Footwear Focus: A Podiatrist’s Vacation Footwear
As a podiatrist, I’m both personally and professionally passionate about footwear. After all, shoes can make or break your day. That’s especially true when you’re on vacation. Many of us find ourselves walking more than usual on vacation, particularly when taking in the sites and sounds of an exotic locale. Making wise footwear choices is even more vital when it comes to travel. That’s what led me to create this latest article for you.
In August, my husband and I went on an unforgettable 10-day trip to Paris. It was an amazing opportunity to not only explore this historic city, but also to attend some Olympic events!
Given how much walking we were going to do, I knew I needed to bring along some supportive shoes that would hold up all day. I also had to consider the fact that it was HOT. Plus, I didn’t want to default to just wearing running shoes the whole time in one of the most celebrated fashion capitals of the world.
I had my work cut out for me when it came to selecting supportive, varied footwear options for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Thankfully, I was ready and willing to devote my podiatry powers fully to this task…
In the end, I managed to keep it to five pairs total. These shoe options spanned such diverse events as a night at the Olympic track and field finals and a fancy lunch at the Eiffel Tower.
It’s safe to say I put them through the paces and got in my daily steps (and then some!) between checking out all the sites (and shopping, obviously).
I wanted to share my vacation footwear choices and experience with you. Here’s a rundown and rating of the shoes I chose for my trip.
Podiatrist-recommended vacation footwear
Learn which shoes made my shortlist for my recent Parisian vacation, and why!
Adidas Stan Smith CS Mid Shoes
These are so comfortable and cute. I also wore them during our travel days.
They’re very padded in the heel and ankle, which made them gap on me around my ankles. This may not be an issue for others.
In my opinion, these are more of a casual shoe than the traditional Stan Smith model. Mine are suede, which I love, especially since my Cariuma sneakers (see below) are canvas.
Cariuma OCA Low Sneakers
This pair is similar to the Stan Smiths in style, but I believe Cariuma offers better support.
In addition to the shoe being more supportive, the liner has a bit more cushioning and is closer to being a true shoe insert, rather than just a piece of fabric.
I have three different versions of Cariuma shoes because I love them so much! I can truly walk miles in them with no foot pain. I have the canvas style but you can also get these in leather or suede.
Both the Stan Smiths and the Cariumas are extremely versatile – I’ve worn them with jeans, shorts, dresses, you name it.
Brooks Hyperion 2
I love this shoe both for running and just wearing around.
They’re springy without being quite as thick as a Hoka or similar shoe. I used these for workouts during our trip and also wore them for a day at the track.
These are a neutral shoe, so they might not work for everyone. At 8mm drop and about 6.3 oz, they are right in the sweet spot for my personal preferences.
FRANKIE4 Hunter Slingback Sandals
FRANKIE4 is a new brand started by an Australian podiatrist that I love.
They have a variety of cute shoes that have noticeably more support than similar styles from other brands. Additionally their closed-toe shoes offer a variety of footbeds and cushions to optimize the fit of the shoe.
I packed these sandals as my “dressy” option, since I knew I’d still be walking a lot even when I was dressed up. I probably walked 20,000 steps in these shoes in one day with no soreness in my feet and no rubbing from the straps. I call that a win!
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
These are the classic style you think of when you think of Birkenstocks. I LOVE Birks, but they are a little trickier to get right.
I’ve found that the styles without a backstrap (like the Arizona) are a little harder to walk a significant distance in, because you’re working harder to keep them on your feet.
Birks are also notorious for needing to be broken in and I do find that to be true for the straps. Sometimes, in the first few months you have them, you might get some rubbing if you wear them for too long.
That said, these were a solid pair of shoes for days where we would walk and stop frequently at stores or cafes. They also go with a variety of outfits. I have several pairs, but I brought the gray nubuck version for a neutral option.
Final thoughts on vacation footwear recommendations from a podiatrist
As you can see—I got my steps in and got the chance to try out a wide range of footwear during my recent trip!
When you’re going on an active vacation like mine, it’s always best to plan to bring along a few pairs of shoes.
Think about it—you pack a variety of clothing for different days, occasions, and weather. Making room for quality footwear is a wise investment in your ability to have a great trip. After all, nothing’s worse than having sore feet, ankles, and legs when you’re on vacation!
These styles all helped me feel good, stay active, and have an amazing time exploring Paris. As a podiatrist, I practice what I preach when it comes to carefully selecting quality footwear that will help me stay moving, stay pain-free, and go the distance.
I hope my vacation footwear recommendations help you on your next trip!
If you need my personalized podiatrist recommendations and support in selecting the optimal footwear for you—reach out!
I love helping active Chicagoans feel their best, and your shoes choices are the foundation of your health and well-being. Because happy feet make a world of difference in your day!
You can easily schedule a visit with me online, and you’ll love our flexible scheduling and convenient downtown Chicago office location. Plus, be sure to follow us on social media @citysteppod, and check out our blog regularly for awesome advice and insight into all things podiatry!
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
