After years of travelling with a ridiculous amount of shoes – and I’m not even a shoe person, I prefer handbags – I have come to terms with the fact that there are really only five types of shoes that you need for travelling anywhere in the world. Anything beyond these five types of shoes comes down to your personal style and which pair goes with what outfit, but as long as you have these gender-neutral five to hand when you’re packing for your trip, you can’t go wrong.
1. Trainers/sneakers
We are finally comfortably living in a time where it’s socially acceptable to go almost anywhere in a pair of trainers/sneakers. They’re versatile, comfortable, fashionable and practical. Great for long days on your feet exploring and for working out in hotel gyms or going for a run.
I am particularly fond of Reebok Nike. If you want a pair that you can wear during the day and to the gym, I suggest going for a pair made by a sports brand.
2. Hiking boots
As well as being completely appropriate for hikes, hiking boots are comfortable for long days on your feet and are water proof so ideal if the weather isn’t peachy where you’re heading. It’s important to hike with supportive shoes to prevent injury and misery. A few years ago we went on an organised trek through the Malaysian jungle just outside of Kuala Lumpur. It was a steep trail over rocks and through streams, and the other couple with us were wearing trainers (sneakers) and struggled with their little tread underfoot. I strongly suggest breaking in a pair of hiking boots if you plan on hiking on your trips.
I have a pair of hiking shoes from Hi-Tec and boots from Dune and I recommend both as they are waterproof with a great tread.
3. Flip flops
If you’re going anywhere remotely warm, you cannot go wrong with a pair of basic bish flip flops. These will take you to the pool, the beach, communal showers or for a potter around but I don’t recommend wearing them all day because they don’t offer any support.
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You can be as expressive as you want with your flips flops, the more colourful the better! What’s great about these is that you don’t have to splash cash at these, whether they’re from Primark/Target or Prada, they do the same thing, plus you can wash them on the go!
My go-to flip flops are Havaianas.
4. Sandals
Going somewhere hot and need something a little smarter than flip flops? Sandals have got your back. Go for something classic and neutral so you can take them from the beach to the bar. I am not a big fan of heels so I prefer to go out to dinner in a pair of sandals that can be dressed up or down.
My favourite sandals are Loupe in tan from Dune. They look like a pair from Hermès but with an affordable price tag.
5. Ankle boots
If you’re going somewhere cooler where flip flops and sandals will leave you with blue feet but trainers aren’t appropriate, a pair of ankle boots will do the trick. A simple pair of ankle boots will dress up an outfit for the evening and will help keep the cold out during the day.
Dune has the most amazing selection of ankle boots.
Depending on the climate of your destination and what you plan to do there, the chances are you won’t need all of the above, and if you do, kudos on the amazing trip, but here are the five pairs that you can refer to that will get you all over the world.
Aloha, Gabriella
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