then you are mistaken.  Although cute and easy to wear, ballet flats offer almost no arch support or protection.

An option for women  would be Clarks Neenah Garden ballet flats that have a cushioned insole with OrthoLite arch support and cushioning. There’s also a mini-heel option if you want to style up any travel outfit.

Men do not generally rock ballet flats, but Clarks makes some great travel-friendly shoes for guys, like the Reazor Edge loafer, a sleek, moccasin option that doesn’t sacrifice cushioning or comfort.

Rain Boots

Going to a place where it constantly rains?  Should you pack your rain boots knowing that they are a perfect storm of foot problems?  —their moist environment can be a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, plus heavy boots can cause foot fatigue and uncomfortable rubbing. Skip the thick, non-breathable rain boots and look for regular boots that offer water resistance.

One water resistant and yeat still breathable option for women is Arcopedico’s Liana boots.  The upper is made from Lytech, and the interior lining contains the antimicrobial Sansmell deodorizing system. They’re also lightweight and flexible, perfect for maintaining your natural stride.

For men, there’s Sorel’s 1964 Premium T Boot has laces to keep your feet secure, as well as a felt inner lining that keeps you warm and dry down to 40 below zero.

Pointed-Toe Shoes

Pointed-toe dress shoes have made a fashion comeback for men and women, which is bad news for your feet. This type of footwear can put pressure on the front of your foot, causing problems like nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. When traveling, opt for something with a wide, rounded toe box instead.

Check out LifeStride’s Parigi Pump has a wide toe box and a comfortable heel height.

Alternatives for Men: Kenneth Cole’s Unlisted Half Time Oxfords have plenty of room in the toe, plus they come with a padded inner lining and cushioned footbed for extra comfort.

Toning Shoes

Despite what companies who sell toning shoes say about the advantages of wearing them, one podiatrist told the Huffington Post, toning shoes can actually hurt your feet by causing tendonitis, stress fractures, and sprains.

For women, pick a shoe that offers all of the cushioning of a toning shoe with none of the false advertising. Ahnu’s Karma Latitude Leather Ballet Flat is a stylish alternative with a contoured midsole for lightweight support and cushioning, a cork-wrapped footbed (that’s also antimicrobial treated) to minimize odor-causing bacteria, and adjustable hook and loop straps to keep your foot secure. All Ahnu shoes use a patented neutral-positioning system called Numentum Technology, which helps promote a stable and balanced stride.

Men should try Ahnu’s Stockton shoe, a low, hiker-inspired casual lace shoe that provides a supportive arch and is made of waterproof leather.