Welcome to the Becker Shoes Blog.  This will be a chance for us to share fashion news, helpful advice on how to keep your footwear looking its best, and valuable information on how to get the most out of your footwear.

This month we’re going to tackle the challenge of choosing the right footwear to pack for a cruise or tropical holiday.  After spending a few months trudging through snow in all manner of boots, most of us look forward to throwing off our socks and walking barefoot on a warm, sandy beach.  The reality is that even on holiday you will need to have the a variety of shoes for different occasions.  But that doesn’t mean you should fill your luggage with a dozen pair of shoes, just because you may need them.  (The average woman packs 8 pairs of shoes for a seven-day trip!) Shoes can take up a lot of luggage space, so here’s our suggestion on the styles of footwear you should consider packing for your sunny holiday.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

If you are planning on walking through markets or malls, or doing any serious amount of sight-seeing on your holiday, then comfy walking shoes are a necessity.  While a pair of your favourite sneakers may work well, you may want to consider a pair of flat, soft-soled shoes with a perforated upper. A well-structured walking shoe with a firm sole is best if you’re planning to turn you walk into more of a hike, so it helps if your know your holiday plans ahead of time.  The key to packing the right footwear is making sure you the type of shoe you take will be able to keep up with your plans.

SKETCHERS GOWalk 3 Balance Walking Shoes have GOga Mat Technology with high-rebound cushioning to maximize walking comfort. The lightweight jersey fabric upper lets your feet breathe in the heat.

Men’s SKECHERS Go Walk 3 Slip On in Black

Flip-Flops or Slip Sandals

If you’re holiday plans include plenty of hanging around the resort, cruise ship, pool or beach, then slip-on sandals or flip flops are a must.  Casual, comfy, and convenient, this form of footwear is ideal for any holiday in the sun.  Sandals and slip-ons can take you from your room to the beach or pool and their casual style can only help you get into a relaxing holiday mood.

Women’s SPERRY Seabrook Wave Thread Toe Post Sandals give an island vibe with bright rawhide thread-wrapped lacing, while still giving you all day comfort.

It’s lighter than air but the Men’s CLARKS Balta Sun Toe Post Sandal is sturdier than any flip-flop you’ve ever worn.

Dress Shoes

If you’re taking a cruise, you will want to have the proper footwear for the formal ship dinners.  And even on a relaxing holiday, you may want to dress up and check out the local nightlife, so it’s a good idea to pack at least one pair of dress shoes.  Men can usually get away with a soft-soled, leather upper, slip-on while women may want to consider a 2” heel or a comfortable wedge.  If you’re not sure of the colour to take, just review your wardrobe and choose a neutral colour that works with everything.

This Women’s CLARKS Parram Lux Lace Wedge in a neutral colour is versatile and comfortable!

On a cruise? Try a classic boat shoe! This Men’s SPERRY Authentic Original 2 Eye Boat Shoe is the perfect mix of dress and casual.

Casual Shoes

Perhaps not as structured as a walking shoe but just as comfy, a smart casual shoe can do double-duty as a walking shoe and a semi-dress shoe.  A soft-soled, shoe with a leather upper works well for men while women may want to consider a low-block heel or wedge sandal.  In either case, a shoe that gives you versatility to be used for more than one outfit or use is always the best way to go when packing for your vacation.

These Women’s ROYAL CANADIAN Lotus Lace Sneaker are perforated for ventilation, have a comfortable padded sole and look cool enough for dress shoes and casual enough for the market.

Crafted from soft navy leather, the Men’s CLARKS UnMaslow casual slip-on shoes are easy-to-wear and guarantee the best underfoot comfort.