What’s a
seasoned world traveler without the perfect pair of shoes? A traveler in need
of some advice, in our opinion. The editors at Fodor’s trek all over the world,
and our stylish kicks take us every step of the way. Here, we share the
stories behind the footwear we can’t travel without, the pairs that help us
look fashionable the second we step off the cruise or the plane. These favorite
pairs have taken us on journeys both near and far, from Dublin to Haiti to
Morocco to Montana. Some of us even wear these shoes on a daily basis, right
here in our New York City office. With the help of our discerning female
editors, here are some of the flats, boots, and heels you should consider
packing for your next trip.
1. UGG
AUSTRALIA “ALLOWAY” BLACK SUEDE STUDDED LOAFER
The
Tester: Róisín Cameron, Associate Editor, Countryside and Adventure
Where did you
go? I wore them on a short break in Hong Kong in the springtime with bare
feet, and in Dublin in December with thick tights, when the sheepskin padding
really came into its own.
The Review: The
sheepskin lining means that the shoes ($140) are really
breathable on bare feet—great for endless walking on hot days. But when worn
with tights the lining makes them really cozy, and the padding feels great any
time.
The
Catch: They need a little thought as to what to pair them with—too casual
and you risk looking like you’ve wandered out in your slippers. Ugg sells a
protective sheepskin and suede spray, but I would still be wary of taking them
out on wet days.
The
Verdict: Comfort and warmth—Ugg knows what it’s doing when it comes to
both.
2. MERRELL,
BAREFOOT LIFE JUNGLE GLOVE (BLACK)
The
Tester: Linda Cabasin, Editorial Director
Where did you
go? I’ve walked the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, explored small towns in
Yorkshire, window-shopped on Seville’s Calle Sierpes, and stood in many a
tasting room in Sonoma, to name a few spots. These Merrells ($100) are versatile.
The Review: Walking
is my favorite way to explore any city or town, so I value comfort and support
to the max. Sore feet are a real pleasure killer. These shoes are profoundly
wearable even after five hours traipsing across cobblestones.
The Catch: Where
did they come up with Barefoot Life Jungle Glove as a name? It’s a bit
embarrassing, but okay. I also prefer regular leather to suede, but the comfort
factor is so high that I overlooked it. These shoes come in a lot of colors and
variations, so there’s also a bit too much temptation to buy another pair (or
two).
The
Verdict: They’re totally easy to slip on and off, and have a low profile
that’s a bit more stylish or city-appropriate than other Merrell shoes I own.
Plus these aren’t too bulky, making them easy to pack.
3. TOMS
CLASSICS (ALL COLORS)
The
Tester: Caroline Trefler, Senior Editor, Cities and Cultural Destinations
Where did you
go? Wow, just about everywhere. Paris, Israel, Jordan, Tokyo, Rome,
Florence, Toronto, Copenhagen, Jordan, Miami, New Orleans...everywhere I’ve
been in the past four or five years.
The Review: These shoes (from $48) are super comfortable and they almost
weigh nothing, so I can pack several different colors for different outfits.
The
Catch: They’re pretty casual so I usually need something else for night
time. Also, when they get wet they take a while to dry, so they're not the best
for rainy destinations.
The
Verdict: I literally once took 3 pairs. I can even stash a pair in my
purse if I’m wearing heels and want an extra pair of flats.
4. BORN
STOWAWAY II FLATS (ALL COLORS)
The
Tester: Kristan Schiller, Editor, Cities and Cultural Destinations
Where did you
go? All over Europe and the US.
The
Review: These flats ($130) are extremely comfortable and versatile.
Easy to slip on and off at airport security.
The
Catch: Not ideal for inclement weather or hilly terrain.
The
Verdict: Great city shoes that can be dressed up or down.
5. COLE HAAN
MANHATTAN BALLET (BLACK LEATHER)
The Tester:
Roxanne Chen, Senior Web Product Manager
Where did you
go? I’ve gone to Istanbul, Tuscany, and Cusco in these shoes ($158).
