6 Types of Shoes to Wear on a Warm-Weather Vacation

So you're headed somewhere sunny: excellent! You're about to soak up some warmer weather and probably do a lot of walking. With that in mind, the shoes you pack will basically ensure whether you'll be happily active or miserably hunting for bandaids to cover your blisters. Plus, much will depend on the climate, activities, and length of your stay.

"We all know that shoes make an outfit, so when traveling for a getaway, prioritize shoes to start your packing," explains Ginnie Bond, president of luxury shoe brand Donald Pliner. "Let’s face it, shoes take up a lot of room in your suitcase and we know how precious that space is (hello souvenirs!), so it's key to use it wisely."

"In general, if you adhere to the three-travel shoe rule: an easy walking shoe, a wearable flat or sandal, and a heeled sandal that is comfortable to wear around all day or night. That’s really all you need. [This] will prevent overpacking in the shoe department," she adds.

If you're looking for concrete ideas or ways to make your travel footwear more functional, read on.

What to Look For in Vacation Footwear

The number one factor here will be comfort. "Bring shoes you already own and that you know are comfortable. Or plan to buy new shoes several weeks before you go so that you can break them in at home and make sure they're comfortable," advises fashion expert and stylist Naina Singla.

Materiality is a related component. "Look for shoes with proper grip for traction, breathable materials like mesh or canvas to prevent overheating, and cushioned insoles for all-day comfort," explains Stitch Fix stylist Jordan Walker. "Lightweight non-slip soles, open designs, and materials like leather, brushed metallics, and raffia not only suit the heat, but provide sturdy traction, ventilation, and comfort, even in humid conditions," says Bond.

Sizing is yet another aspect of this. In warmer weather, your feet are going to need room to expand. "Always try on sandals to ensure the perfect fit to avoid potential chafing, and consider sizing up in sneakers to accommodate swelling in warm weather. Prioritize adjustable straps and materials that mold to your feet for maximum comfort," says Walker. You'll also want to know the specific design components that work well for your feet. "Wide footbeds aren’t just for people with wide feet; they offer a more comfortable option for many. Even if your feet appear narrow, certain styles with wider footbeds can provide added comfort," says Marisa Byrne, general manager at Journee Collection Shoes, adding, "If you have a high instep, wedges are an excellent choice."

Pay attention to weight and durability. Citing some of their products, Kylie Hull, a representative for LifeStride, explains: "They're are all less than 10 ounces and have breathable stretch fabrics and cloud-like FreeFoam insoles...plus they’re machine-washable so you can keep your shoes looking new."

And finally, think about multifunctionality. "Choose neutral-colored shoes that will work with all your looks. You want to avoid shoes that only work with one outfit," explains Singla.

The Perfect Sandal

This should be something supportive but light: that perfect balance. A sandal is "great when sneakers feel too hot, but you need some support for activities. You can wear these during the day with more athletic wear or with more polished shorts and dresses," says Singla. Citing their slingback, Francesca Capellini, creative director of footwear at Toms, notes that the strappy, open style is "just the right amount of openness and peep-toe look for those warmer nights out." For this style, there's usually a back strap, soft footbed, and supportive sole. "Breezy open-weave designs help prevent overheating while adjustable styles with Velcro closure or buckle straps accommodate potential foot swelling," says Bond. Walker cites Dolce Vita as a brand she loves; Singla likes Birkenstocks.

Stylish Sneakers

Fashion sneakers are an absolute must, thanks to their versatility: you can go sightseeing, head to a casual meal, and attend a standing-only event. "Choose a sneaker that's breathable; maybe one with mesh," says Singla. Camila Wolfson, chief merchandising officer at Toms, notes that their collection includes "padded heels, padded collars, and lateral support areas that offer enhanced cushioning. The roomier fit constructions ensure a more comfortable, relaxed fit." This is not the place for a platform or raised sneaker; "Go for flat bottoms so you’re not wobbly on cobblestone or any other kind of pavement that isn’t your average sidewalk," says Bond. Singla notes that New Balance and Quince have some cute options. Walker likes Adidas and Veja, whereas my go-to brand is Rothy's. Toms even designed their spring/summer 2025 collection that's "inspired by the idea of a coast-to-coast trip vacation," says Capellini.

