Essential Shoes to Pack for Holidays

It's that time of year again, when we start thinking of getting ready for our summer holidays. New swimwear, summer dresses and vest tops are all packed into the suitcase along with makeup bags and jewellery. But when it comes to shoes, there is always the dilemma of wanting to bring more pairs than will realistically fit into the space left in the suitcase. This is then followed by hours of trying to decide what has to be taken out of the case just to fit in that tenth pair of shoes!

Well worry no more. I've come up with footwear options that won't take up too much room in your suitcase but will ensure you look stylish on your travels. By keeping your footwear colour choices as neutral as possible, you will be able to mix and match your shoes with your clothes choices which means you only really need to take three or four pairs of shoes for the whole trip.

First up ... travelling

When travelling comfort has to the priority; no one wants to end up with foot blisters before you even get on the plane! Trainers are the obvious choice plus they may be useful when you have to run to your boarding gate after spending too much time either in Duty Free or the airport bar!

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Unite Totale available from Nike.com €150

This pair of trainers from Nike will take you through the airport in comfort and style with a hint of rose gold and midnight navy. Pair the with crop jeans, t shirt and your favourite sunglasses and you're good to go.

Skechers Flex Appeal 3.0 available from schuh.ie €68

Skechers are known for comfort with their air-cooled memory foam insoles but the little details take these trainers to the next level in style. Bright white with a bronze trim make these your perfect trainers for summer 2019.

Another option for travelling are 

Lunar Liv Espadrille available at purpletag.ie €29.95

Lunar are a brand known for producing high quality shoes with emphasis on comfort and style. These cute little espadrilles with padded insole will serve you well while travelling and the clear diamante embellishment makes them stylish enough to wear while sightseeing on holiday or even just walking around.

Asos Design Jacey espadrilles available on asos..com currently reduced to €14.52

Another little pair of espadrilles that you will wear all through your holiday. The pink colour and shimmering toe make these shoes look more expensive than they are. Plus the neutral colour tone ensure they will complement any outfit in your suitcase.

A huge trend in 2018 that has followed through to summer 2019 are slide on mules. Hermes are the designer brand that everyone thinks of when you hear of mules but for those of us without the designer bank balance, I've found some more affordable alternatives that will bring your summer outfits to the designer level.

River Island White Flat Mule Sandal, available from riverisland.ie €40

River Island are experts at bringing designer inspired fashion to the high street and these shoes are the ideal affordable version of the Hermes mules. Designed in a croc effect print, they will bring a touch of glam to any outfit whether travelling or just strolling through the shops.

Dune London Libi Natural Raffia available from dunelondon.com currently reduced to €92

A smart pair of mules in a natural colour to complement all outfits, these shoes by Dune London will ensure that you will stay stylish and comfortable while travelling. Paired with a cute summer dress or white capri trousers will elevate your look.

The beach ...

Staying stylish on the beach while being able to strut your stuff across the sand doesn't have to be difficult. Here we've pulled together a few on-trend options to turn heads on the beach.

Flip-flops are your best friend on the beach and they don't have to be boring.

Crocs Capri FlipFlop available at littlewoodsireland.ie €50

When we think of Crocs, we may not immediately think of style, but these flip-flops will change that. Designed with a slight heel for comfort, and with a super stylish shimmer effect straps, these flip-flops will ensure you look good while also being practical on the beach.

For those who want style without breaking the bank:

Primark Palm Print Flipflops available at selected Primark/Penneys stores €1.50

 Such a pretty pair of flipflops from Primark/Penneys which belie their budget price tag. Sure to complement your beach wear and even bring a touch of stylish personality. These can also be carried in your handbag on a night out for those times when your feet may not share your love of dancing!

For those who can't wear a toe post here are some other options:

Primark Diamante Slider available at selected Primark/Penneys stores

A very trendy pair of sliders with diamante trim which can take you from the beach to the bar with little effort.

Boohoo Embellised Pool Sliders available from boohoo.ie currently reduced to €13

A beautiful slider with a raised platform which makes these both comfortable and stylish and a great addition to your summer holiday suitcase.

Sandals - a holiday essential ...

No summer wardrobe would be complete without sandals. Whether your preference is for flat, high heel or wedges, your holiday suitcase should include one or two pairs of sandals in neutral colours so that no matter where you're going, your shoes won't let your outfit down.

River Island Gladiator Sandal in Wide Fit available at riverisland.ie €60

Gladiator sandals work so well on holidays as they can be paired with shorts for day time or a flowing maxi dress for evening. This pair in silver will add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Glamorous Blush Cork Effect Wedges available at asos.com €41.48

Wedges are another versatile footwear option that can be worn day or night as they are more comfortable than traditional high heels without loosing the leg lengthening effect. Pair with a pair of shorts to make your daytime look glamorous enough for nighttime.

Dunnes Snake Print Block Heel Sandals available from dunnesstores.ie €20

These on-trend snake print sandals grab some attention and the block heel will ensure that you remain comfortable. Add these to your summer wardrobe and you'll find that you'll be wearing them with everything. These are another pair of stylish shoes that look much more expensive than their price tag.


And finally ...

Zana Neon Yellow Lace up Sandals available from simmi.com €42

These sandals are the perfect summer holiday shoe. They combine the hottest trends for summer 2019; neon and transparency. The neon colour will show off your holiday tan to perfection and the transparent panel across the toes allow more of the foot to be seen so your holiday pedicure doesn't have to be hidden.


Well that's my picks for holiday footwear style. There are so many beautiful shoes available right now to suit every budget and every taste.

All prices are correct at time of publishing.

If you have any favourites please let me know in the comments section.

Thanks for reading,
Stay stylish,

The Shoe Spy x