The
Review: If you have any issues with your feet swelling on long plane
rides, this shoe is perfect! And there are lots of colors to choose from,
or just stick with black if you prefer to pack light.
The
Catch: It’s more understated but goes with many outfits.
The
Verdict: Great for all seasons and super comfy since they’re stretchy and
feel like sneakers.
6.
HEYRAUD BOTTE LÉGÈRE (BLACK)
The
Tester: Erica Duecy, Deputy Editor, Fodors.com
Where did you
go? I spotted these boots ($407) through a shop
window in Paris and knew that I had to have them. I always wear them on the
plane so that they don’t take up unnecessary space in my carry-on. So far I’ve
worn them on trips to Chicago, Seattle, and Boston. In NYC, I wear them at
least once or twice a week.
The
Review: These are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. They’re
lightweight and almost knee-high, perfect for trekking around a city,
navigating through cobblestone streets, and up and down staircases.
The
Catch: The leather is so soft (part of their appeal) that I worry about
wearing these boots in heavy rain or snow. I don’t want to ruin them!
The
Verdict: These are the slippers of the boot genre—but way more stylish.
7. ARIAT
WEXFORD H2O BOOTS (BLACK)
The Tester:
Linda Schmidt, Managing Editor
Where did you
go? London, Vermont, and Montana.
The
Review: These boots ($119.99) are absolutely,
totally waterproof, even in downpours, yet breathable because they’re leather,
not synthetic.
The
Catch: The leather is so durable that they never get a worn-in look. But
the style is very understated, so they don’t stick out as bought-for-the-trip
new.
The
Verdict: Completely comfortable with no break-in period. Not
dorky-looking, like a lot of waterproof boots are.
8. CAMPER,
PALMERA BOOTS (BLACK LEATHER)
The
Tester: Caroline Trefler, Senior Editor, Cities and Cultural Destinations
Where did you
go? Paris, Toronto, Rome, Florence, Mexico City, Japan, etc.
The Review: Very
comfortable. I can walk for miles and miles and miles. They're also versatile.
I wear these boots ($160) with pants or
casual skirts or dresses.
The
Catch: These are for cooler weather. I don’t wear these to warm
destinations or beach destinations. I wear them when it’s damp out, too. No,
they’re not rain boots, but if it's just kind of yucky out, they’re perfect.
The
Verdict: They last forever. I’ve been wearing mine for about 5 years!
9. SWEDISH
HASBEENS ZIP IT EMY (BORDEAUX)
The Tester:
Jennifer DePrima, Senior Production Editor
Where did you
go? England, Peru, Boston, NYC.
The
Review: They’re a classic ankle boot ($194.50) that looks great with a
skirt or jeans. There’s some height, but the heel is low enough to keep you
stable. The Bordeaux/oxblood color is a little dressier than the other options
and goes with everything.
The
Catch: The leather is a bit stiff when they’re new, but very comfortable
once broken in.
The
Verdict: Believe it or not, they’re really comfortable for all-day
walking! (Yes, despite the fact that they have un-padded wooden soles.)
10. FRYE
SMITH ENGINEER SHORT BOOTS (BLACK OR TAN)
The Tester:
Linda Schmidt, Managing Editor
Where did you
go? London and Edinburgh.
The
Review: On two city trips last year, a total of one month, I walked at
least six hours daily in these Fryes ($298) with no blisters, no
discomfort of any kind. The leather is thick and beautiful, and the boots mold
to your feet after about 10 minutes of wear. There’s rubber set into the
leather soles, so they’re good on wet pavement. And they’re distressed right
out of the box, so you will not look like a tourist who bought new shoes for
the trip.
The
Catch: Nothing. I love everything about them.
The
Verdict: They get more and more gorgeous, the more scuffs you get, so you
don’t have to treat them gingerly.
11. AEROSOLES
ROLER RINK (GRAY FAUX SUEDE COMBO)
The
Tester: Salwa Jabado, Senior Editor, Countryside/Adventure
Where did you
go? I brought these shoes ($79) with me to Florence, Italy and survived
the interminable walk to a romantic dinner via cobblestone streets. I was also
sporting them at a dressy family lunch in Miami.
