Saving On Spring Travel Shoes

Aquatalia waterproof cutout bootiesMy feet just keep getting more finicky. Some shoes that were comfortable for me even a year ago no longer are. And with major travel coming up, I want to be sure my footwear will be up to the task. I’ve been “road testing” a few options for both comfort and style. Because we’re traveling in late Spring, I want to include some footwear that isn’t black and heavy-looking.

Above: I’ve always had good luck with Aquatalia, and have these cutout booties on order to try (55% off.)

Spring Travel Shoes At Discounted Prices

I spent a bit of time this weekend down the rabbit hole of 6pm.com (the closeout site for Zappos). It started when I was searching for a particular shoe brand and style that was no longer available where I’d originally seen it. They didn’t have that one in my size either, but I found plenty of other styles to tempt me.

Aquatalia Fausta waterproof chelsea booties in taupe. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I’ve traveled with these booties in black the last couple of years, and have been quite happy with them. I’ve decided to give the taupe color a closer look (33% off).

what I wore to explore Lake Como

(Here are the black ones in action. Click to read about last year’s Spring travel wardrobe.)

Paul Green is another brand that I’ve had very good luck with, but that can be pricey at retail.

Paul Green Wisdom espadrille loafer, sand metallic. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

There are still a few sizes left in this espadrille loafer (sadly, not mine). I like that the sole looks substantial. I’ve found that Paul Green shoes are well-padded with good arch support, and tend to mold to your feet.

 

Gentle Souls Haddie rose embroidered sneakers. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

If I were more of a sneaker gal, I’d be all over these. That rose embroidery is reminiscent of what Gucci is doing right now, but these are a fraction of the Gucci price. More Gentle Souls styles here.

Of course, the size and color selection may be limited. But 6pm is also a great place to look for “the one that got away” styles from prior seasons. Returns are not free, and must be made within 30 days, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Other travel-friendly footwear brands you can save on there:

This post is not sponsored. Just wanted to share some good finds.

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27 Comments

  1. My feet are definitely divas, and I like your list…two of my other go-to brands for travel and day-to-day are Alegria and Hotter. The Alegria water-resistant Ari boots are particularly good for travel–one of the only shoes I have been able to walk all day in, right out of the box, and enough attitude to add some edge to one’s look.

  2. I am planning a trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary this Fall and starting to put together my travel wardrobe. My go to shoes, an Arche flat, Naot mary jane and a La Canadienne black bootie are showing signs of wear after several years of use, so considering options.

  3. Susan I notice how you often wear French Kande jewelry. I’d like to buy a necklace. Since they are a bit pricey, I want to get it right. So many beautiful ones to choose from. Which ones are your go-to’s?

    1. Hi Vickie, yes, I love French Kande jewelry! The advice I always give for someone considering their first French Kande piece is to go with a stone necklace in a mid-length (28-30″) like this one (link). It will look great worn on its own, and can be layered with shorter or longer necklaces as you add to the collection (or mix with pieces you already have). Enjoy!

  4. Clarke’s are terrific too! I literally wore them out after purchasing them for a trip to Italy. They lasted through Morocco, Turkey, several trips to the UK and France and then wearing them practically every day for work. I finally had to toss the smelly things out. I also have a hard time finding suitable shoes because of a broken foot that has made my one foot slightly larger than the other. Eating foods that I’m not used to also makes my feet swell, which wreaks havoc on trying to find comfortable shoes while traveling. Thanks for your suggestions!

  5. I love Arche shoes, which are made in France and are easy on the feet. I try to buy a pair each time I visit France. But 6PM has them too. I just scored a pair for 70% off! How good is that. 6PM has made the shoe area in my closet overflow. So many good find at great prices. I really don’t buy anywhere else

  6. I love 6pm too, but recently had to return a pair of espadrilles that just weren’t going to be comfortable. I was shocked that the return shipping was $16.00 with UPS and slightly higher with USPS. I let 6pm know that I wouldn’t be ordering anymore because of this. They refunded my shipping, as a goodwill gesture.

    1. Marguerite, glad to hear they refunded your return shipping. I adore most of Susan’s clothes and she is such a stylish lady!. I live in Australia and unfortunately after our dollar conversion rate plus the international shipping costs it is impossible for me to shop online. Forget about return shipping costs. Well, at least dreaming is free.

  7. Another great travel shoe is Olukai. They have great arch support. They are casual shoes, however, they continue to branch out with new styles.

  8. I am heading back to Paris in early June, so your post has been very timely, Merçi! I have always been there in March, so I am used to packing boots and booties, but now am considering some sort of sandal for June. Your thoughts? My thoughts run along the lines of a wedge heel (1-2”) and support for walking. Would love any suggestions or advice you have.
    I will be bringing a pair of Aquitalia booties and a pair of superga’s as well.
    Merçi et bonne journée!

  9. I totally agree on Aquatalia, a brand nobody seems to talk about. My best boots ever! Saks Off Fifth and Last Call have them. Gentle Souls are also terrific. One brand I would suggest is Romika.

