If you’ve committed to bringing just one pair of shoes on your trip, we salute you. You’re an expert packer for sure, and you’re probably bringing just one carry-on bag that weighs as much as a Chinese Crested.
But maybe you should change your mind. Throw another pair of shoes into the bag. They can be similar shoes: two pairs of flats will work, or two pairs of sneakers will do just fine. This isn’t a style suggestion. We really don’t care if you have one pair of “business casual” shoes and one pair of Jordan VIIIs; that’s beside the point. You should pack an extra pair of shoes for hygiene reasons.
Related: 11 Must-Haves for Your Carry-on Bag
Spend a few days in the same pair of shoes and your feet will probably start to smell. This is because you’re not giving your shoes enough time to air out and dry. Instead, you’re pressing your hot, sweaty feet into an enclosed space day after day, allowing naturally occurring odor-causing bacteria to accumulate. You’re just asking for a case of foot odor. Even with socks, it’s a risk. Travel tends to necessitate lots of walking, so your feet and shoes really will be put to the test on the road.
One could always pack some washable shoes like Crocs and leave them to dry overnight. But I don’t recommend forcing yourself into a situation in which you don’t have access to clean, dry shoes. (And I don’t recommend wearing Crocs.) What if there’s an emergency and you need to get out of your room fast? Wet shoes won’t do.
Those desperate to pack light should opt for some featherweight travel shoes or barefoot-style sneakers. I travel with Inov-8 BARE-XF 210 shoes, which weigh a mere 6 ounces. Or try a pair of lightweight foldable flats like Tieks.
How many pairs of shoes do you usually travel with?
You Might Also Like:
- 10 Best Travel Clothes to Wear on the Road
- Nine Things Not to Wear on a Plane
- 10 Tiny Travel Accessories Fit for Your Keychain
(Photo: Getty Images/D-BASE)
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Related
Top Fares From
Today's Top Travel Deals
Brought to you by ShermansTravel
Black Friday Sale: 6-Night India Tour,...
Exoticca
vacation $1599+Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
cruise $12399+Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati
85OFF.com
Car Rental $19+