If you’re flying carry-on only, choosing which shoes to pack is always so hard!
As someone who exclusively flies carry-on, my rule is to bring 2 to 3 pairs of shoes – nothing more!
And while you’ll have to be ruthless with your shoe selection, it’s actually not as hard as you think.
If you need help figuring out what shoes to pack for your next trip, here are some practical shoe combinations based on different types of trips, focusing on versatility, comfort, and the ability to mix and match with different outfits.
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1. City Exploration
Pair 1: Comfortable Sneakers (Neutral Color, e.g., White, Gray or Black)
Choose a shoe you can comfortably walk 20,000 steps in!
Your workhorse shoes!
A neutral color will go with casual outfits and are stylish enough to wear with jeans or even dresses.
I love my New Balance shoes for this option – they’re lightweight, comfy and a nice off-white color.
Pair 2: Versatile Flats or Loafers
Choose a sleek pair that can be dressed up or down, ideal for both sightseeing and a nicer dinner out.
Pair 3 (Optional): Compact Foldable Sandals or Slip-On Shoes
Perfect for packing light, they can be used for lounging or short walks, especially if your trip involves warmer weather or hotel relaxation.
OR
Pair 1: White leather sneakers:
I like my Puma Carina sneakers for this.
They’re comfortable enough to walk in all day and go well with any outfit (jeans, summer dresses, shorts, etc.).
Something in this style looks a little more trendy compared to a traditional walking/running shoe.
Pair 2: Backstrap Casual Sandals
They can be dressed up or down (where them to the pool or out for dinner).
I love something like these KEEN sandals.
Or these REEF waterproof platform sandals (they’re so light).
Fun fact: for my recent 10-day trip in California, the only shoes I brought were my Puma sneakers and these sandals.
It worked out great!
2. Beach Vacation
Pair 1: Casual Flip-Flops or Slides
Lightweight, easy to pack, and essential for the beach, pool, or walking around your hotel.
Pair 2: Comfortable Walking Sandals
Sandals with good arch support, like Tevas or Birkenstocks, can handle long walks but are also perfect for casual dinners or exploring.
Pair 3 (Optional): Waterproof Sandals or Water Shoes
If your trip involves water activities or hikes through wet environments, a lightweight waterproof shoe will be useful, and you can skip heavy-duty hiking boots.
3. Outdoor Adventure (Hiking, Nature Trips)
Pair 1: Lightweight Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes
Choose a pair that is sturdy but not overly bulky.
Look for ones that are waterproof and comfortable for long hikes, yet stylish enough for casual wear.
Pair 2: Comfortable Sneakers or Slip-On Shoes
Use for downtime when you’re not on a trail.
They can double as your plane travel shoes.
Something like the Skechers slip-on shoes are a great option (and they come in lots of colors).
Pair 3 (Optional): Multi-Use Sandals (e.g., Chaco or Keen)
Ideal for both hiking and casual walks.
These are lightweight, easy to pack, and can withstand rugged terrain while keeping you cool.
4. Winter City Trip & Cold Destinations
Pair 1: Stylish Waterproof Boots
These should be comfortable for walking but also warm enough for colder weather.
Look for insulated boots that can handle wet and cold conditions, but are chic enough for urban outings.
Blundstone boots are the perfect example.
Pair 2: Comfortable Sneakers
Choose a sneaker with good grip for walking on potentially slippery streets.
They can be paired with most outfits and are perfect for indoor or less cold activities.
Pair 3 (Optional): Compact Slippers or Foldable Flats
If you want something lightweight to wear inside your hotel or at less formal dinners, these are great for unwinding after long days of walking.
If you need arch support, these Archies Slides are a game changer (and they’re unisex too).
Get black and you can wear them anywhere!
5. Shoes for a Business/Conference Trip
Pair 1: Comfortable Dress Shoes or Flats
Choose a sleek pair that works for both meetings and after-hours outings.
They should be versatile enough to go with both business attire and casual wear.
Pair 2: Low-Profile Sneakers or Loafers
These are great for walking around between meetings or during free time.
Pick something polished enough that they won’t look out of place at semi-formal events.
Pair 3 (Optional): Foldable Flats or Sandals
Perfect for switching out of heels or dress shoes when you’re back at the hotel or on your way home.
6. General Two-Shoe Option (Most Trips)
Pair 1: Comfortable, All-Day Walking Shoes
A good pair of sneakers or slip-ons that can handle lots of walking and match with a variety of outfits.
Pair 2: Multi-Purpose Flats or Sandals
These should work for both casual and slightly dressy settings, allowing you to transition easily from day to night without adding much bulk to your bag.
Tips for Packing Shoes for Carry-on Travel
Here are some additional tips for packing your shoes in your luggage.
Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane.
If your bulkiest shoes are a pair of hiking boots or something that you wouldn’t want to wear sitting in a plane for several hours – pack a pair of travel slippers.
Something slim and lightweight – this way, after take-off, just change into your slippers or slides and wear these on the flight.
Pack Items inside Your Shoes
If you’re packing a pair of shoes, fill your shoes with soft items like socks, underwear, swimsuits, or even small items like your sunglasses case, etc.
When you pack your shoes in your suitcase, that room is already spoken for, so utilize the empty space inside the shoe to maximize space.
