Travel Fashion Girl

Popular stories on Travel Fashion Girl

Fashionable Travel Shoes

FASHION

by  |  on October 10th, 2012  |  24 comments

travel shoes

My Top Picks: Comfortable and Fashionable Travel Shoes

Guest Post by Natasha Padgitt

I’m no fashion expert – far from it. I wouldn’t even call myself a travel expert or true expat at this point, having only recently moved to San Salvador. But I am definitely an expert in one thing: comfort. Specifically, comfortable travel shoes, thanks to years of commuting to work via public transportation in Washington, DC.

Prior to moving abroad, I wanted to make sure that I had some comfortable, non-nerdy yet fashionable travel shoes.

You know what I’m talking about: Something more substantial than a flip-flop but not quite into sneaker/hiking-boot territory. I have three pairs that I really like, but my best travel shoes for walking are Crocs (What?! I know – don’t judge me) Crocs Women’s Carlie Flat.

travel shoes

I actually just purchased my third pair because I have worn through two pairs in about a year and a half – that’s how much I wear them! These shoes have taken me all over Washington, San Francisco and Chicago, just to name a few cities. And now, they’re helping me navigate the streets of San Salvador.

The peep toe gives them a little bit of style, but the upper part is made of a silicone-like material called TPU (I had to look that up because I didn’t know what it was –thanks, Wikipedia), which means they can get wet or dirty and wash off very easily.

I also like that they can be dressed up or down and can transition from “day at the beach” to “drinks and dinner.” I’ve worn them with jeans, shorts and dresses.

They were my shoe of choice to hobble around the city celebrate with dinner and cocktails after running the Chicago Marathon last year. They truly are ideal womens travel shoes.

Find out more about the Crocs Women’s Carlie Flat.

travel shoes

For something a little more substantial – say, an easy hiking trail or other terrain where you might want a closed toe, I like the Merrell Pure Glove Mary Jane Shoe, which has a Vibram sole for sure-footing and Lycra mesh uppers for a breathable shoe that still keeps rocks and debris out. I own them in the “Castle Rock” color:

They may be little dorky, but I still think they’re better than some of the reinforced-toe alternatives that are out there. They’re billed as a running shoe, but I haven’t actually used them for running. However, it’s nice to know they’re good for it in case there’s trouble …

Click here for more info about the Merrell Pure Glove Mary Jane Shoe.

travel shoes

Finally, another one of my favorite womens travel shoes are the Merrell Women’s Serene Glove Flats. I love ballet flats, but with no arch support or structure, most pairs are not made for long treks on foot. I own these Merrells in black, and they’re cute enough to be dressed up for a nice meal but substantial enough to support your feet on a walking tour. (I wear them without the strap around my ankle.)

Find out more about the Merrell Women’s Serene Glove Flats.

So there you have it: My top shoe picks for stylish travel. What do you consider to be the best fashionable travel shoes?

TFG Recommends: No matter what your choice of fashionable travel shoes, Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles are a must for the ultimate in added comfort! They make insoles cut specifically for a woman’s foot so they fit your flats, trainer, or boots just right. Their High Heel Insoles are a total life saver if you plan to travel with heels. I love these insoles – they are the perfect comfort solution!
Thanks for the awesome post Natasha! As you can see from this post, you’re not the only one that loves Crocs! If you found this post helpful, please re-tweet, share, and comment :-)

Author Bio

Natasha Padgitt is a writer living in San Salvador, El Salvador, where she and her husband are posted for his first tour in the U.S. Foreign Service. A Washingtonian turned expatriate, Natasha enjoys reading (to find inspiration to write), baking (to satisfy her insatiable sweet tooth) and running (to undo the effects of baking). She blogs at La Vie Overseas about “Expat Life as a Foreign Service Wife.”

travel shoes

Check out similar articles :-)

Share and Enjoy

 

Author Description

alex

Add a comment

Comments (24)

