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Help with footwear ideas for long trip?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hi, all -

I am wondering if I can get a few suggestions.

I'm going on an artist's retreat in the Canadian mountains for the month of May. (Actually, from late April to the end of May.) That's the good news.

I've been to this spot numerous times and pretty much know what's required for clothing. I don't have to pack super light; I can check a bag. And it's a good thing, because weather conditions can and probably will range from snow and 0 C to sunny days with temps in the low 20s (C). That means I need to bring everything from cashmere and a down vest and rain gear to lightweight shirts -- plus a few dressier items for an appearance and city dinners with friends in Calgary on either end of the retreat.

The one thing I'm feeling a bit concerned about is footwear. Last year I packed a TON of different options (for a trip only half as long). I actually ended up wearing them all. Yet I wonder if I could simplify a bit this year.

Last time, I brought 2 kinds of athletic shoes (indoor shoes for the gym, and Goretex trail runners for hikes); one pair of wedge Hi Ness sneakers (wore them constantly on the warmer days); my SE snakeskin Petty booties (wore them frequently at the retreat location itself, but not on the trails leading to town as the soles are too slippery; thought they might be needed in the city on cool nights, but the weather was unseasonably warm so they got no wear in town); one pair of wedge pumps (city evening events); and my Blundstone chisel toe chelsea boots, which I travelled in and wore on rainy days and for walking down the mountain into town. They are waterproof, casual, and a bit rugged, but also quite presentable. (Unfortunately for me, my daughter has since taken possession of them, so if I want a pair this trip I have to buy new ones!)

I look at this list and I keep thinking I should cut it down somehow -- after all, shoes take up a lot of room and weigh a fair bit.

Of course I could wear the Goretex gear shoes for walking into town on rainy days, and dispense with the whole idea of a rugged, casual, rainproof, snow worthy boot. After all, it's only likely to be seriously rainy and/ or snowy in the first couple of weeks of this trip. After that, the boots will go unworn. And besides, everybody else wears gear. But...um...you know. I'm not everybody else.

I don't mind buying something new if that makes sense; and in the end, I don't mind taking 6 pairs of shoes if I have to, either! It is a month, after all. And two of those shoes are purely gear shoes.

Any thoughts about what might work?

Thank you!

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

carter

Veteran

Geez. For a month with all those crazy temps and scenarios, I'd take 12 pair! Sorry, not much help in the right direction from me, but I'll look forward to better answers from the others! Sounds like a great trip!

sarah

Veteran

I might opt for leaving the Petties behind and bringing something that you feel good in but that you can also walk to town in. My Frye Carson shorties would fall into that category. They're not waterproof, but they're pretty rugged, and they also look good with jeans. If it's truly raining, I'd wear the gore-tex. I'm not sure exactly what to suggest, but some sort of bootie that's just a bit more substantial than the petties might do it.

Greyscale

Veteran

I agree on swapping the Petties for something you can wear on a walk, either your old Blundstones (steal them back) or something like Fryes as Sarah suggested. (Or Dr Martens? Can't see them as your style, really.) That's the role my refined combat boots usually play, and they're essential for travel. I completely sympathize with wanting something functional but not gear - I'd go nuts being limited to gear for walking into town.

Do you wear sandals in that climate? I'd be tempted to add a pair of white Birkenstocks, or something more polished if that's not your style.

Anonymous

I'm no help on suggestions, but I think I'd be with Carter in wanting to pack a whole bunch of shoes for a trip that long with that many different situations! Is there any chance that there's a sneaker somewhere out there that would work for workouts or hiking and also be cute enough for casual warm-weather outfits?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Carter, you made me laugh. I now feel positively minimal in my packing!

Sarah, Greyscale, thanks - you put your finger on it. I need booties that are in between somehow. Not quite as dressy as the Petties and a bit more practical, but not too gear-like. Hmmm.

No stealing the Blunnies back -- as a matter of fact, it is time to buy her a new pair too! They were almost done (4 years old when she stole them.) Now they're pretty well finished after the winter we've had -- she's been wearing them daily.

I used to wear Docs, Greyscale! I just gave a pair away not too long ago. But they were wedge heeled; I couldn't have worn them for this purpose.

There may be a few days warm enough for sandals but I can probably make do with my canvas shoes on those days. There will still be snow melting all around (in the midst of the sun and heat) so somehow a covered shoe just feels a bit better.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Aubergine -- that's not a bad idea. My indoor sneakers are pretty much toast -- I could leave them at home and just buy what I need there. They do have a couple of decent gear stores.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Suz, what about replacing both SE Petty and chelsea boots with SW booties you have? Will they work for trails to the town? Or your Zara ink booties?
Another idea is to get your Petty booties to the cobbler and get some traction soles on them: this is something I would like to do with mine. They are so slippery that pose a slipping danger even on my city walks!

Anonymous

I bought a pair of short grey suede LaCanadienne boots a few years ago that I wear everywhere including walking trails with puddles (the boots are waterproof.). With lots of sales going on now, maybe you could find something like that. Mine look almost as good as new despite what they have been through.
Another thought is a pair of fashion sneakers. My metallic Born pair don't look like gear.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Joy, I had the fashion sneaker thought, too. I do have the Cons Hi-Ness with me already, though, so thought a boot might be good.

I have checked 6 pm for La Canadiennes but there is nothing there at the moment in this style; I'll keep checking back because this year's fall boots may show up there pretty soon.

