Sunscreen? Check!
Sunhat? Check!
Sundress? Check!
Sandals? Check…?

When preparing for a vacay, sandals are probably the most important item you should pack, as it can be hard to find a suitable replacement. Finding the right type of summer walking sandals is not as easy as sipping summer cocktails, but it is still no reason to sacrifice comfort in the name of fashion.

When sightseeing, you’ll probably be on your feet a bigger part of the day and uncomfortable shoes shouldn’t cause you to cut your day trip short. So before packing your bags, besides the rest of the essentials that you absolutely must have, make sure you own a comfortable pair of walking sandals for travel to make your experience more pleasant.

Carrying a lot of stuff can be a hassle, so I always try to pack light. This means that I can’t really take as many pairs of shoes that I want to and I need to find just the right pair to suit most of my day and night outfits. Combining functionality and fashion may seem next to impossible, but it really isn’t. Here are a few tips to ensure you buy the ideal walking sandals for travel.

Choose the right size and fit

After standing or walking for too long, it is normal for your feet to swell. This is why it is better to go up a size than to choose a tight fit. Make sure the material is soft. For example, leather tends to stretch and loosen after prolonged wear. Speaking of prolonged wear, test your sandals at home first. Even though they may seem comfortable in the store, try wearing them for at least a day or two before packing them. Also, your toes and heel should fit comfortably in the sandal. Make sure to leave some room behind the heel, if you opt for a closed heeled sandal. A tight fit can cause blisters due to the rubbing of the skin. As for the toes, closed-toe sandals mean you should also check if there is extra room for your toes. And last but not least, always check for arch support and cushioning! If you have a higher or a lower arch, look into orthotic sandals.

Avoid high heels

Flats are your best ally in this case! Although high heels are very elegant, they can cause you a lot of foot problems, blisters, leg and back pain. It is best to avoid them altogether if you plan on walking extensively and just get a pair that your feet feel great in.

Straps are always an extra

When buying walking sandals for travel, you are probably looking for that extra support that will keep your feet tight and secure. Well, straps aren’t just a fashion statement. An adjustable strap around the ankle is a godsend for your feet. It shouldn’t be too tight as to not cut into to the skin, but not too loose either. Buckle up for a stable stride.

Sandals? Check!

The arch is the curved part of the foot that runs through its entire length. It’s essential for maintaining your balance, absorbing the shocks from walking or running and generally keeping your body upright. Considering it undergoes a lot of stress on a daily basis, it’s the one part of your feet that needs the most support. If your feet are constantly sore at the end of the day, it’s likely that your shoes do not provide enough support to the arch. As a result, this can lead to its deformation – either the arch being too high or too low (flat feet).

But maintaining the shape and health of your arches is easy, when you wear witting footwear with insoles designed to support the arch. This is particularly important for athletic activities such as running, hiking, or cycling which put great stress on the foot. In that case, wearing sneakers or athletic sandals with arch support can provide comforting cushioning to relieve some of the pressure and help you remain active for longer periods of time without your feet becoming tired.

It’s important to stress out that high and low arches require a different type of support, and you should wear shoes that are designed for your particular arch type. If you have low arches or flat feet, look for shoes referred to as “motion control” which are designed to be responsive to your every movement and add stability where the arch tends to collapse. On the other hand, feet with high arches require so-called cushioning shoes with a curved shape and softer arch support which encourages the foot to roll inward. Both cushioning and motion control shoes help to gently push the foot into proper position. If you have extremely low or high arches, a podiatrist can determine what type of shoes are right for you and whether you need to wear any special orthotic devices.

But having normal arches doesn’t mean you don’t need any support. In fact, the arch of the foot can change due to factors such as age, activity, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions. If you’re a very active person and spend most of your day on your feet, wearing sneakers, loafers, or athletic sandals with arch support can help protect your arches from deforming in the future.

But in order to thoroughly understand mens business shoes online is a good place to start learning about their components. From the front to the back, mens dress shoes are divided into four parts: the toe, the vamp, the facing, and the quarter. What makes all the different models of dress shoes so specific, are the construction and placement of the four parts.

The Oxford Shoe

The most timeless and basic dress shoe is the Oxford. This kind is extremely versatile and can be worn with both formal wear and something a bit more casual. Oxford shoes are basically the modern version of Oxonians, which were very popular at Oxford University circa 1800. The main characteristic of this shoe is the stitches under the vamp, which means they have a closed lacing. The facing is placed so that it provides a slim silhouette which hugs the foot’s contour.

You’ll find mens business shoes online, like the Oxford shoes in various colours, including: English tan, dark brown, black leather and cordovan, and black patent leather, the last of which goes incredibly well with a tuxedo or other types of formal wear, while the rest are great for business attires.

The Derby Shoe

The Derby shoe was originally made for hunting and sporting around 1850, but at the turn of the 20th century, it became widely accepted in the town. A lot of people oftentimes mistake Derby shoes for Oxford simply because they’re quite similar in shape and only differ slightly. Even though it may not be obvious at first glace, the difference is in the face’s placing. Instead of on the bottom of the shoe, which is the case in Oxford shoes, the Derby shoe has the facing stitches on the top of the vamp. This construction is also known as open lacing, and for many, Derby shoes are the most comfortable type of dress and business shoes.

The Chelsea Boot

These originated in Victorian England, and they feature elastic gussets which can be slipped off and pulled on relatively easy, without compromising the silhouette of a laced boot. It’s the absence of laces that contributes to their neat shape for the most part, and they’ve easily become one of the most practical alternatives for Derby and Oxford shoes. Chelsea boots are ankle length and feature low heels and rounded toes. The quarters and the vamp meet near the ankle and are accompanied by the elastic gusset. The simplicity of the Chelsea boot puts them in a class of their own, and you can combine them with smart-casual, business, dress and casual clothes.