A definitive ranking of the shoes you absolutely will and absolutely won't wear on your summer holiday
Raise your hand if you've ever felt personally victimised by the capacity of your suitcase while packing for holiday.
Yep, I think that's all of us. Over-packing is something that many of us struggle with when prepping for a holiday, and I think that if it weren't for weight limits on luggage, we'd all be breaking our backs trying to lug suitcases heavier than our body weight to and from the airport.
Credit: Pexels
This means that we need to get tactical about our packing, ladies, and the first place to start is with our shoes. You definitely need a good pair of shoes on holiday, but the problem usually begins when we start to pack too many. Yes, you might have four or five cute pairs of shoes that you really want to take on holiday (read: be photographed wearing for Instagram), but shoes take up a lot more space than clothes, so you need to choose wisely.
In time for your summer holiday, here is a definitive ranking of the worst to best shoes to take on a warm-weather trip, so you know exactly what to take, and what to leave behind.
7. Worst – Boots
Nope, nope, nope. Why people take boots on their summer holidays baffles me – it should really be a no-brainer. Yet some of you are convinced that boots are a good idea "just in case the weather cools down" or for a different option for dinner outfits. Trust me, boots are a burden, and the only time you'll actually wear them is so that you can console yourself that it wasn't a complete waste of luggage space to bring them. They're heavy, they're hot, and there's no place for them on a summer vacay. Your feet deserve to see a bit of sun too, right?
6. Second worst – Heels
"Ooh, but what if we go out dancing one night?" you say? Trust me, if you've been walking around all day sightseeing, the last thing you want to do is put on heels for a long night out. What's more, most people won't be wearing heels, so you also face the potentially awkward feeling of being very over-dressed when you're at a beach bar where people are literally still in their bikinis and Birkenstocks and you're in your swishy stilettos.
5. If you must – Block heels and wedges
If you really insist on bringing your heels on hols, then opt for something that's supportive and relatively casual. Block-heeled sandals, wedges, and lace-up heels are good options, but again – you probably won't wear them enough to justify packing them in the first place.
4. Wear with caution – Flat sandals
Ooh-ho, you might think these are your friends – perfect to match your denim-and-tee or beach kaftan look – but these guys will be your worst nightmare by the end of the day. The flat, hard sole of most sandals get painful fast, especially when you're doing a lot of walking. Not to mention that your feet swell if it's hot, and the leather (or its fake counterparts) will rub between your toes and against your heel – causing blisters and cuts. Sure, you might just choose to wear them when you go out for dinner, but it's up to you to decide whether it's worth shlepping them with you just for that.
3. Don't forget – Flip flops
Flip flops are excellent if you're at a beach destination or are staying somewhere where you don't quite trust the state of the bathroom floors when you're having a shower. Flip flops are easy to slide into, just don't be tempted to wear them for the entire day or you might be in for a nasty between-toe blister.
2. Your go-to shoe – Slides
Perfect for times where you're constantly needing to kick your shoes off, like walking from the bar to the poolside, or indulging in a spot of shopping. Unlike sandals or ballet flats, these babies are breezy, spacious and supportive without leaving you with blisters or cuts. And they're the perfect match for your cocktail dress when you (inevitably) go to a swanky restaurant.
1. The absolute, hands-down winner – Sneakers
These are the victors because they pretty much go with any kind of outfit and they're the most comfortable option – no matter if you've got a long flight, are walking across cobblestones all day or hiking from town to town on the Cinque Terra. But be warned: never be tempted to go without socks, and make sure you've worn them in pre-trip. Bonus points if they're white because A.) they go with any outfit (and look very cute with dresses!) and B.) they'll get ever-so-grimy over the course of your holiday and leave you with a unique kind of souvenir (but they never get that bad, and you can always wash them).
Are we all clear now ladies? Go forth and pack wisely, and just don't tell me if you do decide to pack your strappy stilettos anyway. You do you.