Three Shoes for One Trip

[This post is from guest blogger and dear friend, Daisy Barnett. One of the most common packing questions asked in Facebook worldschooling groups is about what shoes to bring. As you can see from this post, we’re more practical than fashion-forward at Wonder Year so we decided to outsource the question to our stylist friend. She uses affiliate links to expedite the process for her followers. We hope you find this post helpful!]

My good friend, Annika Paradise recently co-authored a travel book, and we got to talking about packing and specifically packing shoes for travel. I’m a stylist and I often help clients pack for their trips with a curated travel capsule that takes the guesswork out of packing and what to wear on their trip. Annika is an expert in long-term family travel and we discovered that we are both frequently asked about packing and specifically what shoes to pack for travel. This post covers the only three pairs of shoes you need to pack for a trip of any length.

Annika co-wrote, Wonder Year: A Guide To Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling, along with two other travel experts, Julie Frieder and Angela Heisten. Their book is part inspiration and part “how-to” for those who’ve ever considered long term travel with their family. They break down everything, from how to fund your trip to recommended destinations to how to teach your kids on the road. Wonder Year has something for all types of travelers so be sure to order your copy today. My readers can use discount code: DAISYTRAVEL for 20% off.

In Annika’s case, she and her husband took their three children around the world for a year and they packed light! In our friendship, she’s the practical one and I have been known to prioritize fashion over function. What a pleasant surprise to find out that we both agreed that you can get away with only packing three pairs of shoes for even an entire year of travel! 

Here are my fashion-approved (and her practicality-approved) recommendations for the three pairs of shoes to pack for travel.

Of course, the exact style depends on the locations and the time of year, but these three types of shoes will work no matter what. Reducing the number of shoes you pack is an essential part of packing light because shoes are relatively heavy and bulky. Try to stick to these three shoe styles the next time you pack.

#1: Sneakers

An athletic shoe is essential. Annika would say it’s practical, but Daisy the stylist has some ideas to make sure you look great, too. My clients often tell me, “I don’t want to look like an American Tourist.” Sneakers, these days, are stylish, straddling the line between comfort and fashion statement. These shoes will ensure you look great no matter where you go – even if you are staying in the U.S.

New Balance are my top pick for travel because they have character and are fashionable while still providing comfort. Adidas are a classic choice and Europeans love them. PS448 are on the expensive end, but are also incredibly comfortable and the “it” sneaker of the moment. Soludos Ibiza are a classic choice and very versatile. And the most practical option is On Cloud since they work for walking and running/working out, and are light as air.

#2: Sandals

There is a big range of styles when it comes to a sandal. If you’re like Annika, you’ll want these as almost a “slipper” option and opt for a comfortable Birkenstock style. If you’re like me, you’ll want a classic leather sandal that you can dress up or down. And depending on the type of trip this might be where you opt for a heel like a clog sandal or wedge.

Vionic are my top pick because the arch support is incredible. If you have ever tried on a pair I’m sure you bought them instantly. If you know, you know. Sorel’s Ella II sandals are lightweight, fold up in your luggage and can look both dressy and casual. I am a big fan of a flat strappy sandal for travel and these Boden scarf wrap sandals are like two pairs in one because the leather straps can be swapped out with the included patterned scarf straps – adorable! And for the most practical traveler, the Teva sandal is the best option in terms of comfort, weight and price.

 

#3 Boots

Unless you are going on a summer boat trip or someplace tropical, you should always pack a pair of boots (in the case of a tropical or boat vacation, pack another pair of sandals or flats for your third pair). 

The Blundstone Chelsea boot is my favorite boot of all time – not just for travel! It’s classic, comfortable and perfect year round. If your trip will involve a lot of hiking, then the Danner Mountain 600 is a great choice. As a stylist I think these boots are also great-looking (love those classic red laces) and can also be worn when you’re not on the trail. If your itinerary has you visiting several cities, I suggest the Born Verona boot. It’s classic and a bit edgy but still very comfortable and versatile. And if you want your boots to serve as a dressier option for your travels then try the Sarah Flint Perfect Zip Bootie. These are an investment shoe, but they are simply stunning and will last a decade. The functional winners are these Cole Haan waterproof boots – I love the modern platform sneaker sole – which are practical and very cool.

 

Reducing the number of shoes you pack is an essential part of packing light, so try to stick to these three shoe styles the next time you pack and if you’re traveling by air, try to wear the bulkiest pair on the plane to save room in your suitcase. The few minutes of taking them off to go through security is worth the extra space.

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