Whether you’re planning a city break, a beach holiday, a hiking adventure, or a relaxing cruise, one thing can make or break your trip: comfortable feet. Many holidaymakers spend far more time on their feet than they do at home, and unsuitable footwear can quickly lead to blisters, heel pain, aching arches, and even injuries.
Before you pack your suitcase, here’s our guide to choosing the right shoes for different types of holidays.
City Breaks: Comfort Comes First
Exploring a new city often means clocking up 15,000â25,000 steps a day on hard pavements and uneven streets. While stylish footwear may look great in holiday photos, your feet may not thank you after several hours of sightseeing.
What to Look For:
- Cushioned soles that absorb shock
- Good arch support
- A secure fit around the heel
- Breathable materials
- Lightweight construction
Good Choices:
- Supportive trainers
- Walking shoes
- Modern athletic-style casual shoes
Best Avoided:
- Brand-new shoes that haven’t been worn in
- Completely flat pumps or plimsolls
- High heels
- Thin-soled fashion trainers with minimal support
A good rule of thumb is to wear any new holiday shoes for at least two weeks before travelling to ensure they are comfortable and properly broken in.
Beach Holidays: Don’t Forget Support
Flip-flops are often considered essential beachwear, but they are rarely designed for prolonged walking. Most offer little support and force the toes to grip with every step, which can contribute to foot fatigue and discomfort.
Better Options:
- Supportive sandals with adjustable straps
- Contoured footbeds
- Waterproof walking sandals
Flip-flops are perfectly suitable for short trips to the pool or beach but shouldn’t be your main footwear for a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Walking and Hiking Holidays
If your holiday involves trails, mountains, or long countryside walks, investing in appropriate footwear is crucial.
Choose:
- Proper hiking boots or trail shoes
- Footwear with good grip and traction
- Adequate ankle support where needed
- Waterproof materials if conditions are likely to be wet
Don’t Forget:
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Spare socks for longer walks
- Gradually breaking in hiking footwear before your trip
Blisters are one of the most common problems we see after walking holidays, and they are often caused by poorly fitted or untested footwear.
Cruise Holidays
Cruises often involve a combination of onboard activities, excursions, and formal evenings.
Pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
- Supportive sandals for onboard use
- Smart shoes with cushioning for evening wear
Many cruise passengers underestimate the amount of walking involved when exploring ports of call, so comfort should still be a priority.
Adventure and Activity Holidays
Whether you’re cycling, golfing, tennis-playing, or enjoying active family holidays, activity-specific footwear is usually the safest option.
Different sports place unique demands on the feet, and wearing the correct shoe can help reduce injury risk while improving comfort and performance.
A Few Packing Tips for Healthy Feet
Pack More Than One Pair
Alternating footwear allows shoes to dry fully and reduces pressure on the same areas of the foot day after day.
Bring Blister Essentials
Include:
- Blister plasters
- Protective tape
- Moisturising cream
- Spare socks
Consider Compression Socks
For long flights or journeys, compression socks may help reduce swelling and improve comfort, particularly for those prone to circulation issues.
Don’t Ignore Foot Pain
A little tiredness after a busy day is normal. Persistent pain, swelling, numbness, or worsening discomfort is not. These symptoms may indicate an underlying problem that should be assessed.