The Most Important Clothing Item To Consider When Packing For A Flight
Packing for a flight usually centers around the oft-left-behind essentials like chargers, toiletries, and snacks, but the one item that can either help or hurt your travel experience from the moment you leave home is your shoes. They're the first thing you put on and the last thing you want to think about mid-flight. Choosing the right pair will greatly influence your comfort throughout the day, and your comfort influences your mood, which influences your experience overall!
Carrying You Forward
Shoes carry more responsibility than we give them credit for. They need to handle walking through terminals, standing in lines, and sometimes rushing to catch a gate change. On a flight, they should keep you warm without making your feet feel stiff or sweaty either. And when you finally land, you don't want to start your trip with sore arches or blisters. The right pair should be comfortable to wear for long periods without you ever needing to worry about them.
Easy-Off
The airport security line alone makes slip-on shoes worth considering, since being able to take them off and on without fumbling with laces or buckles will help you feel less rushed. However, they also need to stay secure while you walk, which slip-ons can sometimes struggle with. This detail will really depend on your preference, and whether or not there are other factors (like ankle support) you need that slip-ons can't provide.
Counting Steps
Even if you're not walking long distances, the amount of small steps you'll make in an airport will add up. Shoes that are stiff, narrow, or overly flat can quickly make your feet uncomfortable. Look for soft interiors, cushioned soles, and arch support. Materials that allow your feet to breathe will help during long waits and stuffy cabins. If your feet hurt after an hour, they’ll only feel worse after five.
Keeping Warm
Airplanes often feel much colder than expected, especially around your feet. Open sandals or thin shoes might seem convenient while getting through security, but they can leave you shivering once you're in the air. A closed, breathable shoe helps you stay warm without overheating. You may also want to take your shoes off during the flight, so pack socks or wear a pair that won't make you think twice about taking them off for comfort.
For More Than Just Travel
The best travel shoes don't just work for the flight. They’ll take you from airport to your hotel, city streets, casual meals, and maybe even a walk around the block. A shoe that matches more than one outfit and works in different settings will save packing space and simplifies your outfits quite a bit. You don’t need a different pair for every part of your trip. One reliable, all-around option can (and should) handle more than you think.
Function Over Form
It's tempting to choose shoes that look stylish, but lots of fashionable footware offer nothing in the way of support or coverage. If they’re stiff, pinch your toes, or can’t handle a bit of rain, leave them out of your flight day plans. If you want to bring stylish shoes with you, put them in your checked bags. What you wear through the airport should focus on function and function alone.
Picking the right shoes might not seem like the most exciting part of travel prep, but it's one of the most important. The right pair will carry you through delays, long lines, and full days of travel without your feet getting sore. When you're spending hours upon hours getting to your destination, you don't want to be struggling with aching feet at the same time.