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Since the last couple of years, I
have been looking to pare my travel baggage as much as possible to the bare
minimum. I’ve been on the lookout for clothes that require least maintenance
and space as well as multipurpose beauty options. One item that I’ve always struggled
with is shoes.
See, before marriage, I could go
backpacking to a whole country in just one pair of sneakers. But age and being
married to an Army officer means I have to cater to the ‘lady’ occasions and
having a baby results in an altogether different ballgame wherein I have to not
only find something decent looking but which also check the boxes of comfort (gotta run behind the
toddler ALL the time), ease of wear (no time for complicated buckles and laces!) and low maintenance (you never know when the baby will puke/pee/poop on it) and requiring less space (because now baby items occupy more space in your bag).
I think I have finally figured out
a solution to this complex mom problem and the following are the three shoes I
am travelling with currently and super-duper happy with. I think this I what I
am going to stick to for a while:
Reebok Sneakers: My husband bought these as the exercise/walking shoes for me when I
got pregnant two years ago. They are extremely comfortable, comparatively
lightweight and of course, quality shoes, so last long. The mesh outer layer
makes it breathable and hence, comfortable even in the summer months. I always
wear these when I undertake travel that requires long-distance walking with a
baby (esp. airports) and now that I am in a hilly area, I wear them when we go
for walks/hikes. (Linked similar one).
Vans Palisades SF Sneakers: Ah, Vans! My forever favourite!
I have loved Vans shoes since even before they had launched in India a few
years ago. I had bought my first classic Vans about 4 years ago when I was
recovering from a fractured foot and needed something sturdy yet stylish for
everyday wear. I knew I had made the right choice when I overcame the tiny
limp I had in my walk which the doctor said I would never recover from. I have
been a Vans loyal every since. But here’ the thing - Vans are pricey. So
, always,
always be on the lookout for sale. These particular model are the perfect mom shoes – slip on,
washable, good rubber sole and so so sturdy and still so chic!. I literally wear them
like all the time – on jeans, on trousers, dresses and kurti-leggings – everything.
These are my wardrobe staple and a must buy. If you are not too much into black, they also come in some cute pastels.
Bata Ballerina: I bought these shoes while transiting from Delhi and boy, I’m glad!
These are ballet flat with a suede outer body and tiny studded stones in same
black colour meaning a perfect balance of bling but not too obvious, making it the
ideal understated party wear for a busy mom. Easy to maintain and how we all
know black goes with everything! In fact, all 3 of my above shoes are black!
Just these three shoes get me
through a lot of walking, running behind a toddler (all the time!), hiking,
parties, sightseeing, date evenings and everything in between! In all, these
shoes have been one of my best travel finds so far and unless I am going on an
occasion-specific trip (like weddings) I am pretty much going to stick to them.
What are your favourite travel
shoes?