Fashion people share the one pair of sneakers they’d pack on holiday

Sneakers that are made for walkin’.

Knowing how to pack light for a holiday is an age-old conundrum. Indeed, we all want to look good but nobody wants to pay for extra luggage. A good pair of sneakers is perhaps the most essential piece of the puzzle and if you’ve ever committed to travelling with just one pair, you’ll know the bond between traveller and their trusted shoe is like no other. 

From streetwear classics like Adidas and Puma to utilitarian brands like Salomon, to Maison Margiela and Balenciaga, there really is a sneaker for every style, occasion and budget. 

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To commemorate the end of the hibernation and the beginning of beach trips, festivals, holidays and maybe even our own Aussie Brat summer, I asked some local fashion-adjacent people about the sneakers they’ll be packing on vacay.

Takoda, social media manager and model

My favourite holiday sneaker would be my Adidas Spezials.  I need a walking shoe on vacay and these ones are so comfy and cute enough to double as a going out shoe when I spend all day adventuring into the evening. These were my ride or dies when I was holidaying through Asia last year (when jorts and jerseys were trending). I love to match bright primary colours like my bright green Mexico soccer jersey with my Adidas Spezials. They also work great as a pop of colour on their own, when I end up wearing my usual black, grey, silver palette.

@_latinoboyfriend

Xeneb, hair stylist

I would take the Salomon x Maison Margiela collab hybrid sneaker mule. I style them with either ruched track pants or looser dress pants.

@curlysiouxsie

Steph Reid, stylist and photographer

I took this pair of sneakers by Dirk Dikkemberg over on my travels around Italy. They’re a super fun, lightweight, super comfortable shoe. And another bonus is people thought I played futsal because apparently they look like futsal shoes? I bought these off eBay for $40. I love styling them with high socks. They’re also really cute with a mini dress or some long jeans so only the tips of the shoe are showing. 

@stephrxid

Ava Lauren, graphic and fashion designer, Not Sew New founder

My everyday sneakers have been my trusty Adidas Superstars. This particular style is a slip on which has been convenient as hell.  I love a round shoe with some kind of bulk to it over a regular trainer any day. Superstars also accommodate those of us with a wide foot (this is rare!) so I have a bunch of these in different colour ways back home too. I approach clothing with a practical mindset so it’s a must for my shoes to be super versatile. The classic nature of Superstars pairs really well with everything I own, most of these items being well proportioned pants, T-shirts and jackets.

@not.sew.new

Hailey Prats, model

Luis Burns, model

I’m pretty rough with my shoes on a good day and on holidays I feel I’m even more rough and tumble, so I really appreciate a good hard wearing sneaker. I will be honest and say I’ve fallen head first for the Samba trend because of how well they take a beating. I’ve always been a bit of an Adi-boy and I’ve really appreciated their ’70s colours and aesthetic revival (especially the Wales Bonner collaborations). I’m currently wearing the Adidas X Harris Tweed Sambas which came out this year and they’re just great. A real halfway between the sportiness that Adidas is so good at and the classic, refined feeling of herringbone Harris Tweed.

These shoes are really versatile because of the tweed wrap and I’ve found they dress up to the occasion really well. I’ve been wearing them a lot paired with a dark coloured blazer and brown wash pants. And, in sticking true to the sportiness of the Samba, I’ve also been wearing them with a baggy past-knee jean short and white T-shirt or tank combo. 

@lentilson

Jack Ferguson, Jungles Jungles founder

I don’t wear many ‘sneakers’ but in my luggage you’ll always find these Lemaire leather slip ons. I am a sucker for a slip on mule. The crepe soul is super comfortable for when you’re on your feet all day and they look casual and dressy at the same time. They’re super versatile which is key when travelling and also they don’t take up much space. Wear them with suit pants, wear with jeans, wear with whatever. Don’t think about it too much. All G.

@whoopi_goldferg

Hugo Poulet, model, dancer, musician

My sneaker of choice currently would be the Nike TN3 as it’s extremely adaptable to various circumstances within my day, from hip-hop jams, riding motorbikes, exploring new places and nights out. I tend to pack light and prioritise efficiency so bringing multiple pairs of shoes would hold me back. This pair survived my recent three-month Europe trip as my only shoe when I’m not barefoot. I enjoy contrasting them with more formal attire to play against certain stereotypes (as I do feel I am a walking contradiction sometimes.) The silhouette also looks good when wearing shorts which is necessary in summer.

@hugo.poulet

Bella, Be Right Back and Object Merchant founder

I would take the Alexander McQueen x Puma Anatomical Vein trainers as they are light weight and have a flexible sole, perfect for walking and playing. It’s giving rock climbing shoe for the streets. 

@be__right__back__ @object_merchant

For more on holiday dressing, read this.