Selecting the Right Shoes and Socks for Your Next Journey

Why Comfortable Footwear Matters

Many travellers underestimate how much walking is involved on a cultural tour. A typical day may include several kilometres of walking spread across museums, historic city centres, gardens, villages and scenic viewpoints.

Unlike walking at home, travel often means spending many consecutive days on your feet. Even if each day is relatively moderate, the cumulative effect can leave your feet feeling tired if your footwear doesn’t provide adequate support.

Good walking shoes should:

• provide cushioning for long days on your feet
• offer good grip on a variety of surfaces
• support your feet without feeling heavy
• allow your toes enough room to move naturally
• fit comfortably from the moment you buy them.

If your feet are comfortable, you’re far more likely to enjoy the experiences that make travelling memorable.

Choosing the Right Socks

Shoes usually receive most of the attention, but good socks are just as important. They help regulate temperature, reduce friction and wick moisture away from your skin, making blisters much less likely.

Merino Wool

Merino wool remains one of the best materials for travel socks.

Unlike traditional wool, Merino fibres are soft, breathable and naturally regulate temperature. They help keep feet warm in cooler weather while remaining comfortable in warmer climates. Merino wool also resists odours, making it an excellent choice for extended travel.

Many premium hiking socks combine Merino wool with synthetic fibres to improve durability and help the socks retain their shape after repeated washing.

Synthetic Socks

Modern synthetic hiking socks made from polyester or nylon blends are another excellent option.

They:

• dry quickly
• move moisture away from your skin
• are lightweight
• are often more durable than natural fibres.

High-quality synthetic socks are particularly well suited to warm climates and travellers who wash clothing frequently while on tour.

Cotton Socks

While cotton socks are comfortable for everyday wear, they are generally not recommended for long walking days.

Cotton absorbs moisture and dries slowly, increasing friction inside your shoes. Damp socks are one of the most common causes of blisters during travel.

For sightseeing holidays involving several hours of walking, Merino or synthetic hiking socks are usually the better choice.

How Many Socks Should You Pack?

For most Odyssey tours, three to five pairs of quality walking socks are sufficient.

Many travellers wash socks during the tour, allowing them to pack less while still having fresh socks available every day.

If you’re travelling to a colder destination, consider packing one or two thicker pairs for outdoor excursions and thinner pairs for city sightseeing.

Should You Wear Liner Socks?

Some experienced walkers like to wear thin liner socks underneath their regular hiking socks.

The idea is that the friction occurs between the two layers of fabric rather than against your skin, reducing the likelihood of blisters.

While liner socks can be helpful on particularly long walking days, many modern hiking socks are designed to provide excellent comfort on their own. Whether you choose to wear them largely comes down to personal preference.

Choosing the Right Walking Shoes

There is no single “best” travel shoe. The ideal choice depends on your destination, the activities included in your itinerary and, most importantly, what feels comfortable on your feet.

When shopping for walking shoes, comfort should always come before appearance.

Look for shoes that provide:

• good arch support
• adequate cushioning
• a stable sole with reliable grip
• breathable materials suitable for the climate
• enough room in the toe box to prevent pressure on your toes.

Avoid shoes that feel tight, pinch anywhere on your foot or require a lengthy “break-in” period. Modern walking shoes should feel comfortable from the first fitting, although it’s still wise to wear them on several walks before travelling to ensure they’re a good match for your feet.

Trail Walking Shoes

For many Odyssey tours, lightweight trail walking shoes are an excellent choice.

Originally designed for off-road walking and running, modern trail shoes provide outstanding grip while remaining lighter and more flexible than traditional hiking boots.

They’re particularly well suited to travellers visiting destinations that combine city sightseeing with nature walks, such as New Zealand, Scandinavia, Japan or parts of South America.

Many experienced travellers now prefer trail shoes because they:

• are lightweight
• provide excellent cushioning
• offer reliable traction
• dry quickly after rain
• remain comfortable during long sightseeing days.

Unless your itinerary includes challenging mountain walks or rugged terrain, a quality pair of walking or trail shoes will usually provide all the support you need.

Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots?

One of the most common questions we receive is whether travellers need hiking boots.

For the majority of Odyssey Traveller tours, the answer is no.

Most itineraries focus on cultural sightseeing, museums, historic towns, gardens and archaeological sites rather than strenuous hiking. A comfortable pair of walking or trail shoes is usually all that’s required.

However, there are some tours where hiking boots may be the better choice. These include itineraries with extended walks on uneven ground, rocky paths or mountain trails, where additional support and grip are beneficial.

Walking Shoes

Walking shoes are ideal for most cultural tours because they are:

• lightweight and comfortable
• easy to pack
• breathable in warmer climates
• suitable for long days of sightseeing
• versatile enough for both cities and countryside.

For many travellers, a good pair of walking shoes will be the only footwear needed during the day.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots may be worth considering if your tour includes more challenging terrain or if you prefer additional ankle support.

Modern hiking boots are lighter than many people expect, but they are still heavier and warmer than walking shoes.

If you choose hiking boots, make sure they are fully broken in before you leave home. New boots should never be worn for the first time on tour.

Waterproof or Non-Waterproof?

Waterproof footwear can be an excellent choice for some destinations—but it isn’t always the best option.

Waterproof Shoes

Waterproof shoes help keep your feet dry in wet or cold conditions and are particularly useful if you’re travelling during winter or visiting destinations where rain is common.

They are well suited to places such as:

• the United Kingdom and Ireland
• Scandinavia
• Iceland
• New Zealand
• Patagonia
• Canada’s national parks.

