Worst Shoes for Travel (and What to Wear Instead)

Let's talk about shoes. They're the hardest pieces of a travel wardrobe to get right. How do you strike a balance between shoes that are easy to pack and sufficiently comfortable for miles of walking and ones that are fashionable enough that they don't call you out as a tourist? We'll show you which shoes are the worst for travel, plus the best alternatives for men and women.

Toning Shoes

The companies shilling toning shoes make such lofty promises: Wear them and get an amazing workout without doing anything extra! Unfortunately, as recent settlements have made clear, those claims are nothing but lies. As one podiatrist told the Huffington Post, toning shoes can actually hurt your feet by causing tendonitis, stress fractures, and sprains.

Alternatives for Women: Pick a shoe that offers all of the cushioning of a toning shoe with none of the false advertising. Ahnu's Crissy Shoe is a stylish alternative with a dual-density sole that provides extra shock absorption for heel and arch support, an antimicrobial sock liner to keep things fresh, and adjustable crisscross straps to keep your foot secure. All Ahnu shoes use a patented neutral-positioning system called Numentum Technology, which helps promote a stable and balanced stride.

Alternatives for Men: Try Ahnu's Harris Lace-Up Sneaker, a more dignified take on the running shoe. It's got a supportive arch and a Vibram outsole to provide traction and durability.

Related: Clothes That Do Double Duty

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats were billed as the answer to women's high-heel problems. Sadly, these cute, easy-to-wear shoes tend to go a little too far in the other direction, offering almost no arch support or protection. According to one expert, cheap flats can be the equivalent of "walking on cardboard."

Alternatives for Women: Luca Chiara's Carmela flats have a sturdy sole with a mini heel for support and cushioning. The insole has an extra-thick pad for added comfort, and the shoes are ultralightweight for easy packing. The Carmelas are also made from water-resistant nylon, just in case you encounter some unexpected weather.

Alternatives for Men: Okay, so men don't generally rock ballet flats, but Luca Chiara makes some great travel-friendly shoes for dudes, including the Andrea loafer, a sleek, ultralightweight option that doesn't sacrifice cushioning or comfort.

Rain Boots

Rain boots are a perfect storm of foot problems—their moist environment can be a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, plus heavy boots can cause foot fatigue and uncomfortable rubbing. Skip the thick, non-breathable rain boots and look for regular boots that offer water resistance.

Alternatives for Women: Arcopedico's Liana boots are water resistant but still breathable. The upper is made from Lytech, and the interior lining contains the antimicrobial Sansmell deodorizing system. They're also lightweight and flexible, perfect for maintaining your natural stride.

Alternatives for Men: Sorel's 1964 Premium T Boot has laces to keep your feet secure, as well as a felt inner lining that keeps you warm and dry down to 40 below zero.

Related: World's Best Travel Shoes

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are the ultimate vacation shoes—fun, cheap, and easy. Unfortunately, if you plan on wearing them beyond the beach or the pool, they can turn on you quite quickly. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), flip-flops can cause major foot pain due to a lack of arch support, heel cushioning, and shock absorption. Plus, insufficient traction on the cheap rubber soles can cause slipping on wet surfaces. Don't worry: You can still have the fun parts of flip-flops without the pain if you look for a pair that offers support. The APMA has given their seal of approval to our two recommendations.

Alternatives for Women: Vionic's Bella II Sandal features podiatrist-designed Orthaheel Technology, which gives these sandals orthotic support. The Bellas can help reduce overpronation (which causes pain everywhere from the lower back to the knee to the foot). There's also a patterned bottom tread to give you traction in slippery situations, a lightweight midsole to absorb shock, and a microfiber-covered footbed for comfort.

Alternatives for Men: The Walking Company's ABEO B.I.O.system Austin sandal offers three different footbed types, depending on the kind of support you need. How do you know which style is best for your feet? You can visit one of The Walking Company's stores for a free digital foot analysis before ordering. All styles offer a channeled rubber outsole built for traction and shock absorption.

Pointed-Toe Shoes

Pointed-toe dress shoes have made a fashion comeback for men and women, which is bad news for your feet. This type of footwear can put pressure on the front of your foot, causing problems like nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. When traveling, opt for something with a wide, rounded toe box instead.

Alternatives for Women: LifeStride's Parigi Pump has a wide toe box and a comfortable heel height.

Alternatives for Men: Orthofeet's Gramercy lace-up oxfords have plenty of room in the toe, plus they come with two sets of removable spacers to adjust the shoe to your perfect fit.

(Lead Photo: Thinkstock/iStock; Featured Products, in Order: Ahnu Crissy Shoe, Luca Chiara Carmela Flat, Arcopedico Liana Boot, Vionic Women's Bella II Sandal, Gramercy Lace-Up Oxford)

This article was published by SmarterTravel under the title The Worst Shoes to Wear While Traveling. Follow Caroline Morse on Google+ or email her at [email protected].

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