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Minimalist Shoes for Travel: Pack Light, Walk Far
If you’re trying to pack light, shoes are often the hardest part. They’re bulky, awkward to fit in your bag, and sometimes feel like a necessary evil, especially if you’re used to carrying a different pair for every occasion.
When I first started traveling light, shoes were my biggest challenge. I once wore heavy hiking shoes to save space in my bag while hopping between cities in New Zealand and Australia, and regretted it immediately. They were uncomfortable, hot, and not made for long travel days.
Over time, I’ve found a smarter way: packing just one or two pairs of lightweight, versatile shoes that actually fit my minimalist lifestyle.
In this post, I’ll show you how I approach minimalist shoe packing, why I love barefoot shoes for travel, and the specific brands I rely on, including pros, cons, and real-life use cases.
Prefer to watch instead of read?
In this video, I break down my personal approach to shoes, show you the exact pairs I pack, and explain why barefoot shoes have become my go-to for almost every trip:
My Minimalist Shoe Strategy: 1–2 Pairs, Max
Over the years, I’ve found that two pairs of shoes are more than enough for almost every trip. In summer, I usually bring 2 pairs (I wear one and pack the other):
- One pair of sneakers: great for walking, city exploring, and casual dinners. I like styles that go with both pants and dresses.
- One pair of sandals or flip-flops: I pick one, never both. They’re lightweight, perfect for hot weather, and ideal for beach days or relaxed walks.
For winter, I’ll just wear a pair of Chelsea boots and skip a second pair entirely. In between seasons, spring or fall, I’ll pack both my Chelsea boots and a pair of sneakers to stay flexible.
If there’s something super specific like hiking or a special event, I’ll make an exception, but that’s rare. For most minimalist trips, less really is more.
Why I Love Minimalist Shoes for Travel
I didn’t switch to minimalist shoes for travel, I started wearing them because regular shoes always felt too tight around my toes. But once I packed them for a trip, I realized how perfect they are for minimalist travel.
What Are Minimalist Shoes?
Minimalist shoes (also called barefoot shoes) are designed to mimic the natural movement and shape of your feet. They have:
- A wide toe box so your toes can spread naturally
- Zero drop, your heel and toes sit at the same level for better posture
- Flexible soles that bend easily with your feet
It takes some time to adjust, especially if you’re used to cushioned sneakers. I remember feeling sore in my calves during long walks at first. But after a short transition, they became the most comfortable shoes I own.
Why They’re Great for Travel
Once I started wearing barefoot shoes on my trips, I realized just how ideal they are for packing light:
- They’re incredibly lightweight, so perfect if you want to keep the weight of your bag low
- They take up less space than regular shoes
- The flexible soles let you flatten or fold them into tight spaces in your bag
- They’re versatile, good for walking around cities or heading into nature
- And many are vegan-friendly (like Feelgrounds)
Now they’re my go-to. I honestly find regular shoes uncomfortable in comparison, both on my feet and in my backpack.
My Favorite Minimalist Shoe Brands
After testing quite a few options, these are the barefoot shoe brands I actually use on my travels, no matter if I travel long term or just do a weekend trip. Each one has its own strengths, some better for hot weather, others for city walking or colder climates.
Feelgrounds
Feelgrounds are my go-to for everyday travel. They’re one of the few barefoot shoe brands that look like regular sneakers, so you get the benefits of barefoot shoes without sacrificing style.
Why I love them:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Great for wider feet
- Comfortable and versatile enough to wear with most outfits
- Machine washable
A few downsides:
- They’re padded, so they can get hot in summer
- Certain plants (like a type of wheat) love to stick to the fabric when walking through fields
For colder months, I use their barefoot Chelsea boots. They’re warm, flexible, and water-resistant enough for most winter days. I pair them with wetsuit socks for extra insulation, and they’ve worked really well for minimalist trips in colder weather.
