You are off on holiday, and you wonder if you should pack flip flops, floaters or sneakers. Here's a match-your-footwear-with-your-vacation guide
You are off on holiday, and you wonder if you should pack flip flops, floaters or sneakers. Here's a match-your-footwear-with-your-vacation guide
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Sun block. Check. Medication. Check. iPod. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Shoes... hold on. Before you tick that one off your list, maybe you need to spend a minute wondering what kind to pack. Whether it's an adventure-packed holiday or a sightseeing expedition, your feet are going to bear the brunt. Sore heels, blisters, frost bites, shoe bites... none of those paint pretty pictures. So, it's best if you match footwear to your vacation. To make things easy for you, we went ahead and did it for you.
For water sports
When you are battling wild waters, you don't want your shoes to go MIA. You need them to be tightly secured. A good pair of running shoes could work just as well as specially designed rafting shoes. But if you don't want to ruin your expensive sneakers, try sports sandals, as long as they offer traction to keep your feet steady and insulation that keep them warm.
Shoe tip: If you are planning on walking on slippery rocks, invest in a good pair of water shoes, instead.
For hiking in the abominable snowman's land
The one thing you want in cold weather, is warm feet. And since your feet are not big blocks of ice, your shoes should also provide a little movement. If you're only out for the day, heavy leather hiking boots will do just fine, provided they got enough toe-wiggling room. If you'll be out all night in mercury-freezing temperature, wear Pac Boots. They have a soft inner shoe that keeps your feet toasty warm. But these can get a little difficult to hike in. Serious hikers should invest in plastic double boots since they are thick, warm and have removable inner boots.
Shoe tip: The shoes you pick should provide good arch support, and take the weight of a heavy backpack.
To go city sightseeing
If you are on a mission to soak in a lot of culture, you better hope those tootsies are up to it. Whether exploring an old monument or indulging in some retail therapy, you need to hook up with a pair of versatile, comfortable shoes that can go straight from walking in the mid-day sun to a dinner at an outdoor cafu00e9. Opt for smart sandals or penny loafers.
Shoe tip: Never take branded new heels on a holiday. Not unless you want to bring blisters home as a souvenir.
To conquer mountain
If you'd like to leave your footprints all over a mountain, you will need sturdy boots that give your ankles and soles extra support on rocky terrain. When you go shoe shopping, make sure your checklist contains the words "firm", "heavy" and "well-insulated". The soles should be rigid, and the boots need narrow welts to protect your feet from anything unexpected that Mother Nature may dish out.
Shoe tip: To get the right fit stand on your toes and lean back on your heel, moving between the two as quickly as you can. Your feet should not move inside the shoe.
To go beach bumming
Beach purists (and Australians. Wait... same thing.) swear by the ageless rubber thongs or what we call chappals (Hawaiis). They are light, low-maintenance and can survive anything the ocean throws at them. Then there are the Croc loyalists, who claim no beach is worth walking on without their Beach Crocs. Since they come with ventilation and a natural, loose fit, walking on the sand is a breeze.
Shoe tip: Never carry expensive, delicate shoes to the beach, even if you don't plan to wear them. The brackish air will ruin them.
For a relaxing cruise
You may choose to never leave the boat, but you'll still need to bring more than one pair of shoes. For walks on the deck, you'll need comfy sandals or rubber thongs that have it's-11-am-where's-my-Mojito written all over them. You might also consider sports shoes that let you work off the cruise buffet calories in the ship's gym or participate in activities on board. Most guests like to dress for dinner, so, switch to formal heels post sunset.
Shoe tip: Carry a pair of comfortable, walking shoes in case you plan on getting off the cruise, into sightseeing territory.
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