One-Shoe Trip? Here Are the Best Pairs That Do It All

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon.

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window, of course."

Email Shannon at smcmahon@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Shannon McMahon

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With the rise of basic economy and shrinking baggage allowances, you’ve probably experienced it by now: the one-shoe travel dilemma. Finding yourself in the position of only being able to pack one small bag, or even just a personal item (thanks, Spirit), often means you simply can’t squeeze in an extra pair of shoes—which limits you to what’s on your feet.

Thankfully, shoe design has come a long way, making it easier than ever to find the right pair of one-bag travel shoes that you won’t mind wearing nonstop.

One-Shoe Travel: The Best Pair for Every Trip

Here’s the one pair to consider for every travel demand, whether you’re looking for day-to-night versatility or a weather-appropriate workhorse.

Lightweight Rain Protection

The biggest one-shoe travel mistake you can make is opting for clunky rain boots—even if you’re heading somewhere perpetually rainy. There are many more versatile options than the traditional Wellington, which is heavy and often lacks insulation.

Lower-cut waterproof options with a sleek design and warm lining are best: Tretorn’s Lina winter rain boot is one of the warmest I’ve found. My personal favorite for day-to-night waterproof style is Kate Spade’s Sedgewick rain boot. The Chelsea cut of these boots makes them more attractive than the average rain boot, and the style is unisex: Men’s options include Tretorn’s Gus Rain Boot.

Truly Functional Sandals and Slip-Ons

Teva sandals and arrowood 2 waterproof shoes — Teva

Warm destinations are the easiest places to pack a light bag for, but bringing two types of sandals or slip-ons can feel necessary if you’ll be doing both active and smart-casual activities. There are, however, versatile options that fit both occasions thanks to Tevas, which are newly on-trend and still durable.

Chic utilitarian options like the Teva Midform Universal Geometric or Teva Midform Universal Leather are virtually foolproof for women going from long walks to dressing up at dinner. There are also plenty of men’s Teva sandals to choose from, but waterproof, closed-toe options like the featherweight Arrowood 2 Waterproof or Teva Wilder are worth considering if sandals won’t do for your dinner reservations.

Boots Actually Made for Walking

Clarks desert boots and maypearl ramie — Clarks

In the transitional weather of fall and spring, ankle booties are key to staying warm while still being able to walk comfortably, thanks to a little more insulation than the average walking shoe. Clarks is a reliable brand for walking shoes with support, and has stylish ankle boots like the Maypearl Ramie for women and various desert boots for men.

Casual-Cool Sneakers

For strictly casual trips, all you need is the right pair of stylish sneakers. Traveler-favorite Allbirds are sustainably made and come in an array of styles and materials. Options include lightweight, breathable Tree Runners for men and women—or choose a warmer merino wool sneaker, also available in both men’s and women’s versions. For something a little more polished, Johnston & Murphy Tamara Perf sneakers stand out in a crowd.

Day-to-Night Walking Shoes

Everlane day glove flat and timberland cross mark oxford leather sneaker — Everlane, Timberland

If nightlife or nicer restaurants (the kind with a no-sneakers policy) are on your must-do list, walking shoes that look like anything but are ideal for transitioning from day to night. For women, Johnston and Murphy’s Cassandra sandals do it all in warmer weather; for a closed-toe option, Everlane’s Day Glove flat molds to your feet while staying supportive, breathable, and versatile.

For men, Timberland’s Cross Mark Oxford sneakers (SmarterTravel’s Editors’ Choice winner for best new men’s travel shoe in 2018) combine a lightweight rubber cushion with premium leather to easily camouflage as dress shoes.

Workhorse Warmth That’s Actually Stylish

Cougar shoes snow sneakers — Cougar Shoes

Winter weather doesn’t have to mean putting up with heavy snow boots. There are plenty of warm, waterproof options that are also surprisingly lightweight and stylish.

Cougar Shoes are a good go-to brand for snow and waterproof everything, from night-appropriate heeled boots to snow bunny-approved “Winter Sneakers” that ingeniously pair the lightweight idea of sneakers with winter features like waterproof anti-slip soles and warm insulation. Cougar Shoes also mixes up men’s snow options with the sleek Crowley Winter Chelsea Boot.

Hike-Worthy Walking Shoes

Don’t bother wearing your hiking boots the whole active trip—even if you think you’re being smart by wearing them on the plane. Heavy hiking footwear could be replaced by Merrell’s MQM Flex GTX Men’s Hiking Shoes, which are also available for women. They’re lightweight (14 ounces) and breathable like a sneaker, but still waterproof and supportive, and they even have anti-slip outsoles like a hiking boot.

Business-Appropriate Comfort

Johnston and murphy men's leather prentiss plan toe sneaker — Johnston and Murphy

Business travelers don’t have to travel in comfy sneakers and then change into restrictive dress shoes anymore—it’s easy to find a pair that can do both comfort and business-appropriate style. Johnston and Murphy has men’s and women’s options worth investing in as your one-shoe travel companion, like the Prentiss Plain Toe leather sneaker for men, and the Elaina leather slip-on for women.

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SmarterTravel’s Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Instagram @shanmcmahon.

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