8 creatives share their most hardworking European summer shoes
IMAGE VIA @HANNAHYOHON/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
Cobblestone clompers.
No matter the itinerary, there’s always one commonality with all European holidays: an excessive amount of walking. From rocky cliffs in Greece to cobblestone streets in Lisbon, traversing on foot is often the best way to see a city – and it’s often a price your feet have to pay.
During my almost six-month-long Euro stint last year, I made sure to get some serious wear out of each pair of shoes I painstakingly lugged around with me. I often wore my Tony Bianco slides and platform black boots, but my classic black Converses reigned supreme in way of comfort and function.
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I consistently gravitated towards my basic Cons, because they’re light, breathable and look good with just about any daytime outfit. It’s all about practicality when you’re travelling!
In lieu of living my own travel-girly adventure again this year, I wanted to find out what everyone else is wearing on their feet while gallivanting around Europe.
Jess Dadon, she/her, Co-Founder of Twoobs
I’m two weeks into a seven-week Euro trip (don’t hate me!) and these brown Twoobs are the one and only pair of shoes I have with me. When I was packing, I found choosing which shoes to bring really overwhelming. I was trying to narrow it down to four but then decided this one pair could be the best for all occasions.
They’re the perfect level of neutral that goes with all my outfits… compliments have been rolling in. And they’re so damn comfy that I’ve been walking about 14,000 steps a day and have had not one blister. On the plane or on colder days, I wear them with socks, and I also have brown Thingys which are these cute scrunchy add-ons… to dress them up, particularly for nighttime.
Ella Mae McEwan, she/her, freelance writer
Like every Melburnian for the last year or two, I was eyeing the Salomon XT-6s for ages before I took the plunge while planning my two-month Europe trip. While not exactly budget-friendly, these shoes have been on rotation for the last two weeks and are two little angels on my feet.
The fact that Salomon makes hiking shoes was the selling point for me… [and] they’ve been everywhere from London pubs to muddy Irish waterfalls. The mesh also means they’re breathable, which is an absolute necessity in summer to avoid tragic sweaty foot scenarios.
They’re an insanely popular shoe for a reason. Even my rogue purple colourway is versatile with any outfit, from an all-black ensemble to a patterned moment. Be warned, you will be giving ‘dad on vacation’. Pair [them] with your fave jorts to really lean into this.
Simonette Boekel, she/her, digital creator
The shoes I wore the absolute most in Europe were my thrifted ballet flats! I was so sceptical of how much wear I’d get out of them but took them with me since they are so small and light to pack in your carry-on bag. I wore them almost every day to every occasion with linen trousers, midi dresses, etc! They were the best… I didn’t have to think about them matching as they went seamlessly with everything in my wardrobe, [I’m] definitely so glad I brought them. I switched between those and my beloved New Balance sneakers.
Bianca Hill, she/her, digital creator
Crocs are the most versatile shoe – they can be dressed up or dressed down. I wore them to dinners, to the pub, and to my Pilates classes while I was away. They just, somehow, work with everything and they’re bloody comfy – so perfect if you’re walking all day!
Esther Williams, she/her, model
I spent two months in Europe and thrifted these New Balances at my first destination in London – they were literally screaming at me! I love shoes with character and these quickly became the pair of kicks that I reached for the most.
It was crucial I had a pair of super comfy shoes as I was moving around places fast (these literally feel like walking on clouds), but I also love the uniqueness they bring with the added texture of the cut-out suede, plus the three beautiful layers of blue. I like to style these babies with simple, dark clothing items… to add that extra little spice to my ’fits!
Bella de Almeida Reis, she/her, Marketing Coordinator at Frank Green and digital creator
I wore my black loafers to death in Europe… I quite literally split them open by the end of my trip. Loafers are comfy, versatile and lightweight, so a no-brainer for me. Something to also consider – they’re so easy to slip on and off when trying on clothes. If you’re shopping most days like me, then these are the perfect pair of shoes.
Hannah Goury, she/her, artist and digital creator
Definitely my Asics. They’re the UB5-gel Nimbus 9 in grey and they might be my favourite dad shoes ever. They’re… especially [essential for me] in Europe because they’re super comfortable and breathable so my feet don’t get too hot. You’re always walking in Europe too, which they’re perfect for. I also feel like I can style them with absolutely anything.
My favourite outfit with these was my white crochet skirt, but just yesterday I wore them with jorts and a football shirt and they looked so good. I probably wore them every other day of my Europe trip… and I’m a big advocate for comfort over style so I’ve worn these on a night out too, with a mini skirt and a super-loud oversized shirt.
Hannah Cohen, she/her, Account Manager at Project Hutton and writer
My Birks came with me everywhere through London and Italy on my three-week Euro stint. They truly are a staple. Whether it’s the big travel days… [spent] walking and sometimes running for that last-minute train, or braving the stony beaches of Cinque Terre or Amalfi, these classic slides have your back – or really, your soles.
Supportive, cute and versatile, they’re my go-to! I have them in Habana Oiled Leather and find they go with everything. Also, shout out to my new Monte Terry slippers that I debuted for the first time while overseas. They got such a good run while poolside with a glass of wine – so naturally I got no good photos, but check them out here!
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