Walking Shoes for Travel 
Sandals, Flats, High Heels, Socks
Wallking shoes, a really good and comfy pair, are one of the most important things to pack for a trip. Or, for that matter, to wear any time you want to get out and about.
When your feet hurt, or your shoes rub and pinch, you're not a happy camper. And it's even less fun when you are half a world away from home! So put some time into finding a really good pair of walking shoes so you can go hiking and sightseeing in comfort. And leave shoes like these pretty, red ones at home!
Sandals and Shoes for Walking and Hiking
It takes time to find a walking and hiking shoe that suits you, but so worth it. Here's what I found works well for me, and why (there's always a 'why'!). If you've found a great pair of walking shoes, please leave me a comment below. I'\m always interested in finding a great pair of shoes, and shoes with new features are coming out all the time.
My favorite hiking / walking shoes MBTs
If you are new to the delights of 'Masai Barefoot Technology' footwear, then be aware that it will take you a few weeks to get used to them, so don't rush out and buy them just before a trip! Why?
MBTs have no support -- no stabilizers. The idea is for the wearer to use core muscles to walk properly (and not as if inebriated!). MBTs are great for this, and you notice your leg and stomach and other muscles firm up nicely over the months. MBTS are also touted as being super for relieving knee, leg, back and other pains, but luckily I don't need them for that. I was attracted to these shoes for the core work while walking (hate to go to gym:-) But with the hig arch rocker sole, I have to watch I don't rock on them when I am trying to focus my camera!
See on Amazon at MBT sandals, walking shoes, hiking shoes
Compare Walking Shoes
After 3 years, I've put both the MBTs and the Chung Shis through more hard wear and wet weather than any good shoe should have to experience. It's time for a new pair. Whatever you choose as your favorite walking shoe, don't forget to get a new pair every year or two, depending on how much wear they've had. Even the best shoe won't last forever :-)
I'm checking out the newer MBTs. A child o'mine who's on her feet all day at work got a pair of Sketchers. Apparently some of the new Skechers are designed to perform like the wildly popular MBT styles of shoes (Amazon pics -- Skechers Women's Shape Ups
How Many Pairs of Shoes, Sandals, to Pack for a Trip
Two. That's it. Total. Packing only 2-3 pairs of shoes is really tough for a lot of people (Ladies!), but shoes take up a lot of room in your luggage, and you can only wear one pair at a time. So choose wisely.
- One pair of shoes with laces, suitable for walking or hiking (easier to adjust should your feet swell) that you can also wear when in transit. Walking / hiking shows tend to weigh more than sandals and flats, so if you can wear them on the flight, they won't be taking up room and adding to the weight of your luggage.
- One pair for dressier, not-much-walking times like going to dinner or a business meetings. Perhaps a slip-on sandal, or a glide with a low heel, or flats. Make sure they are light weight for checked luggage.
- Okay, maybe three pairs of shoes, if the third type is a rubbery plastic thong or similar shoe to wear around the swimming pool or in the public showers, or wear as slippers in your hotel room.
Caveat: Travel Sandals for daily touring and walking on a trip: It depends on where you are going, and when you'll be wearing them:
- Just once find your feet awash in sewage -- YUCK! -- or who knows what during a sudden rainstorm -- in places like Haiti, etc -- and you'll wear a full shoe forevermore and save your sandals for the beach. Or if you are walking through the rainforest in Borneo, with leeches and leech socks on, you'll want a full shoe.
- But if you know your destination is not likley to have issues like that, or you wear them around the resort/hotel area, then by all means. There are other types and styles of sports sandals at Amazon for men women and children that are rated fairly highly -- see sport hiking sandals
Packing high heels for Travel: Ladies, explain to your high heels that you are leaving them at home because you love them too much to risk damaging them on rough foreign cobblestones and broken tiles, and promise to wear them just as soon as you get back! Even on a business trip, unless you are in meetings all week and not likely to be doing much walking, jogging, or sightseeing, see if you can get by with one or two pairs of flats plus the pair of walking shoes.
Socks for Travel: How Many Pairs to Pack
Cold Climate: Thicker, warmer socks. Washable wool is a great choice, if you can wear wool. Check them out as the processing may have removed the allergen. You'll likely only need 2-3 pairs for most trips, no matter how long you are on the road. If you are wearing winter boots or hiking boots, you're not likely to be sweating, or walking around in the dirt, and so winter socks don't get as dirty as fast as summer socks.
Warm Climate: Lighter weight cotton, cotton blends, sports socks. If you will be in a hot, humid climate, you need the thinnest pairs of socks you can find. Summer socks usually need to be washed after each wearing, but since they are so much less bulky than winter socks, you can tuck 7 pairs into a pouch in your suitcase. Pack a pair in your carryon, too, just in case your checked bag goes astray.
See pictures, prices, styles of some travel socks for women
TIP Launder socks with shampoo -- it's great for removing body oils -- or carry a small package of powdered detergent.
More on Walking Shoes: (I stress this is MY opinion -- Your experience may be different):A year after I got my MBTs, I got a pair of Chung Shi shoes, and have worn them for 2 years now. My particular style, at least, does not perfom as the MBTs on wet/ icy surfaces. The Chung Shis also have a steel shank as a stabilizer, and I found I could walk normally in them right away (Bear in mind I had a year or more of walking in MBTs).
BUT this steel shank triggers security alarms in airports, so I have to remove the shoes every time I go through. The Chung Shi have a slimmer design, though, so it was, at the time, a small price to pay for vanity :-)
More travel packing Clothing tips and specialty pages:
Pants * Skirts * Shirts, Tops * Bathing Suits: * Underwear * Sleepwear * Rainwear Ponchos * Main Travel Tips Page * Holidays to Dominican Republic short list suggested clothes etc for most tropical resorts * China Travel clothing -- China travel suggested wardrobe
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