Pros and cons of different types of travel shoes: Sneakers, flats, sandals, etc.

One of the things that people often forget to consider when organizing a trip is the selection of the best women’s travel shoes. Choosing travel-friendly footwear that can accompany a traveller during the holiday is one of the most crucial decisions. A comfortable shoe that can support and accompany you during travelling and will let you focus on the trip rather than worrying about blisters. Be it walking on the city pavement or strolling barefoot on the shore of the sea, having the right pair of shoes for the job makes all the difference.

But since there are numerous comfortable travel shoes for women available, including sneakers, comfortable flat shoes, sandals, and more, it is quite challenging to understand which kind of footwear is preferable for your travel. Here are the advantages and the disadvantages of using various kinds of travel shoes to get an idea about them.

Pros and Cons of Travel Sneakers

Sneakers are a go-to choice for many travellers. They usually offer foot support for travel that is required for lengthy strolls and physical activities whether in the city or on imported hikes.

Pros:

Support and Comfort: Sneakers are lightweight shoes with cushioning and support to provide comfort for extended walking hours, in particular. They prevent any shock and this is very essential if you will be spending most of your time on your feet.
Versatility: Most women’s shoes for long walks are designed to be fashionable with looks that can be easily dressed down for casual occasions. You can put them on for travelling when you are sightseeing or even for light hiking.
Durability: Sneakers are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They are typically constructed from durable fabrics capable of handling the rough treatment common with travel especially within town or on rough ground.

Cons:

Bulky and Heavy: Sneakers though comfortable are quite bulky and can consume a lot of space in the suitcase. They are not as compact as other forms of travel footwear such as flat shoes or sandals if that is something that bothers you when packing.
Not Suitable for Formal Settings: Even though sneakers can be worn for almost all occasions, they do not work well on rather classy occasions if you are to attend an elegant dinner or reception on your trip.

For more detailed recommendations on sneakers and other versatile travel shoes, check out our Ultimate Buying Guide for Women’s Travel Shoes.

Pros and Cons of Travel Flats

For the ones in search of a little bit of glam, comfortable travel flats are a saviour indeed. They are ideal wear when you are looking for shoes that can be put on and removed literally within a blink of an eye and are not bulky to be carried in a suitcase.

Pros:

Lightweight and Compact: Flats are one of the easiest things to pack. The main advantage of flats themselves is that they are generally small items and therefore are easy to carry around without even occupying much space and this will be especially important to anyone who is a minimalist traveller or one who only carries a small bag or suitcase.
Versatile for Various Occasions: Flats are best worn for the office, outing, or events that do not require strict dress code. Flats could work for a night out visiting galleries or restaurants because they can easily be coordinated with any of the clothing.

Cons:

Limited Support: A major disadvantage of flats is that they don’t offer the kind of support that our feet need, particularly the arches. So, while you can walk long distances more easily in these shoes, you may get tired more quickly.
Not Ideal for Long Walks: Flats can cause some discomfort during lengthy accompanying tours or hikes due to their inadequate support and shock absorption.

If you're wondering how to select comfortable travel shoes for women that offer both style and support, visit our How to Choose Comfortable Travel Shoes for Women? guide for expert tips.

Pros and Cons of Travel Sandals

In hot climates, no one can do without a good pair of sandals. These shoes are the best lightweight travel footwear if you are planning to travel to warm-climate regions because of their breathability and wearability.

Pros:

Breathability: Sandals provide your feet with more ventilation so if you are in a hot or tropical climate, it can be very useful.
Easy to Slip On and Off: Suitable for security checks during travels or when one will be going to the beach or swimming.
Perfect for Beach and Casual Wear: Some of the uses of travel sandals' advantages are that they can easily be used on various relaxed occasions such as when going to a beach or when they just want to relax.

Cons:

Limited Protection: Most sandals free a large part of your foot that may come into contact with the ground and this is especially dangerous when trekking on any rough surfaces like cobblestones or areas where you may end up stubbing your toes.
Not Great for Rough Terrains: They will not be suitable for going out to the beach or sightseeing while on a picnic due to inconveniences it carries for those with sandals, it is not ideal for walking barefoot through craggy or abrasive terrains.

For travellers looking for travel shoes for different terrains, it’s worth exploring options that offer more protection than sandals, especially for hiking or uneven surfaces.

Comparison of Different Travel Shoe Types

Now that we’ve explored the pros and cons of each shoe type, let’s dive into how each performs in different travel scenarios.

Suitability by Activity:

Sneakers: Perfect as those comfortable women’s shoes for long walks; for leisurely wandering around the city, or even light hiking. This makes them a favoured shoe for physically active travellers.
Flats: Suitable for a short business trip, city breaks, or places where you need to switch from a relaxed dress code to less casual attire. Good for a short walk.
Sandals: Ideal for holidays and journeys where you have to wear comfortable clothing and shoes or any occasion in hot weather. However, they are not suitable for rough pathways or extensive walking.

Durability and Maintenance:

Sneakers: They need more maintenance, particularly when applied on tough surfaces. However, they usually last longer since their major characteristic is durability.
Flats: Generally, they are not as durable as sneakers, but they are quicker to clean and care for. They are best used for leisure travel and not intensive business or other kinds of travel that put much pressure on the shoes.
Sandals: Simple to maintain usually are a bit more expensive and tend to degrade faster especially when used in harsh conditions.

To learn more about caring for your travel-friendly footwear, take a look at our guide on maintaining travel shoes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right women’s travel footwear can greatly impact your overall travel experience. Comfortable travel shoes for women, whether they're sneakers, flats, or sandals, each comes with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best pair depends on your travel plans, the activities you’ll engage in, and the climates you’ll encounter.

For more options, visit the PariPari Online Store to discover a selection of stylish and versatile travel shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the best type of travel shoe for long walks?

Sneakers are generally the best women’s shoes for long walks because they offer the most support and cushioning.

Q2. Can I wear travel flats for a day of sightseeing?

Yes, but flats may not provide enough support for long days of walking. Consider bringing sneakers if your itinerary involves a lot of walking.

Q3. Are sandals suitable for city exploring?

Sandals can be great for warm-weather cities, but they might not provide enough protection for long or uneven city streets.

Q4. How do I prevent blisters when wearing travel shoes for long periods?

To avoid blisters, make sure your shoes are well broken in before your trip. Wear moisture-wicking socks with sneakers, and consider using blister prevention products like cushioned insoles or anti-blister balms. For sandals, opt for styles with adjustable straps to reduce friction.