3 Shoes to Pack for Your European Summer Holiday

It may be cold and blustery down under but European summer is in full swing. The borders are open, airlines are in operation and you’ve got your holiday booked. Your departure date is looming and you finally have to reckon with the unpleasant task of stuffing 25kg worth of stuff that you think you’ll need during your time away. 

As shoe experts and travel lovers, we can tell you that shoes are always the one wardrobe item we end up overpacking and underutilising - shoes. Take it from us, you'll be far too busy with more exciting activities to worry too much about what shoes you have on most of the time. We’ve found that a chunky sandal, comfortable sneakers and strappy heels are all you really need. You might argue that you could make do with more or less, but trust us - that’s all you need.

This may of course differ based on your destination and planned activities, but we’ve found that this rule of thumb has served us well over the years. Make packing easier by reading our packing guide on selecting the best footwear for your overseas summer travel this year below.      

Style 1 - A chunky sandal for everyday wear

Careful, we said sandals and not thongs. We also said ‘chunky’, with good reason. In addition to being more fashion-forward, the chunkier, padded style will offer better support and be more comfortable for long sightseeing days. 

The chunkier sole will also offer a level of protection from the dirt and grime that you pick up while navigating busy streets that a thin-soled sandal will not. Grimy feet? No thanks.

A chunky sandal is also the perfect choice for a summer getaway because it will transition easily from relaxed beach days to sightseeing trips and cute lunches, giving you a lot of wear out of them. 

Style 2 - A pair of sneakers for walking

No matter how comfortable the sandal is, sometimes it just won’t cut it. You will need to consider throwing in a pair of sneakers if hiking or urban trekking is on the cards. Whether it's a fashion sneaker, a walking shoe or an athletic sneaker, having a pair that matches your itinerary is a good idea.

From a fashion perspective, our colour of choice is white because it goes with everything, but yours doesn’t need to be. Just keep in mind that whichever tone you choose should complement most of the outfits you plan on wearing while on holiday.   

Style 3 - A strappy heel for dressier evenings

If your itinerary doesn’t include any dressy dinners or nights out, you can eliminate this. But for most people, there’ll be at least one nice stop along the way. But even when it comes to heels, comfort is still at the forefront when packing for a trip. Opt for a heeled mule, block heels, wedge heels or platforms that will be comfortable enough to walk and dance in. And again, consider your colour palette. 

Bonus styles (luggage allowance permitting)

Sometimes you don’t want to ruin a cute pair of sandals at the beach, and that’s fair enough. A good pair of lightweight thongs is easy to throw in your bag. 

If you've got the weight allowance, having options is not a bad idea. Whether it’s a sneaker or a sandal, there’s no harm in picking up a second pair of your favourite shoe style in a different colour/design. Not only does this give you a bit of variety, but it’s also healthier for your feet, making sure you’re not wearing the same shoes two days in a row and developing unnecessary pressure points.  

Packing Tips

Number one rule - keep things in your bag as small and light as possible. That means strategically wearing your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Be mindful of wearing boots and other high-top pairs though as that may slow you down at airport security checks. 

Throw the other pairs you're bringing along in your checked bags. Stuff them with socks to help them keep their shape in transit.

When packing, save space and place them toe to heel on their sides with the soles facing out either side. Make sure you wrap them in paper, a bag or a rag to make sure you don’t spread dirt on other items in your bag. Pack your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase so they act as a base for the rest of your things. Place other heavy items at the bottom of your suitcase as well so that the weight is concentrated in one area, which will make your bag easier to handle.  

Finally...

As simple as it sounds now, the reality of packing for a trip can often feel stressful as you try to anticipate your every holiday need and juggle limited space and a desire for cute outfits. We hope this guide helps simplify the process!

Below, we’ve also thrown in our three favourite holiday shoes that you can shop at Shouz ahead of your exciting getaway - from L to R: Tank Natural by Gabor, Bump White by Django & Juliette, Kage Bright Multi by Django & Juliette.