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Can you guess the secret to a fashionista’s range of style? The ability to create fashionable looks with just a handful of clothing items falls on this unlikely clothing item: it’s in the shoes!

Contrary to all travel fashion rules, shoes are the single styling tool that takes an outfit from the mountains to the city! Shoes are the key to traveling in style even with the most diverse weather and seasonal trips. Follow our must-know shoe tips before your next trip!

Travel Shoes Tips for Fashionistas

For many of us, shoes are the hardest thing to give up when we pack for a trip. Women who travel usually struggle with the shoe dilemma of function vs. fashion.

However, if your travel isn’t activity based, why should you hold back on your footwear? As long as the shoes you pack are comfortable, then why not pack your favorites?

If you’re a fashionista and style is your number one priority, pack light by packing more shoes! But wait a minute; doesn’t this go against all rules of packing light? Not necessarily.

If you’re only packing ten clothing items with a very carefully selected capsule wardrobe for travel, you’ll have plenty of space for up to 5 pairs of shoes. However, make sure you follow these rules when choosing them:

Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie

Are they gonna make all your outfits rock?

The travel shoes you pack should work with all or most of your looks. Especially when you’re traveling carry-on only, you don’t want to take up space in your luggage for a pretty pair of red shoes that only work with one outfit.

When in doubt, go for a neutral shoe. For boots, we love black and taupe. For sneakers, sandals and flats, we love tan, black, and white.

Read my review and find out why the Travel Fashion Girl readers and I love this comfortable boot for travel!

Skechers Performance Go Walk 4 Pursuit Walking Shoe

Could you walk in them for 8 hours?

Whether you’ll be sightseeing all day or dancing all night, you want to be able to comfortably move around. While you might pack one pair of flats or wedges for a dinner out if you have fancy evenings planned, which you wouldn’t wear for sightseeing, you generally want to plan flat ankle boots, sneakers, and sandals that are made with travel and comfort in mind.

We love ECCO, Blondo, Vionic, and other comfortable travel shoes brands!

Damara Ankle Gladiator

Are you actually going to use them?

Remember, don’t pack any “just in case” items! You likely don’t need it. We recommend following the 3-shoe rule. Wherever you’re traveling and for however long, you can most likely get away with three pairs of shoes.

The shoes you take will depend on the season and destination. For example, you might pack sneakers, sandals, and ankle boots for varying weather, or sandals, espadrilles, and sneakers for a beach destination.

Here’s our twenty-one top picks for the most comfortable shoes!

Dr. Scholl’s Madison Fashion Sneaker

Are they going to hurt?

Make sure you break in your travel shoes before the trip. You wouldn’t want to pack a pair that will give you blisters! Even if the shoe is from a comfort brand or is a style you’ve previously worn, if they’re new shoes, you need to break them in before wearing them for hours on end.

Even the most comfortable of shoes may take time to break in, especially if they’re leather. Wear them on and off for at least a week before taking them on a trip.

Find out how to soothe tired feet after a long day of walking!

UGG Simmens Leather Boot

Are they going to take up too much space?

Your aim is still to pack light stylishly. Even in winter, tall, knee-high boots might not be the best option, as they will take up so much space in your luggage. Instead, consider ankle or mid-calf boots and high-top sneakers.

If you are determined to bring a taller pair of boots, wear them during your transit days rather than packing them in your suitcase.

Find out our readers’ picks for the best black ankle boots for travel!

Looking for outfit ideas to pair with travel shoes? Check out our outfit ideas below for inspiration!

Sneakers: Fall Weather and City Style

We love this outfit for an edgy yet classic vibe that matches the cooler weather of fall. To add a pop of color to this black-and-grey look, swipe on red lipstick!

These black sneakers are a great alternative to boots for the cooler weather. You can walk around in them all day while keeping your feet comfortable. The black patent material dresses them up so you can take them from day to night.

Ankle Boots: Cold Weather and City Style

For a Parisian vibe, this outfit ticks all the boxes. There’s nothing more classic than black pants and a striped top, layered with a khaki trench.

Tie in the neutral hues with these taupe Blondo booties, which are some of our favorite travel shoes. They’re so comfortable, plus they’re waterproof and durable for drizzly weather. They have a slight heel to dress them up so you can wear them with dresses or jeans.

Tennis Shoes: Hiking and Working Out

If you’re headed on a hike or long walk outside the city, dress comfortably yet stylishly with this outfit. Top your leggings and tee with a lightweight rain jacket that will keep you warm if it’s windy without making you feel overheated.

Our readers love Skechers sneakers for traveling, and these are a great option for long periods of walking on rough terrain.

Nude Heels: Make Any Outfit Look Extraordinary

While we don’t normally recommend packing heels, if you find yourself needing them for a trip, we love a nude pair so they can pair with just about any outfit.

For a trendy look for New York City or other stylish city, wear them with boyfriend jeans and a sweater. Add a pop of sparkle with earrings to tie the look together.

Ballet Flats: For Everything Else

When you need to swap out your sneakers for a dressier shoe for a nice dinner out, we love reaching for a trendy pair of ballet flats. They’re easier to pack than heels and you can even carry them in your bag to slip on when you need to change shoes.

These animal print flats are great for adding a fun twist to a basic jeans-and-a-tee look. Tie the colors together with a neutral scarf, and layer with a leather jacket if it’s chilly out.

Cute, Comfortable Sandals: Beaches and Tropical Destinations

Sandals are a must for any summer, beach, or tropical vacation. These gladiator style sandals are so comfy with a fun metallic color.

Pair them with a maxi dress for Sunday brunch along the water. Pack a tote with your sunscreen and other beach essentials for an all-day adventure!

Travel Fashion Tip

Some people say to wear your heaviest and bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane so your bag fits as a carry-on, but this only helps with the weight of your bag.

You have to make sure the bulkiest shoes fit inside your bag when fully packed otherwise you wont have space when you’re not wearing them any other time. So, wear whichever shoes you want, as long as EVERYTHING fits!

Use this 10 Piece Travel Essentials Packing List to help you choose your main clothing items and then prepare to plan your travel shoes!

What are your tips for travel shoes? Comment below!

For more tips and ideas on travel shoes, please read:

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Travel Shoes and The Sinful Tip I’m Sharing with You – For Fashionistas Only!