If only there were convertible shoes, then we wouldn’t have to worry. One pair could transform from hiking boot to sandal with zip-on and tear off pieces. It would sure as heck help us decide on the types of shoes to pack in our backpacks since we often don’t have much space but definitely have multiple shoe needs.
I’ve said it before on this site that I recommend a light-hiker, chaco sandals and a pair of shower flip-flops. And, if you have the room to spare, a pair of these spare soles might do the trip when you want to look extra cute. Here are the shoes I recommend packing on the RTW trip you are about to take:
Shower Flip-flops:
You’ll want something rubber for this since they’ll need to dry quickly after use (any sort of cloth will hold you back and start to smell after a while). Showers in hostels and even some hotels are a little bit sketchy, and if you don’t want to end up with tinea – athlete’s foot – then you’ll want to keep your feet away from the floor.
With a little bit of rinsing, you can even sport your flip-flops out at the beach or around the hostel making them multipurpose, small and necessary.
Light-hikers:
Light hikers are shoes that can withstand a bit of wear and tear, and keep your feet protected when doing some hiking and serious trekking. Of course, you’ll need a pair of real hiking boots if that is the focus of your travels, but light-hikers with waterproof uppers and gortex soles should do the trick for most.
I recommend the Keen Targhees
as I used to have a pair. They were so, so comfortable and they even looked cute with a pair of jeans.
Chaco Sandals:
Oh my goodness, these things are sometimes very ugly. But, if you look at the Chaco article I recently wrote, you’ll see that some of the people commenting are forever converts. These sandals are very popular and for good reason: they last and keep you walking longer.
Chaco sandals are perfect for times you’ll be walking a lot around cities, perhaps in warm weather, when otherwise closed-in shoes would suffocate. They don’t take up too much space either!
Spare Soles:
If you haven’t seen Spare Soles, then you should definitely check them out. These little babies could be the answer to all of your girly packing problems when it comes to shoes. No, they aren’t fancy high heels, but they can go with skirts and jeans when you’re needing to class it up a bit more. Looking forward to a nice dinner out for a change? Just grab your tiny, rollable and foldable Spare Soles!
No Right Or Wrong
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to packing shoes for your RTW trip. It really comes down to personal preference, personal travel style and willingness to carry or roll what you pack.
What would you pack for your RTW trip?
The Spare Soles look neat!
My perpetual search seems to be for comfortable basic black flats that I can use for walking around a city. I do have Chacos and love them, but I’m also in the camp that thinks they’re ugly.
I just want a pair of small comfy walking shoes that are cute!! Le sigh…..
I don’t go anywhere without my Birkenstocks! I practically live in them!
I do enjoy those as they usually have a bit of arch support, right?
Yeah, definitely! They’re great for walking around in, whether it be on the beach, in the city, or for a light hike!
I looooove my Birckenstocks!
I always wonder: why can’t they make shoes that offer great support AND look nice.
Ha, because that would be too easy, Sofie
Lol, probably.
No, seriously: I don’t get how they can develop shoes with so much technique in them; against the cold, against the heat, against the rain, to have a good grip etc, but they can’t make them look good?
The reason I don’t own good hiking shoes at the moment is because I know I would wear them solely for hiking. I wouldn’t wear them to visit a city. I know a lot of people do and it’s probably really comfortable, but I’m afraid i’m a bit too much of a style lover to do that.
Maybe in ten years, who knows:)
Sofie! I second that. I have heard tales of a comfortable black flat that was around 80USD. I have to research what it was called….. but I am too afraid to buy them online without trying them on! Have you been succesful at all?
I’ve only bought shoes online without trying them in a shop first once, and it wasn’t a succes, so i’m hesitant to do it again…