  10. My travel shoe favorites are, Munro, the inside lining is soft, Clark’s lace up booties, again inside soft lining, lamour des peds, their wedges are comfy, and I can wear them barefoot the inside is soft leather. And Ecco sneakers, the laces keep me snug, and again soft leather lining, I love Ecco shoes in general, nice styling. I bought the Ecco high top sneaker for my upcoming Paris trip. Abeo clogs are great for all day standing, but the cobblestone is too uneven to take a clog. My winners are usually a thicker padded bottom, not to high, and soft/ wicking linings. I should mention I am allergic to latex/ rubber, so I order a lot and return a lot of shoes…sadly. If manufacturers put more soft materials inside the shoes, they would sell a lot more shoes.. just an observation.

  11. I would urge everyone to take a look at Allbird sneakers. I’ve been wearing the first pair and they are a dream. I have had plantar fasciitis and have kept it at bay by wearing shoes with at least a 10mm drop rather than flat shoes. The Allbirds are a 15mm drop, wool without being hot, and are going with me to Ireland and England next month along with Clark’s boots, and one pair of Amour’s.

    1. Agree with Jan! I bought my first pair (Wool Runners in Tuke Chili) about a month ago and have worn them almost every day since. I also have plantar fasciitis and I can walk around for hours in my Allbirds, pain free. But for me the very best part is that I can wear them without socks, with complete comfort. No clammy, sticky or sweaty feet! The merino wool just feels really good, almost soothing, on my feet. Highly recommend!

  12. My absolute favorite shoes for travel and everyday are from the Charleston Shoe Company. I discovered them while visiting Savannah, Georgia and they have retail shops primarily in the South but I order on-line. Here’s the website. http://www.charlestonshoeco.com. Their slogan is “cobblestones to cocktails” and it’s really true that they go from day to evening. My favorite open toe is the Forsyth sandal.

  13. My feet are awful and my arches so high my feet supinate, roll to the side. I have given up on the regular Dansko clogs as I was literally falling over to the side. I switched to Dansko Halle and Patti. It’s a slip on style with great arch support and padding. One of the few shoes I can wear that’s passably stylish enough for day to day wear.

  14. Barking Dog Shoes and 6pm are my go-to websites for comfortable, fashionable shoes.
    saved my life and I LOVE them. I think the brand is French. No?

    1. Oops, it’s supposed to read, Veja’s saved my life and I love them.

      P.S. Think about buying some sneakers in a size larger. Walking on cobblestones causes our feet to swell

  15. Losing that padding in our feet is miserable! Have a high arch and found the greatest sandals though Aetrex..wore them every day in Italy! Amazing. Also love Asics for casual and walking…Gel Nimbus is fantastic. Comfort is the word. Also love the Sperry Topsiders that are “fancy” with the short toe. Have great padding and arch. Would love suggestions for dressier comfy shoes. Good luck everyone and let’s share good info on feet!! Thanks.

  16. Been following your blog for a while now!
    Has anyone tried Thierry Rabotin? French brand, a little pricey, but they are my go to for travel and every day wear. There’s only a few styles that are classic as most are a little funky but if you find the right pair, they are the most amazingly comfortable shoes….. to walk or run in……heels or flats.

  17. Before retiring, I traveled every week for work. Ecco shoes were my go to travel shoe and still are but I am thinking about trying Paul Green after reading your posts. Thank you for telling us about the 6pm website. I was not familiar with it. I love a good deal on a quality product!

  18. I marvel at your choice of travel shoes. We walk about 6-10 miles a day on our trips, always in cities. We take some public transportation but mostly just walk around. I can’t wear anything except my gym tennis shoes. I wear black jeans, scarves but never feel really stylish in clunkers even if they’re black or gray. How many miles do you average a day on your trips?

    1. Hi Bobbi, I don’t wear a pedometer, but there are often days we’re walking/standing for 6-10 hours. Everyone’s feet are different, and mine now need more padding and support than they did even a few years ago.

  19. For people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, Finn Comfort’s Jamaica is the best sandal I’ve found. They are expensive but the insole can be removed and replaced. They do go on sale, too; in fact, I am resisting getting a pair in gun metal gray at JET.com. I’m also fond of Fitflops, but only the KYS style works for my foot. They’re also a bit pricey for me but again, I watch for sales. Both of these styles run wide but so does my foot. I can walk in both of these styles for hours without pain.

  20. I have found that I can get away with less expensive shoes and buy expensive inserts to use with the shoes. I can order a shoe in a half size larger some times remove the insole and replace with an expensive insole like Geltex.. My foot is narrow and it is hard to find a narrow shoe, inserts work well. I go to a nice local shoe repair and try on. So fun getting new styles and not paying a bundle.Got some Coach loafers on sale, red patent, took them down the street to the shoe repair, found comfy inserts, et voila, I am walking in style and pain free.