Three Ways to Pack Workout Shoes Without Wasting Space

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis.

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008. She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: The Trtl Pillow. It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto: Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at editor@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Christine Sarkis

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Sneakers, tennis shoes, running shoes—whatever you call them, there’s no getting around the fact that they take up more than their fair share of suitcase real estate. But you don’t have to abandon your resolve to stay fit and healthy in the pursuit of packing light. Here are three ways to save space and make sure you have shoes that will support you however you choose to work out when you’re on the road.

Option #1: Find Shoes That Pack Flat

One look online at Nike’s Flyknit line inspired me to go to a store and spend five minutes compressing the shoe from all angles. I was really impressed by the degree to which these shoes could be flattened to take up only the space of the sole. These are a great option for anyone looking to do full workouts while traveling, as they offer the support of a running shoe but can be wedged along the sides of an already-full suitcase.

Check Out: Nike Flyknit for men and women

Option #2: Travel with Undercover Workout Shoes

I’ve heard that, because of wear patterns, you’re not supposed to use the same shoes for general use and exercise. But for travel, we can be a little flexible on that point. Sneakers with retro styles offer both street cred and basic exercise support, making them the perfect undercover workout shoes. You could, for instance, hit the gym and then take in a museum, all in the same shoes. I would advise showering in between activities though.

Check Out: Onitsuka Tiger’s Serrano sneakers for women and men

Option #3: Wear Double-Duty Light Workout Shoes

Not everyone exercises the same way. For gym-eschewing power walkers and long-distance urban trekkers whose legs are strong and hearts are healthy, a shoe that supports intensive walking without advertising itself as a sneaker might be just the thing. You probably shouldn’t attempt a gym-style workout in these shoes, but they will treat your feet right for those long days of vacation walking.

Check Out: Adidas’ Climacool Boat Sleek shoes for women.

(Photos: Thinkstock, Nike, Onitsuka Tiger, Adidas)

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