Quick answer: For holiday travel, pick one supportive pair you have already broken in, with room for feet that swell on long flights or drives, an easy on-off design for security lines and car rides, and a grippy outsole for wet November and December pavement. Hands-free sneakers, cushioned walking shoes and slip-resistant ankle boots cover most trips. Pack a recovery slide or supportive slipper for the house you are visiting.
Thanksgiving through New Year's is one of the busiest travel stretches of the year. Whether you are flying out of Bradley or driving I-84 to see family, your shoes do quiet work: long airport walks, hours of sitting, then a full day on your feet once you arrive. As second-generation shoe fitters and certified pedorthists in South Windsor, we help customers from Hartford County and Tolland County get ready for trips every season. Here is what we look for.
What makes a good travel shoe?
The best travel shoe is the one you can forget about. Before a trip, check that your pair has:
- A supportive footbed. Airport terminals, city sidewalks and museum floors are hard, flat surfaces. A contoured footbed or one that accepts your own orthotic helps on long walking days.
- Room for swelling. Many people notice their feet feel fuller after hours of sitting on a plane or in a car. A shoe that is snug at home can feel tight by the end of a travel day.
- Easy on, easy off. Slip-on, hands-free, zip or stretch-lace designs make security lines, car seats and kicking off shoes at a relative's front door much simpler.
- Grip for winter weather. Connecticut and most holiday destinations can be wet, slushy or icy this time of year. Look for a rubber outsole with real tread.
Which shoes work best for different kinds of trips?
Every foot and every itinerary is different, so use this as a starting point rather than a rule.
| Trip type | Shoe to consider | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Flying with connections | Hands-free sneakers such as Kizik | Step in and out quickly at security or on the plane without bending to tie laces |
| City sightseeing and holiday markets | Cushioned walking shoes from Brooks, Vionic or Taos | Support and cushioning for miles on pavement |
| Cold, wet destinations | Waterproof or water-resistant boots from Rieker, Remonte or Pikolinos | Keeps feet drier, and side zips make them easier to take on and off |
| Long car rides | A roomy slip-on or clog, such as Birkenstock or Naot | Comfortable for hours of sitting and quick rest-stop breaks |
| Staying with family | OOFOS recovery slides or supportive slippers | Something supportive for hours of cooking, hosting and standing in the kitchen |
Are hands-free shoes good for airport travel?
For many travelers, yes. Hands-free shoes like Kizik are designed so you can step in without using your hands, which is convenient when you are juggling a carry-on, a coat and boarding passes. They are also popular with grandparents traveling to see family and with anyone who finds bending down to tie laces tiring. A few tips:
- Hands-free does not mean size-free. Make sure the length and width are right before your trip.
- If you wear a custom orthotic, check that it fits inside the shoe with room to spare.
- Wear them for a few errands at home first so the trip is not their first long day.
Our Kizik hands-free shoe guide covers fit and features in more detail.
Should I wear new shoes on a trip?
We recommend against it. A travel day is not the time to discover a seam that rubs or a heel that slips. If you are buying new shoes for a trip, shop at least a week or two ahead and wear them around the house, at work and on a few walks. We offer free 30-day returns and exchanges; see our shipping and returns policy for details.
How many pairs should I pack for a holiday trip?
For most trips, two or three pairs is plenty:
- Your travel pair: the supportive, broken-in shoe you wear on the plane or in the car. Wear your bulkiest pair while traveling to save suitcase space.
- A dressier or weather pair: a comfortable boot or loafer for holiday dinners, church services or a night out.
- An indoor pair: a supportive slipper or recovery slide. Many households are shoes-off, and hours on a hard kitchen floor in socks can leave feet tired.
Planning gifts for the travelers on your list? Our comfort shoe holiday gift guide has ideas for slippers, slides and hands-free styles.
How do I keep my feet comfortable on a long flight or drive?
A few simple habits help many travelers:
- Choose moisture-wicking socks rather than thick cotton, and bring a spare pair.
- Loosen laces or straps slightly once you are seated if your shoes have them.
- Get up and walk the aisle or stretch at rest stops when it is safe to do so.
This is general footwear guidance. If you have significant swelling, circulation concerns, diabetes, or foot pain that lingers after travel, talk with a podiatrist or physician before your trip. They can give advice specific to you.
Where can I get fitted for travel shoes near Hartford or Tolland County?
Disibio Shoes is a family-owned comfort shoe store at The Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor. Travelers stop in from Manchester, Glastonbury and West Hartford, and from Tolland County towns like Vernon, Ellington, Tolland and Coventry. A pre-trip visit includes:
- A Brannock device measurement for length and width
- An Aetrex Albert digital foot scan
- One-on-one fitting with an experienced fitter who can help you compare walking shoes, slip-ons and boots
- Free in-store pickup if you would rather order online and grab your pair on the way out of town
Find directions and store hours on our store location page.
Frequently asked questions
What type of shoe is best for walking through airports?
A supportive, broken-in shoe that is easy to slip on and off works well for most travelers. Hands-free sneakers and cushioned walking shoes are popular choices because they combine support for long terminal walks with quick on-and-off convenience.
Should travel shoes be a half size bigger?
Not automatically. Travel shoes should fit correctly, with about a thumb's width of room at the toe and enough width that your foot is not squeezed. Because feet can feel fuller after long periods of sitting, it helps to be measured later in the day, when feet tend to be at their largest.
Can I wear my orthotics in travel shoes?
Many walking shoes, sneakers and boots have removable footbeds that can be swapped for an orthotic. Bring your orthotic to your fitting so we can check that it sits flat and leaves enough room in the shoe.
How far ahead should I buy shoes for a holiday trip?
We suggest at least one to two weeks before you leave, so you have time to wear them at home and exchange them if needed. We offer free 30-day returns and exchanges.
Do you offer foot measuring in South Windsor?
Yes. We measure with a Brannock device and the Aetrex Albert digital foot scan, and offer one-on-one fitting at 200 Evergreen Way, Suite 216, South Windsor, CT. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM.
Get trip-ready with a fitting
Traveling this holiday season? Stop by 200 Evergreen Way, Suite 216, South Windsor, CT, Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM. Call (860) 791-2248, email customercare@disibioshoes.com, or shop hands-free Kizik styles online with free shipping on orders over $100.
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