Shoes for Travelling and Long Flights

FOOTWEAR · GLOBAL

Shoes for Travelling and Long Flights

Why feet swell, what to wear on the plane, packing shoes and walking all day

Feet change size during travel, which is why comfortable shoes at home become uncomfortable in an airport.

Why feet swell

Sitting still for hours with low cabin pressure causes fluid to pool in the lower legs and feet. Swelling of up to a size is normal on a long flight and settles within a day.

That is also why prolonged immobility raises the risk of blood clots. Move around the cabin, flex the ankles regularly, drink water and follow medical advice if you have a history of clots.

What to wear on the plane

Shoes that slip on and off easily and have room to loosen, with a proper back rather than backless. Compression socks help anyone prone to swelling and are worth asking a pharmacist about.

Avoid brand-new shoes and anything tight, and keep shoes on during takeoff and landing.

Walking all day

A supportive footbed, a flexible sole that bends at the ball of the foot, and a fastening that holds the foot rather than letting it slide. Two pairs alternated lets each dry and is far more comfortable over a week.

Break anything new in properly before the trip rather than on the first day of it.

Packing

Shoes take the most space. Two pairs plus what you wear covers most trips, packed heel to toe in bags around the edge of the case.

Airport practicalities

Slip-on shoes speed up security and mean you are not balancing on one leg in a queue. Keep socks on, since floors are not clean, and put laces and buckles on the shoes you pack rather than the ones you wear.

Check the airline's rules before assuming anything about what must come off.

Packing for a city break

One pair worn and one packed, both neutral and both already broken in. A day of walking is the test rather than an evening out.

Fit and travel

Buy travel shoes at the end of the day when feet are largest, allowing around a thumb's width at the toe. A shoe with an adjustable fastening accommodates swelling far better than a fixed slip-on.

Machine-washable travel shoes exist and are genuinely useful, though check the sole is glued for it.

Health on long journeys

Move every hour, flex the ankles, drink water and avoid crossing the legs for long periods. Seek medical advice before flying if you have had a clot or recent surgery.

Check the shoes can be worn with the socks you actually travel in.

Blisters

Deal with a hot spot the moment you feel it with tape or a dressing. Technical socks rather than cotton.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop UIN Footwear? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop UIN Footwear — official site

Visit this site