Whether you’re racing through airline terminals or strolling down cobblestone streets, having the right footwear can make or break a trip. Native Shoes scores points on several key travel fronts: They’re light, comfortable, water-friendly, and washable.
- Best Shoes for the Beach: Native Miles
- Best Shoes for City Walking: Native Jefferson Arc
- Best Shoes for Airport Days: Native Apollo 10
This post is sponsored by Native Shoes.
My Carry-On-Only Footwear Struggle
As a carry-on-only traveler, I never allow myself to travel with more than three pairs of shoes:
- one pair to wear on the plane
- one pair to wear at my destination
- one specialty pair (depending on the trip, that could be anything from a pair of water shoes for the beach to heels for fancy dinners out)
I always wear the heaviest, bulkiest pair on the plane to save space in my carry-on and make it easier to hoist that bag into the overhead bin. (Besides, I would NEVER wear heels to the airport!)
The key to travel footwear success is shoes that can do double duty. That’s one of my favorite things about Native Shoes: The fun and funky style makes them comfortable to wear all day and cute to wear with a skirt or resortwear at night. The white Jeffersons (pictured above) work for everything from daytime exploring to dinner on vacation.
Boom! One pair of shoes, two ways to wear them.
About Native Shoes
I’m an environmentalist at heart. I believe in the mantra to reduce, reuse and recycle. That’s also a guiding force at Native Shoes.
The company’s motto is “To Live Lightly,” and it says: “Our goal is to create a positive future for people and the planet. It’s why we’ve set ambitious science-based targets to reduce our environmental impact and use bio-based materials.”
Rather than petroleum-based products, Native Shoes uses sustainable materials sourced from sugarcane, bamboo, algae and other bio-based products along with recycled rubber, polyester and cotton to create its shoes.
Plus, when you’re done with your Native shoes, the company will recycle them into community playgrounds!
Here are three Native Shoe styles and the best way to wear them on vacation:
For the Beach: The Native Miles Wanderfoam
When it comes to beach days, I have a strict “no soggy sneakers” rule. But flip-flops only go so far on the beach. I want a shoe that stays on my feet, whether I’m walking over rocks, running across hot sand or wading into the water.
Why the Native Miles is perfect for the sand: The Miles is made from a special material the company calls Wanderfoam. It’s ultra-soft and water-friendly. The perforated style allows water to drain so they dry quickly. That’s why I swapped my old water shoes for these. The old shoes collected sand and never seemed to dry out. Plus, the Miles is odor-resistant; a must-have feature when I’m packing them back into my carry-on.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Miles has a slightly wider fit, which I like since heat and salt water can cause my feet to swell.
Check prices in the Native Miles
For City Walking: The Native Jefferson Arc
I firmly believe that the best way to explore a new place is by walking. But nothing can spoil a stroll faster than a blister or sore feet. If I’m going to be logging 20,000 steps, I need a soft upper and plenty of arch support!
Why they’re perfect for city walks: The Jefferson Arc has a soft upper for instant comfort (no “breaking in” required) and a firmer lower layer that provides the structure and support I need for all-day pavement pounding.
A more traditional style: The Jefferson Arclooks more like a standard sneaker and less like a water shoe. Plus, they come in several colors and a cute leopard print.
SheBuysTravel Tip : The company claims its testing resulted in zero reported blisters among testers. While that seems hard to believe, I can say that I got zero blisters from my Native shoes!
Check prices for the Native Jefferson Arc
For Airport Days: The Native Apollo 10
Airport fashion is a delicate balance. I want to look cute, but still be able to sprint to Gate B42 when my connection is tight. I almost always choose some type of sneaker, like the Apollo 10, Native’s “style-forward” performance sneaker.
Why they win the airport: They are lightweight but supportive. Native credits its Supercritical Sugarlite midsole for providing a responsive, bouncy feel that keeps your feet happy even when the rest of you is wondering whether they will EVER call your boarding group.
Comfortable and sustainable: The Apollo 10’s microfiber upper is made from 80 percent recycled material that feels soft against the skin, and the heel area is lined to prevent friction. These are shoes you can wear for 12+ hours of travel without a hint of discomfort.
Check prices for the Native Apollo 10
SheBuysTravel Tip: Never put your Native shoes in the washing machine or dryer, and avoid leaving them in a hot car; high heat can cause the material to warp or shrink.
FAQs
Native’s EVA and Sugarlite shoes are super easy to clean. Simply hand-wash them with lukewarm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth or brush. For stubborn scuffs, a magic eraser works wonders!
Generally, Native shoes run true to size, but the fit varies by style. The Jefferson Arc has a slim, classic sneaker fit. The Miles features a slightly wider footbed. If you are between sizes, size down for a snugger fit; the material relaxes with wear.
Most travelers wear them barefoot, especially the water-friendly Miles and Jefferson styles. They are designed to be breathable and odor-resistant. However, if you’re prone to blisters during long “city walking” days, a pair of no-show socks can provide an extra layer of comfort. For the Apollo , which features a soft microfiber upper, they feel just as great with or without socks!
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