Sveta, my Stuarts are too refined. They do have a rubberized bottom, but they're super soft kid leather and could easily get ruined on the paths there -- they're certainly no good for snow, rain, mud. The Zara ink ones are also slippery on the bottom and a bit heavy/ stiff for this situation. Alas. In fact, of any that I own currently, my Munros might be best! But they have that heel. And I think a flatter boot or a low wedge would be a lot safer on the hills, even in town. Hmmm. Still thinking. Sounds like I should maybe buy an "in between" type of bootie.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

You need my combat boots!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

In this situation I wouldn't want to wear gear walking into town either. Looks like you need to replace your Blundstones

IMO it's better to have the right shoes than take extra clothes

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JAileen

Veteran

My Timberlands are waterproof and very comfortable. Now they make them in lots of colors.

Beth Ann

Veteran

6 pairs are not overkill for the length and demands of the trip. I think a new pair of trail-safe booties and perhaps a pair of indoor sneaks that look "street" enough for casual wear would be appropriate. I like these Sauconys, although they're not stable enough for running for me.

Definitely a pair of trek-worthy booties!

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shemarie

I don't know if they fit your style or not, but I have a pair of lace-up mid-height Timberlands that I bought last year that work extremely well to bridge that "need-gear-that-doesn't-look-like-gear" gap! They have excellent traction, are a waterproof combination of leather and suede, wear like my best running/hiking shoes, but yet I get compliments on my "cute boots" whenever I wear them. Great for walking, snow, slush, yet cute and presentable for dinner, etc. I cannot remember the style, but do know I found them fairly reasonable on Amazon, FWIW. Good luck with your search...I can't imagine packing for a month?!

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, I'm the big advocate of packing light but I think I'd be inclined to take at least four pairs for your month in the mountains. My vote would be for the following:

Gortex trail runners: You absolutely need something for hiking because not going hiking while you are in Banff is too absurd to even consider. I find my trail runners also work well if conditions are a bit muddy during spring melt or if weather turns rainy, or even a bit snowy. Looking fashionable takes a back seat to being comfortable and safe during inclement weather.

Walking Boots: You need to be able to walk around safely on the trails from the Centre to downtown. I like using my low-heeled Reiker booties because they look good with jeans but still provide traction in wet weather and work well on uneven ground. I spray mine so they are water resistant. I'd use my Blunies here if I was going to be in Banff in April because they are sturdier, but, in May, my Reikers work just fine and look a bit more stylish because they have a short heel.

Sneakers: To be used in the fitness centre, on nicer days with shorts, and just to have an alternative to your boots. My favorites are my Eccos sneakers because, unlike Cons, they have an arch support. An athletic sneaker with a bit of "street" appeal could also work here. I'm currently lusting over a pair of the old-style blue Adidas that have been recently reissued; they look exactly like the ones I wore in university in the late sixties!

Dressier Shoe: Whatever works for you--maybe your wedge pumps? It's nice to have something to put on for evening events, city walking, or when you just need a change from your practical footwear.

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E

Veteran

Oh that does sound like a challenge! Congrats on a month long retreat btw!

I also find my Timberland boots super comfortable, fairly flexible re: gear vs cute boots, and rugged/durable. But if you need 6 pairs of shoes, and nothing is stopping you from packing them, go ahead and bring them. No point in getting there and wishing you had X pair of shoes just for the sake of packing lighter. Especially since you're staying in 1 place for the month, so no need to be packing/repacking, moving around, where lightness is an asset.

And Caro, where are those fabulous lace up boots from?!

Anonymous

This sounds like a real challenge but I don't think six pair of shoes for one whole month is too many. Have you looked at any of the Naot boots? They have some very comfortable yet somewhat stylish low walking boots. Une femme d'uncertain age wore hers on a recent springtime trip to Paris. I have the cute grey Ecco sneakers that Gaylene recommends and they are extremely comfortable. I wore them on a cruise this fall and they were great but to spruce them up a little I bought several pairs of colourful shoes laces to match whatever I happened to be wearing that day.

nancylee

Veteran

You've gotten a lot of great responses so far, Suz. I'm going to echo the call to replace the blunnies. They sound too useful to live without. I also agree with gaylene on keeping it to four pairs if possible. Her plan sounds like a good one.

Could you find a packable dressier flat to squeeze in your suitcase? Clark's makes a wide variety of pretty cute traveling shoes (much more fashionable than in the past). Maybe you could find st small enough to warrant five pairs.

Anonymous

I'm with Gaylene- I think the 4 pair she outlined should cover all your needs. My recent 5 day trip had similar requirements (hiking, sight-seeing, working out, casual meals, and dressy events) and I took 4 pair (hiking shoes, sneakers, ballet flats, pumps) that fit her categories and was fine. (I do not own boots so that was not an option for me, LOL!)

Glory

Veteran

Suz - first congrats that you are going on the retreat! I recall last year that you had several compliments on your attire while there.
For the shoes - I think Gaylene has nailed it. It seems that the missing link for you are the walking boots unless you have the goretex play that role.
However, if that makes you feel too gearish then I would buy new blundstones. They are a proven for you. But soon, because you need to break them in. I am not sure a more refined boot will work because the soles may not be rugged enough. The other option would be some sort of combat boot but many of them have a smooth sole.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Apologies for my late response here -- these are fantastic ideas. It does look to me as if I do need from 4 to 6 pairs, depending on what I buy, and walking boots are a definite necessity. So I will be looking out for something that might fit that bill - whether Blundstone or Timberland or Clarks or otherwise. You've been super helpful, as always!

I will show you the suitcase when it's time!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, you are so sensible. I vote don't fix the recipe that works. Pack at least 5 pairs of shoes.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Suz they are Theyskens' Theory - Yasmin Lace Up Booties, but they are probably sold out now.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Caro. After Greyscale's post about Theysken's Theory I am going to be scouting ebay big time.....