Epic journeys call for top-notch footwear that can handle anything.
Heres what you’re gonna wanna know before you go.
Pick the Right Shoe for the Right Trip
Adventures come in all shapes and sizes.
Will you be hitting the busy streets of Tokyo, or exploring the dense jungle of the Amazon?
Are you hiking in Africa, or are you backpacking through the French countryside?
and What will I be doing there?
I wear a pair ofNew Balance Fresh Foam Vongos.
Theyre stability-focused running shoes that provide lots of cushion and comfort for those long days exploring a new city.
Theyre sturdy, protective, and designed to be worn for long excursions.
MySalomon XA PRO 3Dsare waterproof, provide great grip, and give my feet tons of support.
In those cases, he usually borrows or rents a pair.
So be sure to consider the entirety of your trip before pulling the trigger.
Your feet will feel gross quicker than you think, and theres a higher chance youll injure yourself.
If they loseanyfunction, your adventure will be cut short.
If you really think youll need some sandals, pack a pair of thongs.
Theyre cheap, lightweight, and they dont take up much space in your pack.
Plus, when you sacrifice a little fashion, you’re free to travel a lot lighter.
He likes shoes he can hike around in, but that he also feels comfortable wearing in a restaurant.
I recommend you do the same if you could help it.
Shoes are heavy, and even packing just one extra pair adds a ton of weight to your luggage.
This is especially true if you are backpacking or going minimalist.
I travel with just one bag, so theres not a lot of room for anything.
Then, if Ireallyneed them, maybe Ill pack my dress shoes.
Dont just put them on in the store and walk a few steps.
Thats not enough to really know.
Does the shoe bend at the ball of the foot or at some random point halfway along the arch?
It should bend under the ball of the foot.
Twist the shoe sole from the heel to the toe.
Does the sole feel like a wet noodle, or is there some resistance to twisting?
As a walker, you want to feel light to moderate resistance.
And heres what they suggest fortesting a shoes fit:
Walk down an incline.
As you descend the incline, stomp and scuff your feet.
make a run at get the tips of your toes to touch the front inside of the shoes.
Assuming youve laced the shoes snugly, the shoes shouldnt let you move that far forward.
Shoes stretch and widen slightly with use over time.
Walk uphill on stairs.
If the shoes pass the downhill test, try them on some stairs.
Walk up a few flights of stairs, two stairs at a time.
You should check for heel lift.
I do this for every pair of shoes I buy now, even if they arent for travel.
Theyre good habits to develop, and your feet will thank you.
Your feet will hate you for it, and you might ruin parts of your travel experience.
If youre worried about hitting the streets in expensive-looking shoes, Jeppesen says not to worry.
Hes never had his shoes stolen or experienced any trouble along those lines.
That said, be sure to do research beforehand and avoid unsafe areas if possible.
Before you leave, take the time to break those puppies in, anddo it gradually.
Do not wait for your trip to really wear your travel shoes.
Now you know and have time to get something else.
Dont Forget Good Socks
A shoe is only as good as the sock you pair with it.
I recommend you avoid typical cotton socks at all costs.
Theyre highly absorbent but dry slowly, so they get saturated with sweat and stay that way.
Thats a one-way ticket to blisterville.
Instead, go with merino wool socks.
Also, theyre way more cushiony than cotton, giving your feet that little bit of extra padding.
Synthetic socks are a good option as well.
