Go Backpacking

  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
×
Home » Gear

Choosing Travel Shoes: The Ultimate Guide

Modified: Jul 29, 2025 · Published: Oct 25, 2021 by Guest Blogger |

One of the most frequently discussed issues in internet travel forums, in my opinion, is how to choose the best travel shoes.

What is it about shoes that makes them one of the most crucial considerations you make while packing for a vacation? Because the shoes you wear may frequently make or ruin your holiday!

Trail running sneakers and hiking shoes (photo: Dave Lee).
Trail running sneakers and hiking shoes (photo: Dave Lee)

The fact is that we can't bring our complete closet full of shoes with us on every trip, especially when traveling by plane. A lot of your shoe packing options will be influenced by the activities you have planned.

If you're going for more than one season or environment, you won't need to bring any more shoes; instead, choose more adaptable shoes. Here are some of the aspects that you should keep in mind when making your decision.

Table of Contents

  • Planned Activities
  • Type of Shoes
    • Walking Shoes
    • Activity Shoes
    • Elegant Shoes
  • Characteristics
    • Cushioning and Comfort
    • Color
    • Durability
  • Conclusion

Planned Activities

First and foremost, understanding what you intend to accomplish when traveling is essential in selecting the appropriate shoe for the occasion.

If you are going for a short period and are confident that you will not be doing anything physically demanding, you might travel with only a pair of casual shoes.

As with clothing, be sure that your shoes are appropriate for the weather, your location, and the culture you will be traveling to.

To enjoy city excursions, we recommend bringing one pair of shoes that can tolerate extended walking. You should choose black slides or sneakers that will go with most of your clothing, rather than heels or high heels that will stand out.

You should always have a good pair of white tennis shoes or running shoes on hand. Make your outfit more casual while still being comfy with this simple trick!

Heavy-duty shoes are recommended for trips that include hiking or other activities that will take place on trails or in harsh terrain.

It is recommended that you choose trail runners or hiking footwear that is specifically designed for hiking. These shoes are dependable and durable enough to keep you comfortable and at peace when it comes to lengthy, demanding adventures.

To wear to more formal events: If you have the capacity in your suitcase to include a pair of heels, by all means, do so!

However, for individuals wishing to bring shoes that can be used for various activities, we recommend packing shoes that are both fashionable and economical in price. The chances are slim that you'll require those six-inch pumps.

When traveling for an extended time, it is impossible to anticipate every eventuality. The most practical answer is to get shoes that are appropriate for any occasion.

Type of Shoes

Once again, it is dependent on what you intend to do in this situation. If you plan to walk, consider investing in a good pair of walking or running shoes.

If you plan to go trekking, consider investing in some hiking boots. It's self-evident - unless you're engaging in activities that change often.

Running shoes are excellent, even if you don't plan to run, because they are often very lightweight and comfortable.

Walking Shoes

These will serve as your go-to, everyday shoes anytime you need to get out of the hotel room. Whether you're taking a stroll through the square, visiting an art museum, or doing something more daring, your walking shoes will be your reliable buddy throughout it all. A good pair of running shoes or tennis shoes will almost certainly come in handy for this!

Activity Shoes

If you have any particular activities planned, your activity shoes will be pretty valuable. If you aren't expecting to go on a full-fledged walk, it is still a good idea to bring along a pair of athletic shoes if you wish to participate in an impulsive and thrilling activity that demands something a little more substantial.

Elegant Shoes

Not every trip is a laid-back backpacking adventure, and you may find yourself in need of more elegant footwear to complement the occasion. You'll most likely discover that a pair of sandals or flats that are both casual and dressy will do the trick.

Characteristics

Cushioning and Comfort

The most significant feature of a travel shoe is its level of comfort. We can't emphasize enough how important it is that you check the weather forecast for wherever you're heading before you go.

Take precautions to avoid the rookie mistake of packing open-toed shoes for a week of rain-soaked exploration.

Running shoes are the most comfortable shoes for me, which is just my subjective opinion. Walking shoes that are both comfortable and supportive will be your greatest buddy in warmer cities.

Suppose your itinerary is comprised chiefly of visits to tourist attractions in a city. In that case, it may be wise to carry a pair of your coziest shoes to ensure that your vacation gets off to a comfortable start.

For snowy, chilly weather: a pair of lightweight yet dependable boots can keep your feet from getting (literally) cold feet while on vacation.

We recommend wearing these boots to the airport if you're trying to save space in your luggage, as they tend to be the heaviest pair you'll carry.

When walking, cushioning can be beneficial, making travel more pleasant. Shoes that mimic the sensation of walking barefoot provide your feet with a more natural feel, similar to walking barefoot.

According to reports, wearing barefoot shoes when jogging or traveling offers several health advantages, and you will feel better as a result.

Color

It is all up to you on this one. If you want to stand out from the crowd, consider purchasing neon sneakers.

If you are like me and want to keep a low profile, black is the color to choose. Black shoes are also quite versatile since they go with almost anything. Remember that comfort should always take precedence over fashion.

Once you've given careful consideration to the type of terrain your feet will be traversing throughout your journey, it's critical to consider the surroundings of your final destination as well.

Durability

Durability is, in my opinion, the most significant feature in a shoe, second only to comfort in terms of importance. Ensure that the shoes you receive are durable enough to survive repeated wear before you go for your trip.

The worst thing that can happen is if your shoes break in the middle of a trip, forcing you to buy new ones, which can put a dent in your travel budget.

Every time I go shopping for travel shoes, I search for something lightweight and long-lasting. It's a bit tricky for me to gauge a product's durability since I always buy shoes online, so I have no way of knowing. When that happens, I rely on customer reviews.

Conclusion

Nothing is more disappointing than missing out on an unforgettable encounter because one's attention was diverted by the discomfort caused by an inappropriate pair of shoes.

When it comes to packing, some individuals tend to forget about their shoes until the last minute. You will not make that error, though, if you follow our comprehensive and helpful advice above.

______

This story is brought to you in partnership with Freedom Moses.

Related Stories

  • Hiking in fog with a headlamp, a vital small tool (photo: Isaac Davis).
    7 Small Tools That Make a Big Difference on Long Hikes
  • Biking and e-bike community.
    Why E-Cargo Bikes Are Becoming the Smartest Vehicle for Families and Small Businesses
  • Custom Sprinter van (photo by White Top Adventures).
    White Top Adventures: Quality Gear That Helps Van Travelers Go Farther
  • A backpacker wearing bright colors (photo: wayhomestudio on Freepik).
    3 Smart Ways Customized Gear Elevates Adventure Trips
4 shares
  • Share
  • Email

About Guest Blogger

This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines. For information on advertising opportunities, go here.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Follow Us

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Submissions

Copyright © 2025 Go Backpacking

4 shares
  • 4