How to Make Sure Your Shoes Are Comfortable When Traveling
I’m a big fan of hiking while traveling. Walking tours are a great way to see the city, and if you opt for the food tour, you can sample some of the local cuisine, sightseeing, and do some exercise along the way. This is a great combo. Unless you decide to wear the wrong shoes.
Uncomfortable shoes or shoes not designed for long-distance walking can turn a walk into a painful idea rather than a pleasant excursion. Travel + Leisure recently spoke with several podiatrists about how to keep your shoes as comfortable as possible.
Of course, some of the tips are things we all know, like breaking your shoes ahead of time and choosing the right shoes for the excursion you are going on.
They made one interesting suggestion: to wear shoes with straps or laces.
Although slip-on shoes can be easier to put on and take off, shoes with straps and laces will provide a secure fit to your feet. When your shoes can move, you don’t always get the best support from them, and you run the risk of blistering, which can significantly affect your mobility for the rest of the trip.
And if your shoes get wet during a downpour or unexpected puddle while traveling, you should remove the insoles when you return to your hotel. Removing the insole will allow the shoe to dry completely and give you a better chance of putting it back on every other day or so. Better yet, if you’re taking a trip where you think your shoes might get wet, consider waterproofing them ahead of time with a waterproofing spray.
Another great tip: don’t wear the same shoes all day.
Not all shoes are created equal. Change things throughout the day to give your feet a break and make sure you are wearing shoes that are appropriate for the specific activity you are doing. And don’t be afraid to add items to these shoes that will make them more comfortable, such as insoles or toe protectors.