  1. Dee Dee Friday - 05 / 04 / 2013 Reply
    I like the styles that Crocs offer, but I'm concern about my feet perspiring in warm climits like Italy in June. Have you had this problem?
    • alex Friday - 12 / 04 / 2013 Reply
      I'll let Natasha answer this one and I'll also post in on facebook to get more feedback :-)
  2. Geek Goddess Friday - 08 / 03 / 2013 Reply
    I went on a two week trip through Turkey/Greece/Israel last year, and I went with only two pairs of flat Ecco shoes, one in a neutral taupe smooth leather and one in a black patent. I wore them walking for hours through city streets, climbing up the steps of the Parthenon, up the desert steps at Masada, wore them with dresses, pants, and shorts. That was two years ago, and I continue to wear the same two pairs, and they show essentially no wear. They aren't $30, but they are stylish, very high quality, leather uppers, good arch support, and required no breaking in.
    • alex Friday - 12 / 04 / 2013 Reply
      Thanks for the tips! good shoes are worth the money in my opinion. Will check them out :-) Thanks for reading!
  3. Jenna Wednesday - 24 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    Great ideas! This is perfect timing for me because I just posted on my blog's Facebook page that I am having trouble finding comfortable travel shoes that look cute. I got a pair of Converse at Target--horrible! So uncomfortable. I have a pair of Merrell Mary Janes but want something that will be more closed in case it rains.
    • alex Thursday - 25 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      That's great! Natasha provided great tips and everyone has responded very well to her travel shoe choices :-)
  4. Caitlin Wednesday - 17 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    Just now discovering the multitude of Croc styles so thanks for the tip but how bad is the sweaty feet issue when going barefoot while travelling?
    • alex Sunday - 21 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      not sure about the sweaty feet...anyone know? the newer styles sure seem to be popular though as an alternative to the regular travel shoes :-)
      • Jenna Wednesday - 24 / 10 / 2012 Reply
        I wore Crocs when I was pregnant because they were the most comfortable shoes I could find, and they seem to resist sweating. Never noticed having sweaty feet with them!
        • alex Thursday - 25 / 10 / 2012 Reply
          Thanks for the feedback! :-)
  5. Melissa - Suitcase and Heels Sunday - 14 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    I bought a pair of Merrell San Remo sandals for a 3.5 week trip around the world. They've taken a beating (and a dip in the Adriatic) and have held up. I've walked miles upon miles without breaking them in first (wrong I know!) and not one blister. I love that they have a supportive, grippy sole without looking like an athletic sandal. I can wear them with shorts or a sundress. I just need to figure out how to clean the footbeds, because after 24 days of almost constant wear they're a bit stinky. :\
    • alex Sunday - 14 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      Hi Melissa, thanks for your comment! Merrell for sure makes quality travel shoes - it's great that they can do both practical and select shoes that have a bit of style too. That's incredible that you didn't get a blister with the San Remos. That's always one of the worst things about any new shoes. As for the stinky part, they may look nice but they're still shoes so it's understandable :-)
  6. Bethaney - Flashpacker Family Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    Most of my travels have been done in a $30 pair of Croc sandals. They're ridiculously comfortable and don't look bad at all. I mysteriously lost one on the plane to the US last year. I've got no idea where it went or how I lost a shoe on the plane. I'd kicked them off under the seat in front of me and on of them just vanished into thin air!! Airhostesses searched the plane with me after everyone had disembarked but no shoe!!! I had to walk through LAX in a pair of purple socks from the comfort kit until I got my luggage!! So embarrassing!!! I went and bought a new pair of the Croc sandals the next day in Vegas and they saw me through my last trip around Asia and are still in good condition. :)
    • alex Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      Wow, that's a lot of Croc love and how does one vanish? LOL :-) Depending on where my next travels take me, I might get one of their hybrid flats like the Carlie. I think I sense the need for a Crocs giveaway!
  7. Natasha Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    Thanks again for the opportunity for a guest post. I'm glad the feedback has been positive so far ... I never thought I would be making fashion recommendations!
    • alex Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      Thanks Natasha! Your recommendations were the perfect balance of function and fashion :-)
  8. Meagan C Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    Thanks for this post. My husband's a FSO in the 169th A-100 & I have been considering good DC walking shoes & travel shoes for our first post for a couple weeks. I've loved traveling in a pair of croc Jaydas - Just what you need to get through TSA at the airport. Super helpful post!
    • alex Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      It's surprising to see cuter Crocs - but I now they're officially in the function and fashion category :-) Thank you for commenting!
  9. Kelly Dunning Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    I always thought Crocs were the very definition of tacky and ugly and I swore never to wear them... but that I find that first pair of shoes actually attractive. I'm in Southeast Asia and my cheap night market sandals just fell apart and I could really use a pair of those right now! haha
    • alex Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      Yes me too!~ I've seen a bunch of knock offs here at the markets in Thailand and will consider buying a pair before I leave. If you need any tips on Thailand, I live here feel free to ask! It's nice to see Crocs stepping it up! Thanks for your comment :-)
  10. Francesca Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
    Not surprised to see two of your three picks are Merrell. I swear by that brand!
    • alex Thursday - 11 / 10 / 2012 Reply
      I've been recommended this several times - I have to try it!

Add a comment

CommentLuv badge








and get your FREE PACKING E-BOOK! 

New Graphic

We respect your email privacy

Minimalist Travel Essential: eBags Packing Cubes :-) Total Space Savers!

photo EBAGS_zps1ab0d9a0.jpg

Follow Travel Fashion Girl on Bloglovin

Follow on Bloglovin

Shopping Goodies!


© 2013 Made by Flare. All rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions


Quantcast


UA-33772252-1