If you haven’t already, I’d recommend having a look at my current travel shoe essentials— these are the ones that made the cut.

Because this post? This is about everything that didn’t.

And yes… this might sound a little bit like a rant.
Because after years of travelling (and making questionable shoe choices), I’ve learned — sometimes painfully — what not to bring.

Let me start with the one thing I will always repeat:
Do not travel with shoes you haven’t already worn and tested.

New shoes will hurt your feet.
Not “maybe”. Not “it depends”. They will.

The Shoes I Wouldn’t Pack (Learned the Hard Way)

Sandals & Flip Flops (The Deceptive Ones)

If you’re travelling somewhere warm — especially in Asia — it’s very tempting to live in sandals or flip flops.

And I get it. Let your feet breathe !

But here’s the reality: Those thin, flat sandals and basic flip flops?
They’re great for walking to the beach or for a quick run to 7/11.

And that’s about it.

Footpaths (when they exist) are not always smooth, even, or particularly forgiving. One wrong step and your toes are taking the full impact. If you start paying attention, you’ll notice just how many people are walking around with bandaged toes — it’s not a coincidence.

They’re also not made for long days of walking. Locals might make it look easy, but their feet are used to it. That doesn’t mean yours are.

And while we’re here — driving scooters or any kind of vehicle in them?
Let’s just say… not the best idea. If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t suddenly feel adventurous on holiday.

So yes, they’re cute but they’re not always the smartest choice.

Trainers (The “They Look Cute” Trap)

Now onto trainers — specifically, the ones you bought for the trip.

You know the pair. Fresh out of the box, perfectly styled with all your outfits, ready for their debut.

First ask yourself:
“Have I actually worn them before?”
“Are they comfortable?”
“Can I walk long distances in them?”

If the answer isn’t a confident yes across the board… they should stay home.

The wrong trainers will catch up with you quickly. Thin soles, flat support, or shoes that haven’t been broken in will turn a full day of exploring into a countdown to the nearest place you can sit down.

I’m going to sound slightly older and wiser here, but your shoes are there to protect your feet, your joints, and your back.

Yes, chunkier or more supportive shoes might not always be the most fashionable option…
but being able to keep walking, take that extra detour, or climb up to that viewpoint without pain? Worth it.

Heels & “Just In Case” Shoes

This one is simple.

Unless you know you’re going somewhere that genuinely requires heels or very specific “city shoes”… just leave them at home.

They take up space, they rarely get worn, and they usually end up being carried around “just in case” — a scenario that almost never happens.

Final Thoughts (Rant Over, Promise)

Most shoe mistakes come from the same place: packing for how you want to look, rather than how you’ll actually move.

The best travel shoes are the ones you trust. The ones you’ve already lived in a little. The ones that won’t make you think about your feet every five minutes.

Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t to have the cutest shoes in every photo, it's to enjoy where you are, comfortably, all day long.

And your feet will definitely have an opinion on that.