Don’t you get tired of all these rules we have to live by ladies?

Good grief even when it comes to travel there are rules, like only packing 3 pairs of shoes.

We’re over 50 it's time to break out, break some rules and have fun doing it.

Ignore the 3 Pairs of Shoes Rule!

I was your classic “good girl-rule follower”. 

For 20 years as a Road Warrior, I flew every week to work with my clients across the country or in another country.

I would travel with 1 pair of shoes for 4-5 days - yikes!

Then when I went on vacation I would diligently follow the 3 pair rule and only ever pack 3 pairs of shoes…

Even when I traveled for 5 weeks through different countries and climates - urgh!

I’m here to say if you don’t read any further…

IGNORE THE FREAKIN SHOE RULE!

Pack what you want and feel great, have choice and give your feet what they deserve!

I know, you hear and read those articles from the guru about you only have so much space to pack things, travel light…

Blah, blah, blah... more on that a little later, yet another myth (cue my eyes rolling double time).

So How Do You Choose The Shoes To Pack?

So now you’ve let go how do you go about choosing shoes for a trip?

Some basic questions to help you start pulling shoes out of the closet?

• Where are you going?

• What will you be doing?

• What will the weather / season be?

So I’m throwing in a real life example here. I’m off on a girls trip to New York City and its the Fall.

We will be doing a lot of walking as in easy 10,000 steps or more each day plus…

Picture hiking up and down subway steps. 

But… we’re also going to be seeing a lot of theatre shows. So while the whole theatre dress code is super casual these days I still don’t want to be living in sneakers the whole time.

I struggle the most when it comes to packing for trips in Spring or Fall?

You get the whole unpredictability of the weather…

Are you going to be dodging rain puddles or facing a short term heat wave?

And lets face it while I want to be be able to get around, be comfortable and throw in a dash of style to boot (pun totally intended haha)

So lets cut to the chase…

Sneakers...

Sneakers are the first pair of shoes that get pulled out of my closet!

And of course if you have read some of my other blogs you know that I am an “Allbird” devotee.

The average Allbird buyer owns 1.6 pair - gulp!

At last count I had 4 pair - yikes!

This is why I looove them.

• They are stylish

• Super comfortable

• Made from wool and other sustainable materials

• You can throw them in the washing machine!

They are versatile...I always as in always wear them on my flights. I don’t know about you but my feet will often get cold and with the wool my tootsies stay warm.

I can easily wear them with shorts, long pants and a dress.

I know you’re thinking but if they’re wool how do you cope in the heat? 

Great question, because wool is a natural fiber it breathes. So yes, I even wear them in Maui!

Ok, enough about the Allbirds, here’s the link if you would like to know more…

*********************************************************************************************

Allbirds Women’s Tree Runners Everyday Sneakers: Tap the 👉LINK to view the them.

Please be aware, I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and I sometimes earn a commission through purchases made through links linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.

*********************************************************************************************

Bottom line, sneakers whether Allbirds or not are a great choice...

Gone are the days of the “look like a tourist” sneaker traveler. You can totally look super stylish.

Drum Roll, 🥁The Next Pair Are Loafers...

The next pair of shoes I pull out of the closet is all about looking a little dressier but...

Without having to struggle and suffer through “Sex in the City” 5” heels haha.

My go to for spring and fall is a pair of loafers. And yay, at the moment they quite the trend to boot.

They give me that flexibility to have a dressier looking shoe that I can work with pants or dresses.

Now, let me be clear I am no fashionista. I’m more of a classic/preppy dresser.

So you do you BOO!

If your style is country western then go for it.

My biggest learning when I finally started BREAKING THE 3 PAIR SHOE RULE…

Was to be me!

After all I’m over 50 and travel is all about fun, exploring, new experiences and memories.

BTW if you’re traveling during the summer or depths of winter your “go to” second pair of shoes are likely to be a pair of sandals or boots.

You're in Control, NOT some Stupid Rule

Ok, this is where the Rule of 3 totally messes with us and why I choose NOT to follow the rule…

Choosing the two pairs of shoes is pretty straightforward.

But choosing that third pair just messes with your brain.

It’s like being stranded on a dessert island and you have to choose between lighting a fire with the wood you have or building a shelter - urgh what do you do?

This is exactly why I say ditch the 3 pairs of shoe rule… Take Both!

But, but, but… I can hear the gurus yelling, thats going to take up too much space in your luggage.

That’s my next pet peeve, if you’re whole trip is going to be anchored around what goes in a suitcase then you’re already limiting your joy of travel.

Ladies the whole point of this blog is about YOU being in control and YOU having the FREEDOM to do whatever the heck works for you!

Some Basic Tips & Tricks

Seems obvious but don’t take new shoes…

This is a real Rookie mistake, buying a new pair of shoes for your trip and then trying to break them in on your trip...

Cue painful blisters and a late night run or should I say hobble to CVS for Band-Aids!

Heel Hell?

If you do want to wear heals go for a block heel or a wedge. They look cute and can still be comfortable.

For example heels can work in New York City or any other city for that matter on your travels but...

Only if you plan smart. Keep them for short distances and theater nights, and carry those backup flats in your bag!

Or you might find yourself in the embarrassing situation of having to grab a cab to take you 4 blocks because your feet have given up on you.

Carry A Pair Of Foldable Flats, Why Bother?

I'm not really into this one but each to their own.

The whole idea of throwing a pair of foldable ballet flats into my purse so that I can do a quick change of shoes to go to the a restaurant or theatre later does my head in.

While the flats might fit in the bag you are toting around for the day...

What happens to those cute ankle boots or wedges you are wearing when you change shoes?

They take up a lot of space in that purse or under your seat or restaurant table doh!

Don't Give Up On Style

So many shoes today are both comfortable and stylish so hang in there.

And if you really want some inspiration check out my mentor Sara Blakely (think Spanx) on her latest business adventure. 

The world is changing ladies, thanks to amazing women like Sara.

Her latest venture, would you go for them? SNEEX!

Ladies, you’ve spent decades following a bunch of rules (mostly created by men haha) and this is YOUR TIME.

So lets see some fabulous shoes in those travel pics with big wide smiles because you’re wearing the shoes you WANT to not HAVE To!

Interested in more, check out my YouTube Channel

If you found this blog valuable head on over to my YouTube channel and take a look, here's the 👉👉👉 link

Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus

And if you like what you see please consider subscribing to the channel or giving a video a like :-)

So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.