Non-Waterproof Shoes

In warmer climates, breathable shoes are often more comfortable.

Countries around the Mediterranean, South-East Asia, Central America and much of Australia can become quite hot during the day. Breathable mesh shoes allow heat and moisture to escape, helping to keep your feet cooler.

Although they won’t keep water out during heavy rain, they also tend to dry much faster once conditions improve.

If you’re unsure which option to choose, think about the climate you’ll be travelling in rather than assuming waterproof is always better.

Getting the Right Fit

A well-fitting shoe is far more important than choosing a particular brand.

When trying on walking shoes:

• shop later in the day, when your feet are naturally a little larger
• wear the socks you plan to travel with
• ensure there is enough room to wiggle your toes
• your heel should stay secure without slipping
• walk around the shop on different surfaces if possible.

Don’t expect uncomfortable shoes to improve over time. If they pinch or rub in the shop, they’re unlikely to become comfortable during your holiday.

When Should You Replace Your Walking Shoes?

Even if your shoes still look good, the cushioning and support gradually wear down with use.

Signs that it may be time for a new pair include:

• worn or smooth tread
• uneven wear on the sole
• reduced cushioning
• sore feet after walks that previously felt comfortable
• cracks or splitting in the upper materials.

If your shoes are several years old or have seen plenty of kilometres, replacing them before a major trip may make your holiday far more enjoyable.

Should You Take More Than One Pair?

Yes—if space allows.

Many experienced travellers take:

• one pair of comfortable walking shoes for daily touring
• one lighter pair of casual shoes or sandals for evenings and relaxing.

Changing footwear after a full day of sightseeing gives your feet a chance to recover and allows your walking shoes to air out overnight.

If your walking shoes become wet, having a second pair can also be invaluable.

Don’t Forget Your Insoles

If you normally wear orthotics or supportive insoles, take them with you.

Travelling is not the time to experiment with unfamiliar inserts or footwear. If your podiatrist has recommended custom orthotics, continue using them throughout your trip.

Some travellers also find that replacing the standard insole supplied with a shoe improves comfort, particularly on longer walking days.

Before You Leave Home

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is buying new shoes immediately before departure.

Instead, wear your chosen shoes regularly in the weeks leading up to your trip.

Take them on several walks of increasing length so you can:

• confirm they remain comfortable
• identify any pressure points
• adjust the lacing if needed
• ensure your socks and shoes work well together.

A little preparation before you leave can prevent a great deal of discomfort once your holiday begins.

Looking After Your Feet While Travelling

Even with the best footwear, your feet are likely to work harder on holiday than they do at home. Looking after them each day can help you stay comfortable and enjoy every part of your journey.

A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Change into a fresh pair of socks if your feet become damp.
• Check for any hot spots or areas of rubbing before they develop into blisters.
• Stretch your calves and feet after a long day of walking.
• If your feet are swollen, elevate them for a short time while relaxing in your hotel.
• Stay well hydrated, particularly in warm climates.

Small steps like these can help prevent minor discomfort from becoming a bigger problem.

Preventing Blisters

Blisters are one of the most common travel complaints, but they’re also one of the easiest to avoid.

The best prevention is to wear shoes that fit properly and have already been worn on several walks before your trip. Pair them with good-quality walking socks that keep your feet dry.

If you notice a “hot spot”—an area that feels warm or irritated—stop and cover it with a blister dressing or protective tape before it develops further.

It’s also worth packing a few basic foot-care items, such as:

• blister dressings
• adhesive tape or moleskin
• small antiseptic wipes
• a few adhesive bandages.

These take up very little room in your luggage and can save a great deal of discomfort.

Travelling with Existing Foot Conditions

If you have bunions, plantar fasciitis, arthritis or another foot condition, don’t let it discourage you from travelling.

Many Odyssey travellers successfully manage these conditions by choosing supportive footwear, pacing themselves during sightseeing and following the advice of their healthcare professional.

If you normally use orthotics, compression socks or other aids, be sure to bring them with you.

If you’re unsure whether a particular itinerary is suitable, our team is always happy to discuss the walking involved before you book.

A Simple Footwear Packing Checklist

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes
• Three to five pairs of quality walking socks
• Casual shoes or sandals for evenings
• Any orthotics or insoles you normally wear
• Blister dressings and a small foot-care kit
• Spare shoe laces if you’re travelling for an extended period

Checking these items before departure can help you avoid unnecessary purchases while travelling.

Final Thoughts

Your shoes may not be the most exciting item in your suitcase, but they are among the most important.

Comfortable, well-fitting footwear allows you to focus on what really matters—discovering new places, meeting local people and enjoying the unique experiences that make travel so rewarding.

Whether you’re strolling through medieval villages, exploring ancient archaeological sites, wandering around museums or taking in spectacular natural scenery, the right shoes and socks will help you travel with confidence and comfort.

If you’re ever unsure about what footwear is best for a particular Odyssey Traveller tour, please contact our team before you depart. We’ll be happy to advise you based on your itinerary and the type of walking involved, helping you arrive well prepared for your next adventure.

About Odyssey Traveller

Odyssey Traveller specializes in educational small group tours for seniors, typically group sizes are between 6 to 12 people and no more than 14 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational tours, since 1983. We offer a wide range of fully escorted, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.

We are based in Sydney, Australia, however, we have many travellers from USA, Canada, UK and Europe who travel with us every year.

First published November 2018. Refreshed July 2026