Packing for a summer vacation can be challenging—especially when it comes to shoes. I used to be the type of girl that would pack a suitcase full of them, only to wear a few pairs while I was on vacation. Over the years I’ve learned a simple trick…I plan each outfit in advance before I start packing. Then I take a photo of the outfit along with any accessories, jewelry pieces, and of course, shoes. The ones that go with the most amount of outfits are the ones I’ll bring with me.
My style changes depending on where I’m traveling to. If I’m headed to the Connecticut shoreline, I’m going to bring summer-y sandals and wedges. If I’m vacationing in New York City, I’ll pack plenty of stylish walkable flats. Here is a comprehensive list of 17 must-have travel shoes for any budget, along with what styles I recommend depending on where you’re vacationing this summer.
Save: Vince Camuto Snake Embossed Loafers ($99), Dr. Scholl’s East Block Heel Loafers ($89), or Steve Madden Feather Loafers (on sale, $53)
Splurge: Donald Pliner Lana Block Heel Loafers (on sale, $149), Gucci Jordaan Embroidered Leather Loafers ($890), or Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers ($120)
Save: Puma Heritage Court Basket Studded Sneakers ($70), Superga Cotu Sneaker ($65-$89) or Keds x Kate Spade Lips & Hearts Sneakers ($90)
Splurge: Golden Goose Superstar E37 Sparkle Leather Trainers ($515), Giuseppe Zanotti Cheryl Glitter Sneakers ($650), or Off-White Carryover Sneakers ($625)
Save: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals (on sale, $70), Steve Madden Bev Striped Slide Sandals (on sale, $31.49), or Sam Edelman Gunner Beaded Sandals ($99.99)
Splurge: Sam Edelman Bay 8 Slides ($100), Tory Burch Emmy Pearl Sandals (on sale, $149), or Gucci Marmont Leather Double G Sandals ($630)
Save: Kurt Geiger Leather & Transparent Glitter Wedge Slides (on sale, $86.62), Vince Camuto Leerata Wedge Sandals (on sale, $70), or Steve Madden Citrus-C Nubuck Wedge Sandals ($99.99)
Splurge: Aldo Calilmawien Wedge Sandals ($100), Cole Haan Sadie Snake Print Wedge Sandals ($170), or Tory Burch Miller Metal-Logo Wedge Sandals ($298)
Save: Vince Camuto Amereena Snake Print Thong Sandals ($79), Steve Madden Issy Block Heel Strappy Sandals ($90), or UO Aria Toe Loop Leather Sandal (on sale, $19)
Splurge: Schutz Floribela Strappy Sandals ($195), Schutz Yvi Strappy High-Heel Sandals ($180) or See By Chloé Braided Strappy Sandals (on sale $280)
Save: Vince Camuto Pamma Block Heel Booties ($99), Forever 21 Lace-Up Ankle Booties ($34.90), or BC Footwear Azalea Ankle Boot (on sale, $79)
Splurge: Frye Veronica Snake Print Combat Booties ($278), Kork Ease Ryder Booties ($190), or Gianni Bini Decie Western Studded Booties ($130)
Save: Vans Checkerboard Slip-On Pro ($55), Nike Ebernon Low Premium Sneakers ($75), or Converse Chuck Taylor Low Top Frilly Thrills Sneakers (on sale, $50)
Splurge: Golden Goose Pink Glitter Superstar Sneakers (on sale, $313), Common Projects Achilles Sneakers (on sale, $344), or Moschino Lace-Up Sneakers (on sale, $320)
Save: Gianni Bini Kaestra Rainbow Jewel Pool Slides ($50), Schutz Beach Please Pool Slides (on sale, $78), or Nike Benassi Just Do It Fanny Pack Slide Sandal (on sale, $39)
Splurge: Gucci Black Bow Pool Slides ($520), Off-White Black Industrial Pool Slides (on sale, $189) or Marc Jacobs Daisy Embellished Pool Slide Sandals (on sale, $117)
Save: Ava & Aiden Myra Sparkle Stilettos ($80), Sam Edelman Ariella Strappy Sandal Heel (on sale, $45), or ALDO Paenia Stilettos (on sale, $73)
Splurge: Schutz Women’s Yvi Stilettos ($180), Schutz Ariella Clear Strap High-Heel Slide Sandals ($170), or Alexander Wang Nova Slingback High-Heel Sandals ($550-$595)
Save: Sam Edelman Tinsley Chelsea Rubber Rain Booties ($55), Jack Rogers Sallie Rain Booties ($55), or Tretorn Lina Rain Booties ($90)
