What color sandals to pack for long-term travel? 2


OK, friends, let’s see what you advise. I’m selecting shoes to take on my next year-plus journey. This time, although I need closed shoes too, I am not making the mistake of leaving the USA without an amazing pair of sandals.

So let’s have some fun. If I went with this sandal, which color would you advise?

It’s a dilemma because at least on my MacBook’s screen, I am absolutely in love the ice blue. However, black seems more practical. On the other hand, if I get a black closed shoe for dress-up, then why not have a fun color for everyday comfort? Let me know what you think. Merrills-Barefoot-Life-Flicker-Wrap-Black Merrills-Barefoot-Life-Flicker-Wrap-Ice-Blue

Here’s the sandal online:
Merrell’s Barefoot Life Flicker Wrap

If you’re thinking it matters what color most of my clothes are… amazingly all of my skirts are beige and white — and light is not good for travel. So, I’m thinking of dying them. In other words, I have no clue what colors I’ll end up with. Figure Navy Blue, Black, Maroon. (Merrell makes this show in Maroon too and I love it, but I’m resisting that color. Their other color is a Beige and that’s not practical. For years I wore brown leather sandals and technically, they matched nothing I ever wore as brown is definitely not my color.

Remember, when traveling, one doesn’t have a closet of footwear. One pair of sandals, maybe on nice but lightweight show that doesn’t take much room, and perhaps lightweight sneakers or Skecher’s GoWalk shoes — and that’s it. Seriously.  

Note: my friends have my email so they don’t need to post a response here. If you don’t know my email, I’d welcome your thoughts. Due to spam, your comment won’t appear until I approve it so don’t worry that it doesn’t work.

 

To update this:
I didn’t end up with either pair. I happened upon a nice looking black Bass sandal at The Citadel Outlet — and it was under $25 including tax. I’ve now been living in the black Bass sandals for 7 months and they are holding up. It rained daily from July 18 to Sept 2, so the comfy part under my soles disappeared quickly but the straps held up so far. I also walked 10 miles a day in them September 3-10. With the cold weather, I am not wearing them for a while, but I’m looking forward to them being my go-to shoe as soon as it warms up!
I do wonder how the Merrell’s would look today but I am not unhappy with my choice.

Further update, March 26, 2015:
I’ve been living in Tzfat, Israel, since November and here (and in Jerusalem) it’s more proper to wear the Aerosoles. It’s also been way too cold for open shoes. So here it is March 26 and I just got to wear them once in a while when it is warm, and only around my room. But today I noticed the bottom of the right sandal is worn right through. I’m bummed. Bass sandals used to last me a full year of near daily wear.


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2 thoughts on “What color sandals to pack for long-term travel?

  • Deborah Shadovitz Post author

    I’m a bit bummed. I had so much great feedback on this post, but when I copied my blog over to redesign it, I somehow lost them all. So I’m copying their wisdom here:

    Debra Eckerling
    Monday, May 12, 2014 at 4:14 pm
    I vote for the ice blue. Looks cute and comfy!

    Gail Parker
    Monday, May 12, 2014 at 4:22 pm
    Clearly the black ones would be the most practical, but if you love love love the light blue then you should consider it, with the caveat that it’s going to be a lot of work to keep them clean.

    Either way, I would definitely go to a store where I could try these on before making a decision. Sometimes certain colors of sandals just look awful with our particular skin tones!

    Vickey
    Monday, May 12, 2014 at 5:42 pm
    Black! White gets scuffed too easily.

    Debra Ann Pawlak
    Monday, May 12, 2014 at 5:55 pm
    My practical side must vote for black, but I sure like the blue ones!

    Nancy
    Monday, May 12, 2014 at 8:18 pm
    Def the black. You can change the color by cleaning the dust off them, so they can be brown/tan for every day, and black for dress-up. Then skip the closed toe, or buy a great new pair on the road!

    Zumbasan
    Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:50 pm
    Most definitely black. You can then wear them to formal dining in the evening….

    Dorota
    Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 1:34 am
    It’s a matter of taste, but I’d go for the black pair if I had to choose between the two.

    Deb Pisco
    Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 6:34 am
    If you’re already taking a pair of comfy black shoes, I’d take the cute blue strapped one – you don’t need two pairs of black footwear. They look awfully comfy, Merrill’s usually are. Bass also makes cute and comfy sandals, and Skechers are comfy also.

  • Deborah Shadovitz Post author

    To update this: I didn’t end up with either pair. I happened upon a nice looking black Bass sandal at The Citidel Outlet — and it was under $25 including tax. I’ve now been living in the black Bass sandal for 7 months and they are holding up. It rained daily from July 18 to Sept 2, so the comfy part under my soles disappeared quickly but the straps held up so far. I also walked 10 miles a day in them September 3-10. With the cold weather I am not wearing them for a while, but I’m looking forward to them being my go-to shoe as soon as it warms up!
    I do wonder how the Merrell’s would look today but I am not unhappy with my choice.