When going on a long trip, many people choose to lace up their trusty sneakers as their footwear of choice. However, Anne and Carl Deane remark that, oftentimes, travelers overlook the importance of having high quality footwear for their trip.

Being a frequent traveler often involves a lot of standing and walking around, and whether it be through the airport or to another destination, sneakers that prioritize comfort are a must. Not only that, but they should also be breathable and capable of withstanding the weather, in case it’s rainy and wet or hot and humid.

Below, more on what to look out for when purchasing sneakers for travel is discussed.

Comfort and Support

Traveling can be hard on both the body and the feet, so sneakers that are supportive and comfortable are a necessity. Aim for a padded sole, preferably breathable memory or Cloud foam, which can help to ease pressure on the feet when walking. 

For those that are going to be on their feet for a long time, heavy shoes are a no-go. A lightweight sneaker can save a lot of joint pain, compared to clunkier footwear.

The Right Fit

The sneakers should also be a good fit, not only on the inside but also with the lace closure too. They shouldn’t be too tight, but still secure enough to hold the foot in place while supporting the ankle. 

Making sure that both feet are measured correctly to get the right sneakers is a no-brainer, especially when taking into consideration that one foot could potentially be bigger than the other, and the fact that feet will expand depending on the time of day and temperature. 

A Sneaker for All Weather

Walking for a long time or being in hot, stuffy environments can easily cause feet to sweat, often leading to discomfort and some pretty stinky socks! 

Knowing this, look for sneakers that have a breathable upper and insert to help to alleviate this problem, especially for travelers who know they are going to be clocking a high step count over the course of their day. 

If the destination is going to be cold and icy, travelers will want to make sure that they have a firm grip on their soles to avoid any mishaps or accidents! A synthetic outer sole with a well-grooved and patterned design can provide the sticking power needed for secure steps.

If a lot of rain is expected on vacation, looking for Gore-Tex material can help to keep things watertight. No one wants a pair of sodden sneakers, especially if they are packing light with no other footwear!

Easy-to-Wear (and Not Wear)

Not only do travelers need to make sure that their sneakers are comfy when they are on their feet, but they should be easy to take off, too!

This allows them to be able to take a break and relax, especially on long flights or while sitting around for a long time at an airport without the need to fumble around with lots of laces and tight-fitting footwear. 

Sneakers with flared and slightly raised heels can be easy to slip on and off as needed, but also snug enough that they won’t fall off while walking around. Having good support at the back of the shoe also gives good leverage when prying them off, especially in cramped airplane seating!

Purchasing Travel Sneakers

Keeping the above in mind is essential when picking out future sneakers for a vacation or trip. Still unsure about the perfect travel sneaker? Consider consulting online reviews or asking at the local shoe store for further recommendations.