If my travels from London to Tokyo have taught me anything, it’s that people pack entirely too many shoes. I’ve had my brass corners dented by heavy heels and my straps strained by “just in case” trainers.
Here is my golden rule for keeping your footwear light and your feet happy: The 3-Pair Limit.
The Magic Trio
No matter if you’re traveling for a long weekend or a fortnight, you only ever need three pairs of shoes. Anything more is just dead weight taking up prime real estate inside me.
- Pair 1: The Heavy Transporters (Wear These): This is your bulkiest pair—think walking boots, chunky trainers, or heavy brogues. Never pack them inside me; wear them on the plane or train to save space and weight.
- Pair 2: The Versatile All-Rounders (Pack These): A smart-casual pair that can transition from a daytime museum stroll to a nice dinner. Think loafers, clean minimalist sneakers, or elegant flats.
- Pair 3: The Climatizers (Pack These): Season-dependent footwear that slips down my side pockets. For summer, it’s your flip-flops or sandals; for winter, a lightweight pair of slippers or weather-resistant boots.
How to Pack Them Safely:
Never let dirty soles touch your crisp white shirts!
- The Shower Cap Hack: Wrap the soles of your packed shoes in cheap disposable shower caps or reusable shoe bags.
- Utilize the Negative Space: Shoes are hollow! Stuff your socks, underwear, or rolled-up belts inside your shoes before packing them. This protects the shape of the shoe from being crushed and uses up hidden space.
- The Perimeter Placement: Place your packed shoes along my inner walls (sole facing outward). This creates a protective bumper around the rest of your clothes.
Miles’ Pro-Tip: “If a pair of shoes hurts your feet after two hours at home, a change of scenery in Paris isn’t going to magically make them comfortable. Be honest with yourself, pack for comfort, and leave the blisters at home!”
Where are we heading next week?
