People love to get new clothes just before they travel, present company included. There’s something about going on vacation that inspires me to want something new and cute to wear. It’s part of the vacation experience. I know that I am not alone because often when I’m cleaning rooms after my inn guests leave, I see signs of new clothing items in the room. Shoe boxes, those annoying little plastic attachers for price tags to be affixed to clothing, brand name tags that have been clipped off and discarded in the trash.
If you’re like me, one of the most important items to have when traveling is comfortable shoes. Soles of shoes wear out after frequent use so a lot of times it is just before vacation that I get new shoes. This is not the best course of action. It is never a good idea to wear brand new shoes on vacation, especially sandals. If you decide to do this, make sure you bring a lot of band-aids and self-adhesive padding to protect against and cover the blisters.
New sandals are notorious for giving blisters after a long day of use, especially in hot, humid weather. New leather is stiff and unforgiving against unprotected flesh. Even shoes touted as being “great for walking,” need a little breaking in. I learned this the hard way. Too many blisters on my heels and between my toes to count.
I still love to get new cute shoes before I travel. I like sandals to stand out and make a statement. I enjoy scouring the stores and internet for glitzy unusual shoes. (Can you say Etsy?) But as I’ve grown older, I’ve had to settle for comfort over style. Because I tortured my feet for 30 years wearing super high heels, the result is shortened tendons and plantar fasciitis. Add in the super strong cancer meds and resultant neuropathy and I find myself in the market for grandma orthopedic shoes, which are anything but cute. They do, however, make a statement. Those thick clunky, chunky soles and Velcro straps just scream out “old lady.” (sigh) At least I can get a super cute pedicure to off-set the ugly shoes.
Anyway, now, whenever I’m planning on traveling and feel the urge to purchase new shoes for the occasion, I’ll always wear those new shoes around the house for a few days before leaving the house. Yes, even the not-so-sexy orthopedic ones. Sometimes it’s just a day or two of wear that loosens things up. And, it gives me an idea of whether or not I’ll be able to wear them comfortably all day. At least anyone looking at my feet won’t see any band-aids or day-old blisters.
Of course, I always bring a second (and ofttimes third or even fourth) pair in the event the new ones aren’t ready for all-day use. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been walking the decks of a cruise ship, or around Disney World and notice people with band-aids on their heels or across their toes. Had they consulted with me, they’d have been cautioned to break those babies in before reaching their destination.
Brides learned about the perils of new shoes many years ago, that’s why they change into their flip-flops, flats, tennis shoes, or slippers not too long after the ceremony. That’s one pair of shoes you can’t really thoroughly break-in before the big day. And, honestly, it’s a pair of shoes you’ll probably never wear again either. (sigh)
Have you guys learned any lessons about wearing new shoes? Ever been the band-aid wearing tourist? Any suggestions for breaking in new shoes? Any suggestions for cute yet totally comfortable walking sandals? I’m in the market for a new pair.
Word of the Day: Ulotrichous
Fun fact about me: I still have way too many pair of my outrageously high heels. I just can’t seem to bring myself to give them away.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, July 2021. Images by Google.
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jansenschmidt 
Off on vacation are you? We took off for the Florida Keys for Spring Break. It was the last week of March and things were beginning to loosen up. I bought two pair of Crocs and my wife got a couple of pair as well at the outlet mall in Homestead right before US 1 becomes a narrow two-lane road into the Keys. One pair rubbed a small blister when I started wearing them so I stopped wearing them on vacation. But honestly, we stayed pretty local and the need for more than the new blue crocs was limited. I’ve since worn the pair that caused the blister and they are fine now. I have two new pair of shoes my wife insisted I needed to wear with nice shorts that I need to decide on for the moment. Have fun on your vacation – cruise or Disney? Or are you stepping out somewhere new? Peace.
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You see, you need to wear them for a bit beforehand. I’m glad they turned into good shoes for you though. Sometimes shoes never lose that “new” feel and that’s annoying. Corey and I are going to get down to the Keys one of these days. We’ve visited Key West from cruise ship and we really enjoyed our time there. We wished we could have stayed longer.
We did make a trip to Florida and I’ve got to go to California for a couple of days (to get my dad) but I wore my new shoes around the house for a couple of weeks before taking them on vacation. They worked out great!!
Have a wonderful rest of the week. Stay blister-free!
Patricia
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I have the weirdest feet you’ll ever see, completely flat…I’m talking pancake flat. The highest heels I can wear are maybe 2 inches at best, and they have to be a full, chunky heel. But boots are my shoe of choice anyway, so it works! On vacation, I always bring my tennis shoes, maybe a pair of cute sandals for going out to dinner. I learned to settle for comfort over fashion eons ago, and since my feet aren’t even remotely pretty, I’m okay with that. 🙂
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Well then, there’s that. At least you don’t have to worry about your arches falling as you get older like so many people (raising hand) do. You’d think by now someone would have come up with a cute and comfortable design for those of us with feet issues. Oh well.
Boots are usually too big for me in the ankles and calves. I don’t like how they flop against my legs when I walk. I have a pair of ankle boots that I wear sometimes but I usually stick with the Sketchers or Crocs.
Thanks for joining the conversation. Have a lovely rest of the week. Are you safe from the fires up there?
Patricia
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Know all about those blisters! As a runner for over 25 years and a power walker since, I buy my shoes on based on mileage as well as comfort. A good (expensive) pair of running shoes or walking shoes should go 600-700 miles or six months, which ever comes first. As for dress or casual shoes strictly comfort. I never been accused of being a fashion plate. Interesting post.
Have a great trip.
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My husband is a runner and he is always buying new shoes. At least he can’t get on my case for getting a new pair of sandals right? I try to get something with a nice arch support and cushiony heel because that’s what my podiatrist said I should look for. He isn’t a fashion plate either and apparently doesn’t want me to be either.
My travels are over but I escaped the Florida heat blister-free. Because I know how to break in those new shoes first (wink).
Thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Patricia
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