Packing light: should I bring tall boots?

Marillen

This is a very subjective question and depends on all kinds of variables like trip activities and such, but I'm still vacillating on whether or not to take mine and wondered if any of you have done the same.

Carry-on bag only so I'll have to wear them on the plane, take them off and back on and such. Probably will not wear them X-mas Eve or X-Mas Day and will be spending at least one entire day baking, so that leaves me with 3 days to wear them, maybe less. My family has planned stuff to do in San Francisco though they're kinda keeping it a secret...

I do like them a lot and they are one of my few options if I want something more polished than a sneaker or sandal. As classic riding boots they go with everything and are comfortable, though constant standing and walking for most of the day makes my feet unhappy. The only other shoes I'll be packing are formal heels and Converse. (If I decide not to bring them I have lace-up calf boots as a compromise.)

10 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from FlorenceFearne

catgirl

Veteran

I have agonized over this kind of thing before. The Ugg Cortonas which convert from tall to short, have solved all my travel boot woes. I can't wear tall boots on a plane - too hard to cross legs and squirm in seat. If you don't need them style wise, I'd do without...

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Since it sounds like you're going to SF, I would say no. Bring the midcalf boots instead. That's what I would do anyway. More comfy on plane, more versatile for different kinds of weather (if it's warm, midcalf boots with bare legs is great. Tall boots not so much.)

ETA: That IS generally what I do when I go to CA in the winter, although I go to SoCal more than SF. Midcalf boots on the plane, and then either oxfords or sneakers in the carry on bag.

10 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I think I would leave them home. It's a lot of work to bring them, I think, for little payoff. It would be one thing if you knew you definitely had an event where you could wear them, but since you don't, I would err on the side of practicality.

10 years ago

Dee

Veteran

It sounds like you don't necessarily have a lot of need for them based on your schedule. If your San Francisco stuff involves a lot of walking, they might not be the best choice depending on the comfort level. It might also depend on what sorts of bottoms you're bringing.

I'm flying home for Christmas tomorrow and having the same dilemma. I've packed Converse, a pair of black ballet flats (I can't wear heels), and l keep debating on the boots. I'll see how I feel in the morning, I guess.

10 years ago

Bianca

Active Member

Are you sure you can't pack them? If you really want them on your trip I would pack them on the bottom, filled with socks, tanks, etc. and then tightly pack everything else around the boots. You might be surprised and able to fit them in your carry on bag.

10 years ago

Jacky

Veteran

If you can't pack them, I wouldn't bring them. I've had this problem a couple of times, but usually I end up deciding to bring them because they're my only waterproof shoes and that's important where I'm going. SF has a lot of walking, so if you're not comfortable walking/standing in them all day, you're probably going to end up being sad. The other boots sound like a good compromise.

Also, hi! Welcome to SF I hope you like our city!

10 years ago

Anonymous

I hate to be without my tall boots, so I usually wear them to the airport. I've never found it too inconvenient to take them off for security or wear them on the plane, but perhaps I've just ignored any inconvenience I've experienced because I really, really love my boots.

10 years ago

Marillen

Active Member

Thanks for the replies; I'm leaning towards not bringing though it could come down to how I feel in the morning.

10 years ago

(website)

Veteran

If you do want them, wear them on the plane. I wore 3" heeled knee high boots when flying to FL, loaded down with a heavy carryon and a kitty cat! But that was the only way to get them here. And I'm glad I did.

10 years ago

MRL

Veteran

I always travel with my riding boots, I wear them on the plane. It's never been a problem taking them off for security (oh I wear comfy fuzzy socks underneath). I would take them.

10 years ago

L'Abeille

Veteran

Haha I clicked on this thread because I am facing the same dilemma (I thought) but from the opposite direction! I will be spending just 4 days in the snow belt (near Sveta) and I had been hoping to get away with just wearing my booties on the plane, to double as outdoor wear and dressier public-gathering wear if needed, and taking ballet flats for indoors/dressup/packing along (more room for presents). But we've had so much snow here in the Maritimes that I'm in my knee high snow boots already. I feel like I'll have to decline if anyone suggests just going for a walk!

10 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

We're going to the Bay Area for Christmas, so I was interested in what people had to say (we'll be driving). I just looked at the forecast. The forecast through the 30th is for sunny and highs in the 60s!!! So much for a white Christmas.

10 years ago

FlorenceFearne

Active Member

I always wear my knee high riding boots to travel in if I'm going anywhere that the climate will allow me to wear them. Considering that I will wear boots with jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses, and even shorts and tights, they're super versatile for me. I don't own any one item that gets more wear than my boots. So my vote is bring them.

10 years ago

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