Shoes to Avoid When On the Road

It would be a shame to ruin a trip that started off after athorough review of cheaptravel options such as cheapfares, cheapdeals, cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, onlyto later be in pain because you wore the wrong type of shoes on your trip.

Travelers often find it tricky to strike a balance betweenshoes that are easy to pack and comfortable for miles of walking and ones thatare fashionable and do not draw attention to the fact that you are a tourist.

The following are shoes which are the worst to travel withand attractive alternatives for men and women, according to Caroline Morse:

• Toningshoes have been accompanied by claims that wearing them will result in amazingworkouts without any extra work. Podiatrists have found that in fact toning shoes can hurt your feet,causing tendonitis, stress fractures, and sprains.

  Women would be best served by selecting ashoe that offers all of the cushioning of a toning shoe without thenegatives. Dual density (such as AhnusCrissy Shoe) soles that provide extra shock absorption for heel and archsupport, an antimicrobial sock liner, and adjustable crisscross straps thatkeep your foot secure would be preferable.

  Men should consider Ahnus Harris Lace-UpSneakers that come with a supportive arch and a Vibram outsole that providestraction and durability.

• Balletflats are sometimes referred to as an alternative to womens high heelproblems. Unfortunately these cute, easyto wear, shoes offer almost no arch support or protection. One expert claims that cheap flats aresimilar to walking on cardboard.

  Women should instead look at Luca ChiarasCarmela flats that come with a sturdy sole and a mini heel for support andcushioning. Its insole has an extrathick pad for more comfort, and the shoes are very lightweight which makespacking easy. Carmelas are made fromwater-resistant nylon which can come in handy in a thunderstorm.

  Men should check out Luca Chiaras Andrealoafer which is a sleek, very lightweight shoe that does not skimp oncushioning or comfort.

• Rainboots after a storm create a moist environment that can be a breeding groundfor fungus and bacteria. Heavy bootstend to cause foot fatigue and uncomfortable rubbing. Pass on thick, non-breathable rain boots andinstead consider regular boots that offer water resistance.

  Alternatives for women includeArcopedicos Liana boots which are water resistant but still breathable. Its interior lining contains theantimicrobial Sansmell deodorizing system. Theses boots are lightweight and flexible.

  Men should consider Sorels 1964 PremiumT Boot which has laces to keep feet secure, and felt inner lining that keepsfeet warm and dry down to 40 degrees below zero.

• Flip-flopsare viewed by many as the ultimate in vacation shoes because they can be fun,cheap, and easy. Studies have shown thatif you wear flip-flops beyond the beach or pool, they can contribute to majorfoot pain due to a lack of arch support, heel cushioning, and shock absorption. A lack of traction on cheap rubber soles canresult in slipping on wet surfaces.

  Women would be best served by VionicsBella II Sandal which feature podiatrist designed Orthaheel Technology, whichprovides these sandals with orthotic support. Bellas help reduce overpronation which can lead to pain everywhere fromthe lower back to the knee and to the foot. These shoes patterned bottom tread provides traction in slipperysituations. Their lightweight midsoleabsorb shock and a microfiber covered footbed provides comfort.

  Men should check out The Walking CompanysABEO B.I.O.system Austin sandal which offers three different footbed types,depending on the kind of support needed. These shoes come with a channeled rubber outsole built for traction andshock absorption.

• Whilepointed toe shoes have made a fashion comeback for both men and women, thistype of shoes puts pressure on the front of feet, resulting in problems such asnerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. A wide, rounded toe box is preferred when traveling.

  Women should look at LifeStrides ParigiPump which has a wide toe box and a comfortable heel height.

  Alternatives for men include OrthofeetsGramercy lace-up oxfords which have plenty of room in the toe, and two setsof removable spacers to adjust the shoe to a wearers perfect fit.