As I’m writing this article my mind went back to that one time when I wore a pair of brand new white shoes (that I bought for my South Korea trip a few years ago) which I thought looked great and trendy but I ended chugging in the dustbin because it chafed on my toes and compressed my feet after walking in them for more than 10 minutes.
I knew from then on that good shoes are very important when travelling and comfortable shoes are one of my top priorities – but if they look cute too, then that’s bonus.
It doesn’t matter if they are flip flops, sandals, trainers or boots. The brand is not important either. It’s how these footwear should make you feel after more than 10,000 steps of walking, jogging or even the occasional running (from bulls!).
Flip Flops
I don’t usually bring my flip flops when I travel unless I’m heading somewhere with beaches or I’m planning to do some water activity.
However, I know some friends who travels and walks around Trafalgar Square from her hotel wearing only flip flops. So if you’re one who does this, then make sure you get a flip flop that fits your feet. You wouldn’t want your heel to drag the ground and risk your heel being filthy, or worse, crack.
Havaianas Slim Flip Flop
Since the first time I used Havaianas flip flop in Phuket, Thailand back in 2012, I was in love with this brand. I love the thick rubber soles but even though they are thick, they are light and not stiff like some flip flops in the market. This made walking in them on hard ground or on porous sand feels the same.
Not forgetting to mention the colourful designs made by Havaianas for their flip flops. I love how it goes well with pretty much all my clothes or beachwear. And the non-slip soles made it easy to walk on wet floor without fearing I would trip over myself.
My Havaianas Slim Tropical flip flop was so good that my Dad even wore it a few times at home (even though it was 4 sizes smaller) and yes, he ruined them! Sigh.
Rating:
Comfort: 4.5/5
Design: 4/5
Price: 4/5
Vionic Flip Flop
I seldom look for arch support in my shoes, less that it’s a flip flop – it’s a bad habit I know – but when I found out Vionic flip flops has arch support as well, I couldn’t say no.
The Vionic Beach Noosa flip flop is also one of my favourites for it’s contoured arch design and EVA footbed that offers the same cushioning ad athletic shoes. I didn’t believe it at first but after walking along the beach (and back!) for half a day, I was surprised that my foot wasn’t aching like it usually does after long walks.
The only downside I think is the price but if you’re ready to splurge a little more for comfort (it’s beneficial for your health!) and cute designs, then this brand could be the one for you.
Rating:
Comfort: 4.5/5
Design: 4/5
Price: 3/5
Sandals
Whenever I travel, I need to bring my sandals with me because you never know when you would need to wear sandals to places that are not meant for flip flops – like museums or zoos.
Also, it looks more presentable when you’re out for lunch or shopping in another country with sandals on instead of flip flops, right?
Havaianas Luna Sandal
Once again, Havaianas is the brand that I choose for my sandal. Not just because it is comfortable but I love that the strap does not cut into my skin or leave it the shade of red by the end of the day.
Like the flip flop, I love that the Havaianas Luna Sandal has non-slip and even though the design is as similar to the flip flop, the strap makes it look more feminine and elegant.
I can still wear the Luna sandal to the beach but sand can get in between the strap and my skin (at the Achilles) which is quite a nuisance. However, I wouldn’t have to worry it being wet!
Rating:
Comfort: 4/5
Design:4/5
Price:4/5
Birkenstock Mayari Sandal
Another footwear giving arch support would be the Birkenstock brand and the Birkenstock Mayari sandal is not only comfortable but also looks effortlessly chic with its toe loop.
The classic suede-covered cork and latex footbed is especially comfortable for long walks especially because it is lightweight, absorbs shock (which is good for my heels) and with wear, the sandal contours to your own foot shape!
My only downside with this sandal are the colours and prices could be slightly expensive here in Malaysia. I wish there were more exciting colours but Birkenstock is (and always) have been famous for it’s neutral colours.
Rating:
Comfort: 4/5
Design: 3.5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Flats
I love wearing flats even when I’m not travelling. It’s very easy to slip on and if they’re lightweight, it allows me to walk faster than usual. I hardly wear stilletos or heels anymore since my “torn tissue” problem at my right Achilles many years ago so flats become my feet’s best friend now.
Crocs Eve Slingback Flats
If you want to purchase a Crocs, you must look for a size bigger than your regular size. This is also because the rubber in most of Crocs footwears will stick to your skin (feet) and might leave you uncomfortable. So, make sure to choose the right size so that you will not feel any discomfort later.
I use my Crocs Eve Slingback for mostly everything. If I don’t bring my Sandals during my trip, I would bring my slingback and use it for lunch, dinner or even outdoor activities. I prefer Black since it could go along with most colours in my wardrobe.
Wait, outdoor activities?
Yes, I have used my Crocs slingback during White Water Rafting; which I find really comfortable and it stays perfectly on my feet even during a tumble out of the raft. A regular rubber shoe (or loaned from the tour company) might not be as “loyal” as the Crocs slingback were to my feet.
I also used my Crocs slingback for caving and via ferrata; surprisingly the rubber sole gripped the side of the cave very well during my 90° rappelling.
The downside to wearing the slingback for these activities would be the fast tread wear on the soles and prolonged wear also makes the feet (especially toes) sweaty. However, I approve of it’s durability during extreme sports.
Rating:
Comfort: 4/5
Design: 3.5/5
Price: 4/5
Shoes
Shoes are usually a must-bring footwear whenever I travel. A fully covered footwear can help overcome many feet problems – including sunburn. It would really suck to have sunburned feet and walking around feeling uncomfortable the next day without it being snugged comfortable in socks and shoes, right?
Crocs Literide™ Shoe
I came upon the Crocs Literide™ by chance when my husband and I were looking for a “couple shoe” for our trip to Singapore. We had a few couple items and thought a shoe would be perfect to add to our collection and travel items.
When we saw Crocs Literide™, we fell in love with it immediately. Yet, it was not just the aesthetic. We loved the foam footbeds that was athletically inspired that are both comfortable and breathable. Like I said about the Crocs slingback above, most Crocs footwear are made of rubber and might leave your feet uncomfortable (i.e. sweaty) but it was not the case with the Literide™.
Furthermore, the Literide™ was also lightweight so I can walk in it the whole day without dragging my feet 50% of the time after I grow tired. Sometimes I even forget that I was wearing a fully-covered shoe.
My favourite thing about this shoe would definitely be the foam footbeds and outsoles that gives me that little “bounce” in my walk. Also, it costs lesser than most of the “athletically inspired” shoes of other more famous brands.
Rating:
Comfort: 4.5/5
Design: 4.5/5
Price: 4.5/5
To me, when I travel, I would want to end the day in a good note. Who would want to crawl to bed by the end of the night with sore and throbbing feet right? That would really take out the fun in my travel experience.
Hence why, comfortable footwear is really important to me. If it is slightly pricey, then I would try to weight on the pros and cons of the footwear, and if they really are suitable for my pocket – and style!
How about you? What are your favourite footwear when you travel?
*This post is based on my personal preference and experience. It is in no way sponsored. My opinion is my own.
I’m not sure, but for me, leather shoes are the best. 😀