Only one pair of shoes?
 

Finalizing packing for a trip to Italy in a week - I know it's smart to pack light, but does everyone really get by with just one pair of shoes? We both have very comfortable walking shoes, but are still considering sticking in an extra pair, if only to give our feet (and our primary shoes) a break every now and then. Is this wise, or a waste of our limited baggage space? <BR>

I never travel with less than two pairs of shoes (wear one, pack the other); all you need is one rainy day, and you'll not think the space is wasted.<BR><BR>If I have to unpack a sweater to make room, I do it. Finding a sweater to buy if you're cold is fast and easy; finding a pair of shoes to buy if yours are wet or giving you blisters is neither.<BR><BR>

I completely agree with Elvira.<BR>I'm of the minimalist philosophy of travel, but 2 prs of shoes (no more, no less) is my standard, even on a short 3-4 day trip. <BR><BR>One pair may get wet, ripped, just start rubbing you the wrong way (yes, even if you've worn them for months or years comfortably).<BR><BR>It is also bad for the shoes --they need a day in between to air out, keep the interiors from disintegrating. <BR><BR>You can always layer clothes, wash them out, or as Elvira suggests, but something cheaply and easily. Not so with shoes

You want at least two pair of shoes, because one pair can never go everywhere. Take one pair for long city walks which will also make do for country strolls. Take another pair which can go from afternoon to evening. For a mediterranean summer, I would add a pair of sandals - they really don't take much space. If you don't have the perfect pair, take this great opportunity to buy them in Italy.

Definitely take 2 pair for all the reasons listed above. Wear the heavier pair on the flight.

Are two pairs enough?

I'm visiting Prague and Vienna next week and I was planning to take 2 pairs...comfortable leather sandels and comfortable leather covered-toe walking shoes...will this work?

I've been to Europe twice, once for a month, which included hiking in the mountains. Both times I only took one pair of shoes. Make sure they're comfortable, and if they are waterproof you don't have to worry about them getting wet (mine weren't either time and I survived though).

Another minimalist packer here who takes two pairs, one for walking/hiking/tooling around, and the other for dinner out with friends and colleagues. Even if I didn't almost always have to have the latter, I think I'd take two pairs for reasons already stated - to give your feet a breather. I have, on occasion, completely worn out a pair of shoes in Europe and used it as an excuse to buy another to bring home.

Count me in on the 2 shoe crowd. One is bound to get wet and smelly. Your feet will appreciate a change as well. It's easier to clean and dry clothes than shoes! Have a grand time!

Oh God, it would be the worst kind of torture for me if I had to decide on just which 2 pair of shoes to take on a trip! I have to have a pair for dressy evening,a pair for day,a pair for if my feet are killing me..that is if I can control myself:)

Two pair - Mephistos on my feet on the flight, and a pair of black (usually) flats w/ crepe soles. Then I am covered for everything.

2 pair of good walking shoes. 1 pair of nicer shoes for evening. Why two pair of walking shoes besides getting wet, I have found that changing walking shoes daily helps make the feet feel better.

Oh man, you are my hero to manage that! <BR> Last trip was in the fall, I had heels for evening, a pair of boots for everyday walking,a pair of really soft merrels for the day that my feet were swollen and sore and would not want to be inside a boot,then I had the pair of red boots that I got right before the trip that I was sure would look great with everything I packed,of course,I never even wore them.

Get a grip, Scarlett.

a grip? why is that one of those bags that you can carry as many shoes as you want in it?<BR>thanks for the tip,xxx.

one pair!!!!<BR><BR>if you really need another pair, just buy them, you're going to Italy after all!

I always pack a second pair of shoes (heels) for Italy, but so far I've never worn them. There's so much walking around, I'd rather be comfortable. Plus, I hardly ever get to wear my dressier outfits. I usually end up having dinner somewhere where it's not practical to get back to my hotel and change. I've wasted a lot of luggage space carrying around clothes and shoes that never get worn. My advice is that the second pair be "presentable" flats.

I'm a very light packer, usually get by with just a carry-on, but I wouldn't dream of traveling with only one pair of shoes. Your feet and your shoes will all be happier if you can alternate between two pairs.

I started out packing shoes like Scarlett, but I am slowing recovering -- now I only take 2 pairs of shoes, regardless of the fact that I never wear more than 1(the whole trip, not just at a time). I think that going to Italy is a great excuse to buy shoes anyway, so why take up the space ahead of time?

I'm also a light packer who takes up to three pairs of shoes (plus the pair I'm wearing. A lot of my travel is work-related, so I need dressier shoes. But I'll also be going out walking some, so I need more comfortable shoes. Somehow I manage just fine. I've even taken an evening dress (and black peau de soie dancing shoes), and still fit everything in a carry-on size bag.<BR><BR>I would not do just one pair of shoes ever. Shoes need time to breath in between wearings. Hiking would be the exception, I suppose, but then it would be the socks taking a lot of the beating.

Hi Steve. Bringing an extra pair of shoes is wise (IMO), not a waste of limited baggage space. In fact, I always bring three pairs. As Elvira alluded to, it's far easier to buy another piece of clothing, like a sweater, than it is to buy a new pair of shoes...since a sweater doesn't need breaking in, whereas most pairs of shoes do.

Therese, I've gotta ask - How do you do it? One carry on? Three pairs of shoes? evening dresses? How do you do it? In my mind, I'm a light traveler, but I still haven't gotten it down past one carry-on and one checked bag. (This is for a 7-10 day trip.) I keep saying it's because mens' clothing/shoes weigh more than womens', hence they take up more space.

Italy has the best shoes in the world. I would go there without any shoes!

I too drool at the shoe store windows in Italy. But they are still WAY above my budget. At home I spend up to $80 on a pair, but everything I see in Italy is double that!

Having just heard of a lady who took sandals on a trip where it rained and she had to go to a store,buy new shoes and break them in, I will stick to my packing of several pairs for comfort.<BR>If they fit in the bag, they can go to Europe with me, truth is,what difference does it really make? one pair of extra shoes does not make the bag to heavy for the airplane,take up too much room in a hotel closet,and it is a pleasure to have them there if I need them,rather than wishing I had brought them.<BR>If two people fly, each person is allowed two suitcases.I bring one and my husband brings one. Why is there"limited baggage space?"

Our "limited baggage space" is more a function of our desire to avoid excess (read unnecessary) weight, and is not really related to the available space in our bags. We also want to leave some empty room to bring a few things back with us. Finally, it's also easier for my wife to pack two or more pairs of shoes than it is for me, since I wear a size 12.5 shoe. <BR><BR>Anyway, I just wanted to get some thoughts from more experienced travelers on whether people regretted either bringing or not bringing an extra pair or two of shoes. Sounds like the answer is a resounding "yes" Thanks to all. <BR><BR><BR>

Burning question here, but I won't lose any sleep over it, one way or the other - if I bring flipflops and aqua socks, are they counted as "pairs of shoes" or are they "extra stuff"? Not that the fate of the free world depends on this, and I'll still take those items, anyway.<BR>ja