The Review: Aerosoles
makes some of the most comfortable high-heeled shoes. These have a wide
toebox, a chunky heel, and lots of padding making them so much easier on my
feet. I like the black/gray combo—they are a little more fun than a standard
black pump.
The Catch: The
Mary Jane strap is not for everyone, but it suits me. I wouldn’t wear these all
day (who wants to tour around in heels?) but they are a great option for a more
formal evening out when you have to walk to your destination.
The
Verdict: I’m wearing them today—they are as good in the office as they are
on vacation!
12. GAP
LEATHER OXFORDS (GRAY CRYSTAL)
The Tester: Róisín
Cameron, Associate Editor, Countryside and Adventure
Where did you
go? Recently I wore these oxfords ($69.95) on a very rainy
New Year’s trip to London. They kept me dry and warm, though I wouldn’t go
jumping in any puddles. They stood up well to a day at Tate Britain and
shopping at Borough Market, and then a low key night at the pub.
The Review: These
are lighter than many oxfords, which makes this pair very attractive for
packing. The leather really stretches to fit your feet—after the first day of
wear, I could hardly feel them at all, and the padded insole adds to the
comfort.
The Catch: Nothing!
I get compliments on them all the time.
The Verdict: The
color is really versatile and the patent finish wipes clean easily.
13. JASON WU
JEAN III (GOLD MATT)
The Tester: Róisín
Cameron, Associate Editor, Countryside and Adventure
Where did you
go? I wore them almost non-stop on a trip that encompassed a couple of
days in Belgium and Ghent (attending a fashion show one evening), a wedding in
Morocco (lots of dancing) and a culture stop in Paris (lots of walking by the
canal and museum wandering).
The Review: These flats ($105) are so comfortable, and
the open design means my feet stay cool even on a hot day walking around. They
are chic enough to wear for a day museum-hopping and then out to dinner and
bars. I don’t feel I have to go back to the hotel to change.
The Catch: If
you tan easily, you have to be vigilant—the criss-crossed pattern could result
in some strange markings on your feet.
The Verdict: They’re
very lightweight to carry as spares, and the gold matte color goes with
everything.
14. ROCKET
DOG, MEMORIES THAI SILK (DARK RED)
The Tester: Amanda
Sadlowski, Assistant Editor
Where did you
go? They’ve basically been my go-to city travel shoe ($44.95) for the
past four years—so all over Europe (Dublin, London, Paris, Prague, and more),
Mexico City, and plenty of US cities. I also wear them at home in New York City
constantly.
The Review: First
of all, they're insanely comfortable—I can walk around cities all day exploring
and they don’t mangle my feet like some other flats. You also don’t have to
break them in—they’re good for long walks right off the bat. They’re very cute,
and the bright red color makes a great addition to any outfit and can really
make a look pop. People definitely notice when you’re wearing them, in a good
way.
The Catch: They’re
not the highest quality fabric and they tend to get rips/tears in the fabric
relatively easily (especially if you walk in them as much as I do). And because
they’re so inexpensive, it’s not really worth it to get them fixed by a
cobbler.
The Verdict: They’re
very affordable and while they can stain easily due to their fabric material,
you can easily just throw them in the washer and dryer to clean.
15. FRENCH
SOLES (ALL COLORS)
The Tester: Arabella
Bowen, Editor-in-Chief
Where did you
go? Everywhere! Most recently, Tokyo, Venice, La Paz, Toronto, and Haiti.
The Review: I
often get asked what heels I travel with. In fact, I usually pack flats;
they’re a lot easier to fit in my carry-on. French Soles (from
$130) are my year-round go-to’s: They are chic, comfortable, and super-light,
with choices in every color and trend imaginable.
The Catch: They
don’t fold up into a small pouch.
The Verdict: I
can dress up an outfit or kick about town in a trendy pair. Buy them online or,
better yet, visit their New York outlet for fantastic discounts.
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