Nothing can change your mood from happy to cranky quicker than a pair of uncomfortable shoes. And this is never more true then when you’re out exploring a new city—even if you’re day is only half-way through, encountering a pair of irritating blisters or feeling the sharp back pains that often come with poor arch support will make you want to stop everything and give your tootsies a rest.
So if you’re planning a trip that involves a lot of walking, treat your feet to one (or a couple) of these comfortable, yet stylish shoes that are ideal for traveling.
Sneakers
Everyone loves some comfy sneakers while traveling, but many of the really comfortable ones tend to be clunky orthopedic shoes with thick, gummy soles or velcro straps—not always the most fashionable option to say the least. However, there are some brands that make some seriously comfortable, yet fun and sporty, tennis shoes that are layered with cushioning without the bulk. Nike® and Adidas® offer some of the top-rated models for performance and durability, as well as New Balance®, Puma® and many others.
Boots
Ideal for cold weather and a more trendy alternative for sneakers, boots are a great way to show some style without sacrificing comfort for both men and women. Knee-length and ankle boots are great for pants, skirts and dresses alike, and most offer great support and warmth to the ankles, which is essential for walking around a lot. The Walking Company® offers a wide selection of quality-made boots that are designed to provide lots of support and many are priced very reasonably. Sperry® also offers an assortment of ankle booties and tall riding boots, as well as rain boots, duck boots, and more.
Dress Shoes
Sneakers and other less-restricting shoes are definitely your best bet in terms of comfort, but what happens when you have to dress up for a nice dinner or attend a fancy performance at the theater? Hiking boots certainly won’t cut it, so you’ll have to find some more sophisticated options for these types of events. Born® makes a variety of flats in the Julianne collection that offer both support and style. For a bit of height, ditch the stilettos for a pair of wedge sandals from Aerosoles® that offer comfort and elegance in a range of fun colors. Earthies® is another great brand for dress shoes that are great for travel.
In addition to these great footwear options, there are several other ways to increase your comfort while walking around all day. Some include:
- Investing in quality socks
- Choosing the right insoles for the arches of your shoes
- Wearing your shoes a few times beforehand to break them in a little
- Making sure your shoes aren’t too tight or loose—especially if walking around in them for hours at a time
- Avoid pointy-toed shoes, even if they’re boots or flats—they tend to force big toes to go unnaturally inward and cause pain
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