Packing for vacation sounds easy until you’re actually opening up your suitcase. You don’t think the outfits you’ve planned take up that much space, but then you’re sitting on your bag struggling to close the zip.
The thing taking up most of your suitcase’s space? Your shoes. The truth is, most trips don’t require six or seven pairs. If you’re going on vacation, you probably have a lot planned, but that doesn’t mean you need a shoe for every activity. The right vacation shoes will work with multiple outfits, keep you comfortable while sightseeing, and handle everything from beach walks to dinner reservations.
So, what shoes should you be packing for your vacation? In this guide, we’ve picked the best vacation shoe styles worth packing (and those you should probably leave behind).
The Vacation Shoes Worth Making Room For
Each trip is different, but most vacations become much easier when you pack shoes that can do more than one job. These are the styles you want to consider packing:
Comfortable Wedge Sandals for Beach Days
From strolling along the boardwalk and heading to breakfast to exploring local shops and grabbing lunch, you’re walking more than you’d expect on a beach vacation. That’s why a comfortable pair of wedge sandals is great. They give you a little extra height without sacrificing stability, which makes them a far better option than traditional heels.
The Comfortable Summer Beach Wedge Sandals from Dream Pairs feature lightweight materials, a water-friendly design, and a cushioned footbed. All of these elements make the sandal good for both sandy beaches and city streets. The subtle platform also offers a flattering lift, while the anti-slip outsole helps keep every step secure.
Best for: Beach vacations, casual sightseeing, cruises, and resort stays.
How to style them: Pair these wedge sandals with linen shorts, a flowy maxi dress, or your favorite swimsuit cover-up for an effortless vacation outfit.
Athletic Sandals for Adventure Days
Perhaps you enjoy doing more than lounging around the pool during your vacations. Regular sandals aren’t ideal if you’re hiking to a waterfall, exploring a national park, or spending the day walking through a new city. Instead, you want a supportive pair of athletic sandals that give you the comfort and protection you need without feeling bulky.
The Quick Drying Closed-Toe Outdoor Athletic Sandals from Dream Pairs are a solid pick if you’re planning a few adventure days during your vacation. These sandals are designed with adjustable straps, excellent traction, arch support, and a protective closed toe. They’re lightweight enough for all-day adventures, while drying quickly after water activities.
Best for: Hiking, sightseeing, outdoor excursions, and active vacations.
How to style them: Pair these sandals with athletic leggings, shorts, or lightweight hiking pants for comfortable exploring.
Platform Heels for Vacation Nights Out
Vacation is usually the perfect excuse to dress up a little. Whether you're heading to a rooftop restaurant, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying dinner by the water, it's nice to have one pair of heels that instantly elevates your outfit. The key is choosing heels you'll actually enjoy wearing.
Dream Pairs' Dreamy Y2K Platform Heels feature a chunky heel and cushioned insole that offer much more comfort than traditional stilettos. The square toe gives them a modern feel while the platform helps make the heel easier to walk in.
Best for: Date nights, dinners, weddings, and evening events.
How to style them: Pair them with a satin midi dress, wide-leg trousers, or your favorite vacation maxi dress.
Chic Wedges That Dress Up Any Outfit
If your vacation itinerary includes brunches, wine tastings, shopping, or evenings out, wedge heels are one of the most versatile shoes you can pack. They offer a dressier look than flat sandals while remaining much easier to wear for longer periods.
Dream Pairs' Women's Chic Wedge Heel Sandals feature a cushioned insole, soft lining, and an adjustable strap that help keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. The classic wedge silhouette works with almost every summer outfit.
Best for: Resort dinners, vacation photos, brunches, and city exploring.
How to style them: Wear them with a breezy sundress, linen jumpsuit, or a matching two-piece set.
Supportive Sandals You’ll Wear Every Day
Every vacation needs that one pair of shoes you can throw on without thinking. The ones you'll wear for breakfast, sightseeing, shopping, coffee runs, or simply walking back from the pool. Supportive sandals make those long days much easier on your feet.
Dream Pairs' Women's Orthopedic Arch Support Sandals feature the brand's ArchFrame Dual Midsole for enhanced comfort and alignment, along with flexible straps that adapt to different foot shapes. They're designed for all-day wear without compromising on style.
Best for: Walking-heavy vacations, travel days, and everyday sightseeing.
How to style them: Pair them with denim shorts, linen pants, or a casual summer dress.
Kitten Heels for Lightweight Packing
Not every vacation calls for sky-high heels. If you're trying to pack light but still want something polished for evenings out, kitten heels are an easy solution. They instantly elevate your outfit without taking up much room in your suitcase.
Dream Pairs' Dreamy Women's Kitten Heel Thong Sandals combine a modern thong silhouette with a comfortable low heel and cushioned insole. They're stylish enough for dinner while remaining comfortable enough for a walk afterward.
Best for: Vacation dinners, cocktails, evenings by the beach, and city nights.
How to style them: Pair them with a slip dress, tailored linen trousers, or a midi skirt and blouse.
What Shoes Should You Not Pack?
One of the easiest ways to save suitcase space is by leaving behind shoes you're unlikely to wear.
Here are a few styles that usually aren't worth packing:
- Several pairs of heels. One versatile dress shoe is usually all you need.
- Brand-new shoes. Vacation isn't the time to break in footwear and risk blisters.
- Shoes that only match one outfit. Prioritize styles that work with multiple looks.
- Heavy boots (unless your destination calls for them). They take up valuable luggage space and often go unworn.
- Multiple pairs of flip-flops. One comfortable pair is more than enough for pool or beach days.
Our Final Thoughts
The best vacations aren’t determined by how many shoes you’ve packed. They’re about how much fun you have that you forget what’s on your feet. Brands like Dream Pairs offer wide catalogs that make it easy to build a versatile shoe rotation that works for everything from beach days to city adventures.
To make the most of the limited space you need to work with, focus on versatile shoes you’ll actually wear instead of packing for every possible scenario. In the end, spending less time deciding which shoes to bring means you have more time to enjoy your vacation.