Four Shoes for Traveling

Any comments on Hobes sizing? Their site mentions they run a bit small. I can wear anywhere between a 6.5-7.5, depending the shoe, and wondering what you all have experienced. Thanks!

ooh I do have to say that I recently bought a pair of those superga trainers for a trip to New York, and regretted it big-time! My feet were SO sore and throbbing after just a few hours of wearing them. I was surprised as they were the right size. I bought some New Balance instead and my feet couldn’t have been comfier. I was disappointed because I liked the look of the superga, but just found them so heavy and hard. Just me though – I know everyone’s feet are different, but just thought I should mention! x

I also love Soludos for everyday weather in SoCal – and their winter leather line is adorable.

For Europe, these: http://m.zappos.com/clarks-feature-film

My husband is French and we spend a month every year with his family. One jetlagged morning, exhausted during a tour of an old castle, I sat on a rampart while my kids ran wild, staring at people’s feet as they passed by. And I realized, SHOES. You can nail where people are from based on their shoes with almost perfect accuracy. (Try it – make a guess, then listen for the accent!) Everyone there that day was wearing comfortable shoes, but the look of them varied markedly, along cultural lines. Canadians are the only ones I flub sometimes.

For me, sometimes I’ve wanted to ‘pass’ as native, sometimes I’ve wanted to just be who I am, American. Now, after fifteen years of packing, I like simply knowing what the locals would wear so I’m aware when I’m making a faux pas (RUNNING SHOES) and I can be empowered/defiant in my choice.

Those Clarks flats above, though – if you want to ‘pass’, you will. For as long as that white sole stays au courant.

I just got a pair of Rollies and can’t believe how comfy they are and they work with both pants or dresses

We’re going to Oslo for the holidays, and I’ve been struggling with shoe packing. I think I’ve settled on dr. martens, but some otk flat boots are also fighting for space in my bag.

Cowboy boots! They’re awesome on planes because they make every outfit pop and you don’t have to untie them at security but you still wear socks with them, sparing you from the icky feeling of touching the airport floor with your bare feet :)

I love Superga too. Especially the perforated suede ones like these: http://www.louandgrey.com/lg-superga/cat2760033

But my classic errand shoes are always New Balance. I just got these and love them: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=39648936&category=W_SHOES_SNEAKERS

Sneakers are the best!

Just want to shout out to the readers on this comment section. You guys are incredible! I’ve already bookmarked this page as my “Comfortable Shoe Reference.”

Thank you thank you thank you!

No matter what shoes I wore I always got blisters when traveling. I recently discovered a body glide anti blister balm and it’s been a lifesaver on trips!

I would recommend those sneakers for literally everywhere. I wore them in Paris and walked for miles and miles in them and still felt chic and pulled together with an overcoat and scarf. Thank god athleisure is still having its moment.

Rollies are a Melbourne, Australia brand and I believe they ship worldwide. I bought a pair just before heading over to Japan where we walked quite a few miles daily. They felt like a comfy pair of slippers right from the start, yet give your feet good support. I also wear a pair of the ‘punched out’ Rollies at work where I’m on my feet all day, and they have good airflow keeping your feet cool (it’s summer here of course).

I just spent 8 days playing a tourist in Europe and these (http://www.toms.com/women/castlerock-grey-nubuck-leather-womens-avalon-slip-ons) were a savior for the miles of walking in addition to airport lines.

Adidas are my favorite! More comfy to wear than converses and look great with almost everything– I’ve worn mine with leggings and skirts! Plus, my size 8 feet can fit in the boys’ sizes which makes them a bit cheaper :) http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_3132789_-1?count=4&cm_mmc=pla-_-Shoes+Boots+Women+s+Shoes+Women+s+Sneakers-_-Google-_-Adidas+Women+s+Neo+Baseline+Shoes&sku=105774820&gclid=CN6n3NmfhdECFdgagQodQLMFPQ&kwid=productads-adid%5E166020070303-device%5Ec-plaid%5E189769649838-sku%5E105774820-adType%5EPLA

Sneakers and flats, flats and more flats. Unless husband tells me to pack something fancy :)

What, no bensimons? But they are the french Converse!

I love the sandals! I’m looking for a new pair to replace my worn out ones from Loft. Another great bootie-style shoe is the Maria boots from Danskos. I’m on my feet all day for work and they’re amazing plus they go with everything. I got a pair last Christmas and asked for them again in a second color this year!

Supergas are so cute but SOOO uncomfortable on me! It might just be my feet, but I couldn’t wear them. I went to Italy in September, and before we left I searched high and low for a sandal that I could walk in a ton (like, around Rome in 80-90 degree weather… for miles), and that would look good with a dress or shorts/jeans or even leggings…without looking like an orthopedic walking shoe or outdoorsy Teva. And finally I found them: ECCO Huarache Sandals! They look way cuter on than they do in the pics, stay on your foot for more serious walking around, and the cushy soft insole feels like walking on a cloud! I also like how they’re a little thicker on the bottom than most summery fashion sandals, so your foot doesn’t get gross in dirty city streets. I think they’d be perfect for casual summer bike rides too!

I travel a lot and this is always something that stresses me out, because I want to look put together and stylish but comfortable at the same time.

I know that Crocs are inherently divisive, and I would be the first person to admit their regular chunky type are truly HIDEOUS, but I recently relented and bought two pairs of their Sienna flats for a trip to London and Paris. I have to tell you, they have CHANGED. MY. LIFE. They are SO comfortable, I can’t even tell you, and for the days where we walked 20,000+ steps they were an ABSOLUTE god-send.

No one else has mentioned them yet – but honestly if you’re willing to put aside the fact they are Crocs I swear you won’t regret it. They are really NOT the most offensive shoe you can find and go perfectly well with anything you’d wear regular ballet flats with – but they are SO comfortable!

As someone that lives in a ski town, I’ll add in my options for those going on a ski trip.

Snow boots-kind of essential. I like Sorel’s:)
Riding boots or leather booties (without a heel)
Loafers/oxfords/more “fancy shoes”- Just bought a pair of bright red sparkled shoes from M Gemi

I’ll also add in as far as clothes go, besides packing the normal sweaters, jeans, etc. throw some comfy and light cotton shirts, both short and long, in your suitcase. It gets hot inside because they jack the heating up.