I was very reluctant to get on the Toms bandwagon, especially considering the innate hipster factor, but once I bought my first pair, I was hooked. I’ve since brought them on every trip. I usually over pack, especially when it comes to shoes, and I end up not wearing most of them. This is what makes packing shoes for your RTW trip a struggle.
>> Buy Toms Shoes on Amazon
So why do Toms make ideal travel footwear?
Toms on an elephant
1. Easy to slip on and off: There’s nothing more annoying than being stuck in line at airport security behind someone wearing combat boots or some similarly annoying shoes. They slip on and off with ease, helping you get through the airport that much faster. The people behind you will be grateful.
Toms are also good for visiting temples or mosques where you are required to remove your shoes. You won’t spend ten minutes untying and retying your shoes while your travel companions are already at the next sight.
2. Comfortable for long-haul flights: Speaking as someone who has endured many flights over nine hours, I can say that there are no shoes that are more like bedroom slippers than Toms. If you decide you don’t want to wear them, you can slide them into your seat pocket and put them back on when you want to get up for a stretch or bathroom break.
3. Versatility: Depending on what color and style you get, they can be dressed up or down for any outfit, meaning you don’t have to pack as many shoes. I’ve worn my black corduroy Toms with both pants and skirts. I’ve even seen photos of brides wearing them at their weddings.
Toms Shoes
4. Easy to pack: They collapse and take up hardly any room. If it comes down to only two pairs of shoes in your carry on bag, Toms should be one of them. These shoes take up less room than your guidebook! Aside from Spare Soles, they’re the smallest shoes to pack.
5. Good for walks: Sure, they’re not as ideal for hiking as Chacos, but they can be comfy for walks around the city, or in my case, a ride on an elephant.
6. Durability: I wore mine all throughout Thailand and Europe without any problems until they finally started to get holes in them in Australia. I probably could have made them last if my friends hadn’t been mocking me for how dirty they looked. And if you don’t drag your feet as much as I do, they can last even longer. If they get too dirty, you can wash them in the sink and air dry.
7. Well-known brand: Not only are their shoes unique and easily recognizable, but each pair comes with a TOMS brand flag that you can show off in front of all those landmarks you visit. Just check out how many amazing pictures they already have on their community.
8. Supports a good cause: Their motto is “one for one.” For every $50 pair you buy, the company sends a second pair to a child in need. What could be better than helping a needy child and buying a great pair of shoes at the same time?
>> Buy Toms Shoes on Amazon
I don’t have a pair of TOMS but I’m pretty sure they’re going to be one of the first things I buy when I’m back in the States! I have friends who swear by them–one has a sparkly pair in addition to a set in pretty much every color–but I keep seeing travelers wearing them and they look hip and simple and easy and light. I like that combination!
Thanks for this! I’m thinking perhaps I need to get a pair before my trip to Europe this summer!
I think Toms are ugly, but you’ve almost convinced me that they’re worth a try. Reason #7, however, would be the exact reason why I would immediately cut off that brand tag. I think visible brand labels are tacky… I should get paid if the company wants me to tout their merchandise. Reason #8, though, might just tip the scales in their favor.
Fair enough, Nethwen, I don’t like overly branded clothing either, but I’ve also worn Keds which have about the same amount of tagging. I say go try them on before buying to see how you feel! Thanks for commenting.
For those ladies (and gentlemen) in Canada, another pair of shoes that are quite similar to Toms are Sanuks. I brought them on a trip to Europe and they were fantastic. They’re sold at my work and almost everyone has a pair to wear to work, even though we usually don’t get breaks and are therefore on our feet walking around the store for 5 hours straight! Super comfy, also fold up really flat, and a definitely option for those who are conscious of the hipster factor that comes with Toms
http://www.shopsanuk.ca/women-sidewalk-surfers
I ADORE my TOMS but I disagree… I think they’re terrible travel shoes. If you dont get removable/ washable insoles they start to stink after a few weeks of wear (since they’re meant to be worn barefoot). Mine have worn through at both toes and both heels (the fabric part, not the sole). There is very little tread on them – if I wore them in Sydney on rainy days I would slip on the sidewalk. I still have mine and they’re good biking up to the store shoes… but beyond that, I wouldn’t bring another pair with me again.
Interesting feedback, Melissa. Would you be interested in writing a short rebuttal guest post? Would love to share you side of the story with more people
for sure, I’ll write something up and send it to you. I’ll even provide pictures of my poor worn out TOMS (which I still wear, despite the holes)