It can be challenging to decide which footwear to bring on a trip. Every pair of shoes you pack must be worth its space in your suitcase regarding function and ease of wear. And what about the footwear you regularly use while on the road?
They should be comfortable for walking long distances in the airport (and later, in some beautiful location) and airy so that your feet don’t overheat on the flight. It’s even better if they’re comfortable and can be worn with a summer outfit for everyday activities once you get there.
After making the wrong decision repeatedly, we sought the advice of an expert: a flight attendant with more than 20 years of experience in the industry and who knows how to pack efficiently.
She has traveled all over the globe (European countries, Kenya, Brazil, Australia, and China, for example). She says that she always brings along a pair of sneakers because they are “essential” for her when she is out exploring. She directed our attention to a chic pair of cushioned leather footwear by Veja: “These Veja Esplar Sneakers are my favorite because they are so versatile and fashionable.”
Adidas Daily 3.0 shoes
The Adidas Daily shoe is a personal favorite. It’s a walking shoe, so it’s breathable and has a lightweight feel, and it comes in a wide range of colors. When walking long distances, she prefers laced shoes because they keep her feet in place and prevent stumbling and spraining toes or ankles. The rubber outsole makes them suitable for both paved and grassy areas, and they are even waterproof to a certain extent.
Veja Esplar Sneaker
The Esplar sneakers feature premium Uruguayan leather, suede accents, and a durable rubber sole. They have a soft lining, so your feet won’t feel uncomfortable wearing them. They are treated with oils that make them impervious to moisture, making them suitable for use in mild precipitation.
“Packing light is frequently a struggle,” our flight attendant acknowledges the importance of items that can serve double or even triple roles. You can wear these with anything from a dress to jeans.
In addition to the variety of colors available for women, Esplar also has a men’s version.
Unlike many other brands, this one is exceptionally forthright about every step of its manufacturing process, from raw material costs to information about the quality of life for employees in its Brazilian factories.
Veja V-10 Sneaker
Another pair of trustworthy and comfortable sneakers from one of our preferred brands for off-duty pairs of footwear. These Veja sneakers take a retro design—the V-10—and modernize it with subtle hints of color.
The bovine leather originates from farms in Uruguay, a nation renowned for its tradition of animal husbandry and the superior quality of its leather products. The REACH standards are adhered to during the tanning process, which takes place in Brazil. In the tanning process, water conservation is of utmost importance.
Roxy Bayshore slip-on sneakers
The flight attendant we spoke with unanimously recommended Roxy shoes for their superior arch support. Roxy is known for their high-quality footwear, including sneakers, sandals, and boots with memory foam padding and arch support. They can be worn with many different pieces in your wardrobe, allowing you to pack less while still looking put together.
Dansko Fawna Mary Jane shoes
After the cabin door has closed, it is common practice for female flight attendants to switch out of their “terminal shoes” (typically high heels) into a pair of “in-flight flats,” which are more practical and comfy for the entire flight.
Danskos, on the other hand, are the shoes you never have to change out of. An acquaintance of ours remarked, “I wear Dansko Mary Janes… Because I value comfort above all else, I don’t switch to airplane shoes.” Dansko clogs, initially worn by nurses and chefs, have since become the footwear for flight attendants thanks to their unparalleled comfort and lightweight.
Men’s footwear is also available from this retailer.
Veja Nova Sneaker
These Veja sneakers, from our go-to brand for eco-friendly (and adorable!) footwear, have a simple silhouette that works with any outfit.
Neither pesticides nor synthetic fertilizers were used in the production of the cotton used to make the Canvas. For 16 years, VEJA bought 642.0 metric tons of organic cotton. As part of their commitment to fair trade practices, the Brazilian and Peruvian cooperatives growing this cotton prioritize worker and ecological safety.
These athletic shoes, with their cute beige and pink accents, have captured our hearts.
Olukai Kipe’a beach sandals
Everybody, including flight attendants, has trouble fitting all their belongings into carry-on bags.
“When I have layovers, I bring the smallest, lightest pair of shoes I can find that are still comfortable. Particularly if I will be doing a lot of walking, as I will be doing in New York or wherever I end up going, it’s typically just a pair of flip-flops.”
However, these are not just any old flip-flops; they are Olukai. The sandal’s arch support and lightweight design are two reasons she likes them.
LifeStride Oakley tall boot
Female flight attendants at many airlines can’t wait for the winter months because that’s when they get to wear boots. The flight attendant we spoke with unanimously favored a pair of
LifeStide Oakley tall boots, which she said were her go-to footwear for the airport, the plane, and any food-related exploration that might occur during layovers during the wet and snowy winter months.
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