The Holiday Footwear Dilemma
What Footwear to Wear on Holiday
Tickets have been booked, plans have been made and before you know it you will be staring blankly into a dusty suitcase wondering what footwear to pack.
The second of your worries will be whether or not your luggage allowance will accommodate your entire wardrobe being wedged into it. It seems like a rational thought because it’s always important to have options whilst you are on holiday, right?
Realising that realistically your allowance is only suitable for a small child you start to consider what is essential for this trip and what you can start to leave at home this time.
Essential Holiday Footwear
Fear not, your suitcase can go on a super-fast diet and it’s guaranteed to lose weight quicker than stay at home mum on the latest fad food regime.
The key to doing this is to only take the indispensable pieces of footwear. The weight of footwear can be substantial and it can also take up a lot of space so the more pairs you take, the less available room you will have for your clothes.
It is important to try and take footwear that is versatile and can be used with a number of outfits. Whilst you are away, this will once again lead to you freeing up space for your clothes and other holiday items.
Unfortunately this leads us to another predicament – which footwear should you actually take? Luckily, we are here to lend a helping hand and aid you in solving the holiday footwear dilemma.
Destination Footwear
The first thing to consider when choosing your footwear, is your holiday destination and what type of activities you are likely to be partaking in whilst you are away.
If you’re not one to chill on the beach or by the pool, but are more of an adventurer then it is wise to relegate your sliders to the reserves bench whilst ensuring you have your trainers warmed up and ready to go.
Considering your destination is extremely important and will allow you to select only the essential pieces for your trip.
Footwear Choices
Flip Flops/Sliders
For a long time flip flops won this competition hands down and you wouldn’t have been seen dead in a pair of sliders. However, in recent years the slider has been rejuvenated and staked a claim back on the scene.
Both sliders and flip flops have their place in your suitcase, but in order to trim down it is best to select one or the other. Generally, you will only need one pair and it is likely that these will only be worn during the day (and mainly for events that involve the beach or the pool).
Pick a versatile colour such as black or navy and you will find that they can be worn with most of the items in your wardrobe. You have more chance of being able to wear flip flops with a relaxed evening outfit, whereas sliders would be a no go.
If you do opt for this, think skinny jean shorts and a fitted long line t shirt.
Boat Shoes
The boat shoe is a classic holiday shoe and one that is a brilliant addition to your suitcase (purely because of its sheer versatility and its timeless class).
The boat shoe has been a popular piece of menswear for centuries and it shows no sign of being phased out. The reason why this is a great holiday shoe is because it can be worn for casual day jaunts – through towns and marinas, as well as doubling up as a more formal evening shoe. #FlexibleFootwear
Boat shoes always pair nicely with chinos whether that is day or evening wear.
To go for a casual outfit wearing your boaties, pair your chinos with a plain crew neck or polo t shirt. If you are looking to go formal then team them with a short sleeve oxford shirt.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles originated in the Spain and were initially a peasant’s shoe. However, the huge success of Miami Vice led to espadrilles becoming increasingly popular once again.
The espadrille is a casual shoe and can once again be utilized with chinos and chino shorts. They are the perfect footwear for early evening dinners on the beach or strolling into town.
Trainers
Trainers can be a staple in a gentleman’s suitcase, but it is very much dependent on what you plan to be doing on holiday.
If you’re participating in extended periods of walking, then you should look at packing a pair of running trainers.
Running trainers have specially designed support for your feet and you will remain comfortable for longer periods of time. Alternatively, you could look to take slightly flatter, canvas trainers (however these would not be best suited to any prolonged periods on foot).
Feel Your Footwear
The keys things to remember when selecting which pieces of footwear to take on holiday with you are:
- Select footwear appropriate to your destination and your activities;
- Remember to try and double-up your footwear, so if it is only being worn once it’s probably best to stay at home;
- Think about versatile colours that can match with a variety of different outfits.
Check out our summer footwear collection here. #STANDOUT