The Best Shoes for Exploring


When going on vacation, I often struggle with what types of shoes to bring. I want to be comfortable, but still want the shoes to look cute. I want to be dressed up enough, but if there are cobblestones or long distances to be walked, I need to know that I can survive in the shoes I’ve picked! When I studied abroad leading into my senior year of college, I packed all the wrong shoes – heels that were completely ruined by the cobblestones, so I learned my lesson! I brought two pairs of shoes with me to Charleston, one of which I only wore for the plane. Considering I’m an overpacker by nature, this was a win for me! I do quite a bit of walking in Boston as well, so my shoes always take a beating – comfort is key for me! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite types of shoes that are perfect for exploring! 



  • Wedge Booties are some of my favorite exploring shoes because they give you a little height with all the comfort and the bonus is that they look great with jeans! These come in 17 different colors and I also have this pairthat I wear weekly!
  • I have used and abused my two pairs of slip on sneakers to the point that I need a new pair and I have my eyes on these perforated ones from Sperry because they let my feet breathe.
  • I think espadrilles are probably one of the best shoes to take on vacation! They’re super comfortable for all the walking and exploring and then you can turn around and wear them at night for going out. I love these lace up ones with a pretty sun dress, the platform wedges have been on my wishlist for a couple years now and these flatforms are super versatile.  I have a pair of these Sam Edleman espadrilles that I always pair with my white jeans. 
  • Mules are my favorite spring shoe – I have two pairs and I will more than likely be adding these fringe ones to my closet soon! All 9 color options would go great with cropped jeans!
  • My gladiator sandals have taken me all over Dubai, Europe & everywhere in between – they are insanely comfortable even though they have a very slight heel. I always pack them on warm weather vacations and can walk miles upon miles in them! 




What do you typically pack when you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking?


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25 Comments

  1. Katherine
    April 3, 2019 / 12:05 pm

    Love all these espadrilles and cute spring options!!

    Katherine | oneswainkycouple.com

  2. Andrea Nine
    April 3, 2019 / 12:10 pm

    This is too funny because as I was looking at pictures of your Charleston trip I was thinking to myself I wonder if the shoes were comfortable for walking around? These sure are some cute ones!

  3. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    April 3, 2019 / 12:11 pm

    Lots of great options! Those Sperry shoes are so comfortable

  4. Life as the Mrs.
    April 3, 2019 / 12:39 pm

    I love them all! Sam Edelman shoes are always my #1 favorite.

  5. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    April 3, 2019 / 12:41 pm

    LOVE them all! I get a ton of use out of my wedges during the spring and summer because they are pretty comfortable to walk in!!

    Rosy Outlook

  6. The Lucky Lifestyle
    April 3, 2019 / 1:30 pm

    What a good post idea because it's SO true — on vacation you always want to look cute, but comfort has to be key too! I'm all about the wedges (and the slip on sneaks for more casual days). Great picks!

  7. A Dash of Pretty
    April 3, 2019 / 1:58 pm

    They're all so cute and look perfect lots of walking! I never thought about what cobblestones did to my shoes (me fail!) but hauling around Charleston can be rough!!

  8. Girl Meets Bow
    April 3, 2019 / 2:14 pm

    I just bought three new pairs of espadrilles for trips I have coming up! Can't wait to try them out!

  9. Lindsay Latimer
    April 3, 2019 / 2:51 pm

    I love a good wedge bootie!

  10. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
    April 3, 2019 / 3:30 pm

    I am always on the hunt for shoes that are comfortable and stylish for traveling! I have found wedges are the easiest way to combine comfort and style! Huge fan of a Dansko pair for the fall/winter/spring I have that held up so well in NYC. Then for summer I love Bella Vita wedges! xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  11. a little bit of emily
    April 3, 2019 / 3:43 pm

    I struggle with the same thing when packing, and just when being out for the whole day as well. I want to be cute, but comfy. I absolutely love those espadrilles with the cut outs – they are definitely on my wish list!

  12. Rebecca Jo
    April 3, 2019 / 4:34 pm

    I'd wear those yellow espadrilles every single day!!! Giving me all the Summer BELLE vibes 😉

  13. Missy
    April 3, 2019 / 4:45 pm

    I walked 10 miles around Boston that day I net you, comfy shoes are a must! I love a wedge heel for fancying up the comfort!

  14. Sparkles and Lattes
    April 3, 2019 / 5:14 pm

    I really want those yellow Sam Edleman espadrilles. They would be perfect for exploring!

  15. Lindsay's Sweet World
    April 3, 2019 / 5:59 pm

    I love wedges for doing lots of walking. They are so much more comfy than regular heels!

  16. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    April 3, 2019 / 6:06 pm

    I need zero heel and arch support. I love birkenstocks for walking with support.

  17. JMO
    April 3, 2019 / 6:53 pm

    I own zero mules and want to snag some so badly! Love these!

  18. Emelia @ Dream Big and Buy the Shoes
    April 3, 2019 / 7:01 pm

    I LOVE those wedge sneakers! I wear a lot of mules, but don't own any espadrilles and need some ASAP! Super cute options too 🙂

  19. Nadine
    April 3, 2019 / 7:19 pm

    These are all so cute!! I constantly struggle trying to figure out what shoes to wear.

  20. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    April 4, 2019 / 12:21 am

    The struggle is real to find cute but comfortable shoes for vacationing and lots of walking. I tend to sick with flats of all varieties but the platform wedges look comfy enough for a night out. I just wonder how heavy they are for packing purposes.

  21. Kate at Green Fashionista
    April 4, 2019 / 1:29 am

    I have the same struggle when packing for a trip, but you're right espadrilles are always a great idea <3
    Green Fashionista

  22. R's Rue
    April 4, 2019 / 3:46 pm

    I love it. Those espadrilles are so cute.

  23. Shannon Jenkins
    April 4, 2019 / 5:12 pm

    So many cute shoes! I love a good wedge! So comfy!

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

  24. Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    April 7, 2019 / 4:26 pm

    They are all so cute, but espadrilles are life!

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