How to Choose the Perfect Shoes for Traveling Around the World
Epic travel requires top-notch shoes that can handle anything. You need shoes that are so comfortable, protective and versatile that you won’t even think about them for the entire trip. Here’s what you need to know before you travel.
To get this guide started properly, I was helped by another traveler, Henrik Jeppesen . He is a popular Dane who traveled all over the world before he turned 28 and currently visits all parts of the world (98 out of 132). Jappessen is damn close to literally seeing it all, so he knows a thing or two about old hoof travel.
Choose the right footwear for the right ride
Adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Will you be walking the busy streets of Tokyo or exploring the dense Amazon jungle? Are you traveling in Africa or traveling in the French countryside? Each adventure requires a different type of footwear, so always ask yourself these two questions: Where am I going? and “What am I going to do there?”
- If you will be walking on the hard sidewalks and sidewalks of urban areas most of the time , wear tennis shoes or trainers . You can also opt for more casual running shoes if you know they feel good. I wear a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam Vongos . It’s a stability-focused shoe that delivers more cushioning and comfort on the long days as you explore a new city.
- If you are walking on trails or cross country , go with a couple of cross country runners or light hiking trails. They are durable, protective and built for long trips. These shoes are also a good idea if you are facing a lot of wet weather, as most sneakers are waterproof. My Salomon XA PRO 3D models are waterproof, offer great traction and provide tremendous support to my feet. On the other hand, Jeppesen notes that he only needs waterproof shoes on a few occasions, such as on an expedition cruise. In such cases, he usually lends or leases a pair. So remember to think about the entire ride before pulling the trigger. For example, a 10-day trip with only one day of wet and harsh adventure may not require the purchase of a pair of running shoes.
- If you’re heading to more fashionable events while exploring a new city , wear classic shoes where comfort is more important than fashion. Designed for professionals who need to be on their feet all day. My dockers aren’t the best pair of classic shoes I have, but they look decent enough and, more importantly, don’t kill my feet. Plus, you can always look good and stand out from other parts of your wardrobe.
Some people like the breathability and lightness of sandals and other open toe shoe styles, but I don’t recommend them. Your legs will feel horribly faster than you think, and you are more likely to get injured. Protect those legs! If they lose any function, your adventure will be interrupted. If you really think you’ll need sandals, bring a couple of straps with you. They’re cheap, lightweight and don’t take up much space in your backpack.
Comfort and practicality above fashion
I mentioned this briefly above, but it bears repeating: Traveling shoes are not about looking good . They protect your legs so you can go wherever you go with minimal discomfort and pain. Plus, if you sacrifice a little fashion, you can travel a lot easier.
Jeppesen usually travels with only one pair of versatile shoes that are lightweight and comfortable to wear in different climates. He likes shoes that he can walk in, but which he also feels comfortable in in a restaurant. I recommend that you do the same if you can help. The shoes are heavy and even one extra pair will add a ton of weight to your luggage. This is especially true if you are hiking or minimalist.
I only travel with one bag , so there isn’t much room for something. I usually just pick one pair that works best for the ride – either my comfortable running shoes or my lightweight trail running shoes. Then, if I really need them, maybe I’ll pack the dress shoes. Of course, if you happen to find a pair of versatile shoes that fit your ride well and look great, it’s just gravy.
Check them for support and suitability
When you find a pair that looks like they are up to the task, you need to test it thoroughly. Don’t just put them on in the store and walk a few steps. This is not enough to really know. Here’s what the good guys at REI recommend for testing shoe supports :
Grasp the heel and toe of the shoe and fold the toe up. Does the shoe flex on the ball of the foot or at some random point halfway along the arch of the foot? It should bend under the ball of the foot.
Flip the sole of the shoe from heel to toe. Does the outsole feel like wet noodles or is there twist resistance? As a walker, you want to feel light to moderate resistance.
And here’s what they suggest to test the fit of a shoe :
Go down the slope. As you go down the slope, stamp and scratch your feet. Try to keep the tips of your toes touching the front of the shoe from the inside. Assuming you’ve laced up your shoes tightly, they shouldn’t let you push that far forward. The shoes stretch and expand slightly over time. If your toes may already be touching the front of the shoe when new, try a different pair.
Climb the stairs. If the shoe holds up to the test on the downhill, try it on a ladder. Climb several flights of stairs, two steps at a time. You should check the heel lift. If your heels are constantly coming off the insole by more than 1/8 of an inch, it could be a heel blister waiting in the wings.
I do this for every pair of shoes I buy now, even if they’re not for travel. These are good habits and your feet will thank you.
You get what you pay for
Shoes can be very expensive – some of mine cost around $ 150 – but now is not the time to bargain. When you travel for adventure rather than relaxation, you are guaranteed to spend most of your time on your feet. Follow the ‘time wasted’ rule and get a decent pair of shoes that make you feel very comfortable and that will meet all your travel needs.
If you can find what you want on sale, great, but don’t go for the smaller shoe to save some money. Your legs will hate you for it, and you can ruin part of your journey. Jappessen advises not to worry if you are afraid to go out in expensive-looking shoes. His shoes were never stolen and never faced with similar problems. However, be sure to do your research ahead of time and avoid unsafe locations if possible.
Break them down before you leave
Okay, you’ve got your shoes and are excited to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Delay! Before you leave, take the time to break these puppies, and do it gradually . Don’t wait for the ride to really put on your travel shoes.
The break-in period will help them adjust to your feet better, and this is a good time for a test run. Maybe these shoes look great in the store, but really irritate your feet after an hour or two. Now you know and you have time to get some more.
Don’t forget the good socks
A shoe is only as good as the sock you wear with it. I recommend that you avoid the typical cotton socks at all costs. They absorb moisture well, but dry slowly, so they are soaked in sweat and stay that way. This is a one-way ticket to Blisterville.
Use merino wool socks instead. They are good at regulating temperature, so your feet will be comfortable in any environment, and they can absorb and absorb a lot more sweat. They are also softer than cotton, which gives your feet an extra soft padding. Synthetic socks are also good. Most hiking socks and special running socks are made from these excellent materials, so head to your local outdoor or sports store.