A Flat Shoe

A flat is a classic for a reason, but brands are always iterating on how to make the design feel fresh and new (and a vacation can be a great way to experiment with a trend, like the mesh shoe). For next year, "expect styles ranging from loafers to ballet flats in cheerful colors like red and light blue, perfect for warmer weather," says Byrne. If a flat feels too casual or not supportive enough—since you want the sole to cushion your feet for hours—you can upgrade with a loafer or wedge. "You could wear both casually while you’re exploring or dressed up for a nice dinner," adds Hull. In other words, this could be the place to lean a bit more into fashion, so long as you're not sacrificing comfort. Everlane, Vivaia, Scarlett Chase, and Vagabond are other flat styles I've used and loved on vacation.

Minimal Sandals

Unlike the above, more substantial sandals, these will be slides or flip flops that work well for the beach, resort, or light walking around town (they also pack well since they're so thin). Singla actually prefers a slide because "they look polished and dressy, and they work with pants, jeans, shorts, dresses, and skirts. They also look cute with a swimsuit and coverup." If you upgrade to a platform slide, get some with "cushioned insoles and non-slip soles," advises Bond. With this pair, you'll want to avoid a flimsy construction with subpar materials; Singla particularly likes Tkees and Emme Parsons as fashionable choices that don't skimp on support in the bottom.

Activity Footwear

This one will depend on the activities of your vacation (and you'll want to check and make sure you can't rent some), but you might need to pack something specific like water shoes. Activity shoes can also include athletic sneakers if you want to exercise, run, hike, or do any other kind of heavy-duty activity, and, as you see above, they can also work in place of a fashion sneaker when you want a starker contrast. "Choose one with good arch support and cushioned insoles to make walking and running comfortable. Also, these will take up more space, so consider wearing these as your travel shoes," says Singla, citing Hoka as a pair with thick, substantial soles for maximum comfort.

Something for Date Night

If you're planning on going somewhere "fancy," you might need a dedicated shoe. But stay focused on comfort. In fact, "I don't ever pack heels on vacation, I prefer to go casual with flats and be able to walk if needed," says Singla. "If you have dressier dinners or you just love wearing heels, I recommend skipping the traditional pumps and going for a pair of mules. They have more versatility; you can wear them with casual dresses or evening wear. And because they're lower than heels, they're easier to walk in. I would choose a neutral pair that works with all your looks: nude, white, metallic, or black." She particularly likes Staud for an upscale choice. Alternatively, "go for wedges or block heels that won’t get stuck in concrete or cobblestones," says Bond. "Pay attention to material flexibility — soft, supple leather straps prevent rubbing and mold to your feet over time. If you’re between sizes, go up to avoid pinching or discomfort, especially in the heat."

How to Pack

Even with all the above recommendations, you may just prefer your tried-and-true heavier footwear. "For many, boots are an essential fashion choice year-round, no matter the weather," notes Walker. Based on what their clients were asking for, the Stitch Fix 2025 Trend Report anticipates a huge uptick in requests for flowy sun dresses and Western boots. If you desperately want to bring your boots to a summer getaway, go for it — just know it'll take up more space. Pack them full of the socks, underwear, or tees you're bringing on the trip, and clean the outer sole before you head out on vacation to keep everything else in your suitcase clean.

Generally, packing for a warmer vacay is easier than a cold-weather one: "One of the best things about packing for a warm-weather getaway is how compact the clothing is, leaving more room in your suitcase for versatility. With the extra space, I like to cover all [my] bases," says Walker. With that said, Singla cautions, "Don't overpack shoes: they take up a lot of space." She adds, "Consider building your looks around your shoes," and "To save space, wear your heaviest pair of shoes while traveling."

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