Splurge: Frye Storm Zip Block Heel Rain Booties ($158), Hunter Original Chelsea Rain Booties ($135), or Hunter Boots Refined Ankle Stud Biker Rain Booties (on sale, $105 – $111)
Save: I.N.C. Coletta Slingback Pointed Toe Pumps ($89.50), Badgley Mischka Lindsay Clear Peep Toe Pumps (on sale, $92.50), or Calvin Klein Ronna Thrill Metallic Pumps (on sale, $66)
Splurge: Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 100 ($355), Sam Edelman Hazel Nude Pumps ($120), or Schutz Iridescent Cendi Pump ($155)
Save: Circus by Sam Edelman Sahara Striped Mules ($65), Gap Criss-Cross Block Heel Mules (on sale, $32), or Report Ira Leopard Mules ($45)
Splurge: Schutz Chunky Heel Mules (on sale, $100), Soludos Suede Venetian Mules ($149), or Frye Leopard Print Ray Mule ($258)
Save: Sam Edelman Rodney Patent Ballet Flats ($99.99), Gianni Bini Quinna Zipper Ballet Flats (on sale, $42), or Sam Edelman Fanley Studded Ballet Flats (on sale, $51)
Splurge: Ted Baker Sually Ballet Flats ($100), Tory Burch Cap Toe Ballet Flats (on sale, $160-$228), or Rochas Brocade Ballet Flats (on sale, $357)
Save: New Balance Performance Running Sneakers ($60), Adidas U_Path Running Sneakers ($85), or Nike Run Swift SE Sneakers (on sale, $54)
Splurge: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Sneakers ($120), Sophia Webster Fly-By Rainbow Low-Top Sneakers ($230), or Newton Running Motion 8 Sneakers ($175)
Save: Sarto by Franco Sarto Graydon Slingback Flats ($99), Nina Sancia Kitten Heel Slingbacks ($69), or UO Rachel Slingback Heel ($40)
Splurge: Alice + Olivia Fanniey Strappy Raffia Slingbacks ($375), Sigerson Morrison Sunshine Slingback Ballet Flats ($250), or Jimmy Choo Raspberry Check Slingbacks (on sale, $425)
Save: Vince Camuto Kaiaan Snake Print Block Heel Sandals ($99), Gianni Bini McKaria Stripe Block Heel Sandals ($79.99), or Gb En-Chant Embroidered Platform Sandals ($69.99)
Splurge: See By Chloé chunky heel sandals (on sale, $311-$341), Schutz Emilen Block Heel Sandals ($180), or Giuseppe Zanotti Betty Platform Sandal (on sale, $318)
Save: Vans Sk8-Hi Floral Sneakers ($65), Opening Ceremony La Cienega Glitter Metallic Logo Sneakers (on sale, $80), or New Balance 574 Pebbled Sneakers (on sale, $70)
Splurge: Golden Goose Multicolor Sequin Slide Sneakers ($635), Saucony Jazz Floral Sneakers (on sale, $165), or Adidas I-5923 Sneakers ($130)
For vacationing in Europe, bring: versatile booties, sophisticated slingbacks, classic white sneakers, and stylish mules.
If you’re heading to the beach, bring: casual sneakers, beach slides, summer-y wedges, and strappy sandals.
If you’re going to the countryside, bring: summer-y wedges, muted ballet flats, classic white sneakers, and sophisticated slingbacks.
For a trip to Palm Springs, bring: fashionable chunky heels, classic white sneakers, strappy sandals, and comfortable flat sandals.
If you’re traveling to a vibrant city like New York or Chicago bring: waterproof rain boots, chic pumps, simple loafers, and colorful sneakers.
If you’re attending a lavish wedding, bring: trendy stilettos, summer-y wedges, strappy sandals, and classic white sneakers.
If you’re going on a hiking trip, bring: gym sneakers, comfortable flat sandals, waterproof rain boots + hiking boots.
For on a quick business trip, bring: simple loafers, muted ballet flats, versatile booties, and chic pumps.
If you’re visiting Vegas, bring: trendy stilettos, beach slides, stylish mules, and comfortable flat sandals.
If you’re heading to The Hamptons, bring: beach slides, strappy sandals, fashionable chunky heels, and classic white sneakers.
For a New England vacation, bring: comfortable flat sandals, casual sneakers, and beach slides, and summer-y wedges.
For more travel tips, check out The Best Travel Size Products, Planning a Spur-of-the-Moment Trip, Most Exciting Places To Travel, and Road Trip Travel Apps.
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