Feelgrounds discount: Use the code VEGANDERLUST for 15% off
Wildling Shoes
If you’re looking for the lightest possible shoes for hot weather, Wildling Shoes are hard to beat. They’re ultra-thin, super breathable, and feel like you’re wearing nothing at all, in a good way. So they’re perfect for a minimalist summer trip.
Why I love them:
- Extremely lightweight and packable
- Perfect for summer, they keep your feet cool even in heatwaves
- Made from paper!
A few downsides:
- they’re really only for warm weather
- The paper-like material means they can’t be washed
- They’re not made for rugged terrain
I wore my Wildling shoes every day this summer and loved how they felt. They pack down smaller than any other shoes I own and are ideal for minimalist summer travel.
💸 Get €5 or $10 off with my discount code VEGANDERLUST5 or VEGANDERLUST10
Xero Shoes
I got my pair of Xero Shoes for running and hiking, and they’re a solid choice for that. They’re ideal for active travel and short hikes, while still being light to pack, so perfect for minimalist long term travel.
Why I love them:
- Thicker soles offer better cushioning and traction
- Still lighter and more flexible than conventional hiking shoes
- Ideal for short hikes, outdoor workouts, or mixed-terrain days
A few downsides:
- The toe box is narrower than other barefoot brands, though still roomier than most standard shoes
- Not as flexible or soft as Wildling or Feelgrounds
- Not ideal for long hikes, there’s no ankle support
I don’t bring them on every trip, but when I know I’ll be outdoors a lot or doing some trail walking, they’re a great addition to my travel kit.
Want to try them? Here you can order the same pair I have for my workouts! I have the HFS II
Vivo Barefoot
Vivo Barefoot was actually the first barefoot brand I tried, but unfortunately, my experience wasn’t great. My shoes started falling apart after about six months of regular wear, especially around the toe area. Considering their higher price point, I expected them to last longer.
That said, it’s been a few years since I last wore them, so they might have improved. I know a lot of people love them, but based on my own experience, they’re not my first choice.
Which Shoes to Bring for Your Trip
I know it would be super minimalist to only have one pair of shoes but that’s just not me. I have different pairs of barefoot shoes and I use them for different activities or different climates. But like I said at the beginning, I only bring 2 pairs on a trip:
- City or everyday travel: Feelgrounds are my top pick. They’re comfortable, look like regular sneakers, and work with almost any outfit.
- Hot weather trips: Wildling shoes are perfect for summer. They’re incredibly light and breathable, and they pack down smaller than any other pair I’ve used.
- Active or outdoor travel: Xero Shoes are a great choice for short hikes or more athletic days. They give you extra grip and protection while still being much lighter than hiking boots.
- Cold weather: I usually wear my Feelgrounds Chelsea boots with wetsuit socks. They’re warm enough for most winter days and still flexible and light.
Final Thoughts & Discount Codes
Shoes don’t have to be the thing that ruins your minimalist packing goals. With the right pair, or two, you can travel lighter, more comfortably, and with way less hassle. Barefoot shoes have completely changed the way I pack, and now I wouldn’t travel without them.
If you’re ready to give minimalist or barefoot shoes a try, here are the brands I personally use and recommend:
- Feelgrounds: use code VEGANDERLUST for 15% off
- Wildling Shoes: €5 with code VEGANDERLUST5 or $10 with the code VEGANDERLUST10
- Xero Shoes: order them here
These are the exact shoes I’ve worn on real trips, and they’ve helped me keep my packing light without sacrificing comfort.
Read more:
- Minimalist Shoes for Travel: Pack Light, Walk Far
- Wildling Shoes Review: The Best Ground Feel I’ve Experienced
- Wildling Tanuki Review: My Favourite Minimalist Summer Shoes
- Wildling Robulo Review: My Favorite Barefoot Shoe for Spring
- Wildling Shoes: My Honest Take on Their Vegan Winter Models
- Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots: Honest Review After 2 Years
- Are Feelgrounds Winter Boots Warm Enough? My Review
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