The 3 Best-In-Class Shoes That Cover All Your Travel Needs

I spend half the year on the road. As the founder of a new sustainability publication Azure Road, I had market visits in Europe, South America, Asia, and North America. Meeting with stakeholders, communities, and attending launch events and meet-and-greets meant I needed a variety of shoes that would fit in my carry-on while serving form and function.

After trying dozens of shoes and earning a lifetime worth of blisters, I’ve nailed the formula. These three styles and brands live permanently in my go-bag.

Day-to-Night Sneaker

The Remi by The Office of Angela Scott

Running to the plane. Lunch at lively Contramar. An evening cocktail at boutique hotel Casona Roma Norte. Dinner at Mid-Century styled Propio. A drink at speakeasy Hanky Panky. This was a recent day in Mexico City during which my Remi sneakers took me from the airport to a swank drinking den, and everywhere in between. I received so many compliments on their versatility, with jeans, skirts, even a long silk dress, that I knew these shoes topped the charts for best travel sneaker of 2024. Aside from looking good – a brogue design in black suede with white patent leather accents – they’re extremely comfortable. I broke them in during an unplanned four-hour walking tour and nary a blister appeared. The shoes are made in a small village in Portugal and fit true to size. I may need them in Marigold, next.

Platform Party Heels

Stacked Trophy by Ruthie Davis

I discovered Ruthie Davis while searching for sexy, sustainable heels perfect for Charleston’s upscale dining scene or a weekend getaway. Intrigued by the brand’s ethical approach and founder Ruthie’s inspiring story, I interviewed her for Azure Road magazine’s fashion section. Her determination to create mile-high shoes for confident women resonated with me, so I ordered a pair of Stacked Trophies. Packaged sustainably in recyclable materials, the shoes arrived almost too beautiful to wear. However, I couldn’t resist the temptation to debut them at Sorelle for a pre-dinner drink, followed by dinner at Marbled & Fin. Despite the 5.75-inch block heel and 1.75-inch platform, the cushioned insole made them surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk in.

All-Purpose Sandals

Jenni Kayne Oiled Leather Strappy Sandal

Everyone needs a sandal, whether you’re eating at a seaside taverna in Crete or roaming the patianed stone streets of Dubrovnik. I’ve had my share of sandals with metal buckles that shredded my ankles. I’ve had others so thin, it felt like walking on sharp rocks. I’ve rarely found a flat leather sandal I could walk for miles in – until meeting the Jenni Kayne oiled leather strappy sandal. Made in Italy, they fit true to size. They’re the perfect partner to the rest of my line-up because they’re lightweight, thin, and pack flat.