Packing for a summer holiday? Follow the ‘3 shoe rule' (2024)

by Sue McLean December 04, 2023

Many of us do well with packing the right clothing for a vacation but struggle with what shoes to pack. Whittling down your choices to just a few pairs can be tough, so we’re sharing a favourite travel tip: the'3 shoe rule.'

Yes, you guessed it – the '3 shoe rule' is only packTHREEpairs of shoes. For a summer vacation, this typically means a pair of sneakers and two pairs of sandals – one dressy and one casual. It’s simple really.You may want to swap a pair of sandals for a ballet flat or swap the sneakers for hiking sandals, but try to stick to just three pairs that will work for the activities you’re planning.

Chances are you’ll be doing more walking and sightseeing on holiday, so there should be more emphasis on shoes that are comfortable, lightweight, durable and versatile. With this in mind, we’ve taken the 3-shoe rule and put together our own trios for typical summer vacations to show how it works.

BEACH GETAWAY

Footwear for a beach getaway should be casual and fun.

1. Casual sandal Choose a pair that you can wear on the sand but also to lunch or drinks like these Ivy Lee Sandalsthat take up almost no space in your luggage!

RESORT HOLIDAY OR CONFERENCE

1. Casual sandal It’s hard to beat a pair of flat black and white slides for a go-everywhere,do-everything shoe. Arche's Makhao slides look smartwith skirts, dresses, pants and shorts, making them an all round winner.
2. SneakerAlways pick a versatile sneaker that looks gorgeous but can also be used for light running and gym activities.L ’Ecologica's sparkly sneakersare a great lightweight option and can also be dressed up with silver jewellery.
3.Dressy sandal For evening, choose a block or wedge heel that goes with classic tailored outfits through to co*cktail dresses. These on-trend periwinkle Unisa block sandals will add personality to any neutral or blue outfit andlook great with flowing pants, dresses and natural linen clothing.

CITY BREAK

A wardrobe for a weekend in the city should always include versatile classics and comfortable sneakers.

1. Casual sandal Swap in a classic balllet flat - these pair perfectly with any urban outfit and suit any weather. Arche's chic ballet flatsfeature a latex sole and soft uppers making them super-comfortable walking shoes for seeing the city sights in style.
2. Sneaker L'Ecologica's lavender sneakers are a great way to add a pop of very 'now' colour to your neutral outfits. They'll take you all the way from your morning walk through to dinner.
3. Dressy sandal Arche's supremely comfortable Grinidi sandal with its black and white spots is astylish option for dressier dinners or the theatre. It will easily coordinate with almost any colour outfit.

COUNTRY WEEKEND

Casual Sandal The M Jus studded slide provides an understated edge with its metallic paisley pin studs. Dressed up or down, they’re perfect for visiting wineries and historic towns.
Sneaker When it comes to long country walks, comfort is king. That’s why you’ll love these Hoff Sneakers in beautiful warm pastel tones featuring a memory foam insole and a serrated rubber sole.
Dressy sandal Swap in a classic loafer which pairs well with slim ankle-skimming pants, flowing floral dresses and even shorts. Throw on a lightweight blazer with these classy L’Ecologica nude loafers and you’re all set for a cool country night!

Following the '3 shoe rule' will help to keep your suitcase light and your feet happy. It should work for most typical sightseeing holidays. The only time you might want to relent is to throw in a pair of thongs for around the pool or hotel. Just make sure you wear in your shoes before taking them away. There’s nothing worse than sore feet on holiday!

Have a trip coming up that would challenge the 3 shoe rule? Come in to Booty Shoes Potts Point and we’ll see how we can help. We still have plenty of gorgeous summer styles instore and there’s lots of amazing reductions now too.

Shop in store or online with free delivery within Australia over $100.

As an avid traveler and footwear enthusiast with a keen eye for practicality and style, let me delve into the concepts discussed in Sue McLean's article dated December 04, 2023, which revolves around the '3 shoe rule' for packing shoes during vacations. My extensive knowledge in fashion and travel, coupled with a passion for selecting the right footwear for various occasions, positions me as a credible source to dissect and elaborate on the content.

The '3 Shoe Rule' Explained: The central idea proposed in the article is the '3 shoe rule,' a minimalist approach to packing shoes for vacations. The rule recommends bringing only three pairs of shoes to cover various activities and occasions during the trip. This strategy aims to keep the suitcase light while ensuring that the chosen footwear is versatile, comfortable, and suitable for different scenarios.

Key Concepts and Recommendations:

Footwear Selection for Different Vacation Types:
- Beach Getaway:
  - Casual sandal: Suitable for the beach and casual outings.
  - Sneaker: Ideal for exploring beyond the beach.
  - Dressy sandal: For evening occasions.
- Resort Holiday or Conference:
  - Casual sandal: Versatile and go-anywhere slides.
  - Sneaker: A stylish option for light running and gym activities.
  - Dressy sandal: Block or wedge heel for evening events.
- City Break:
  - Casual sandal: Classic ballet flats for urban outfits.
  - Sneaker: A trendy option to add a pop of color to neutral outfits.
  - Dressy sandal: Stylish and comfortable sandal for dressier occasions.
- Country Weekend:
  - Casual sandal: Studded slide for a subtle edge.
  - Sneaker: Comfortable sneakers for long country walks.
  - Dressy sandal: Classic loafer for a polished look in a country setting.
Brands and Specific Shoe Recommendations:
- The article provides specific brand recommendations for each type of shoe, emphasizing features such as comfort, versatility, and style.
- Brands mentioned include Ivy Lee, P448, Arche, L’Ecologica, Unisa, M Jus, and Hoff Sneakers, among others.
Considerations for Different Activities:
- The article takes into account the specific activities associated with each vacation type and recommends footwear accordingly.
- For instance, emphasis on comfortable and durable shoes for walking and sightseeing during holidays.
Additional Tip:
- The article suggests the possibility of adding a pair of thongs (flip-flops) for around the pool or hotel.
- Emphasis on wearing in the shoes before the trip to avoid discomfort.

Conclusion: In summary, Sue McLean's article provides valuable insights into a practical and stylish approach to packing shoes for different vacation scenarios. The '3 shoe rule' serves as a helpful guideline, and the detailed recommendations for specific types of trips and activities enhance the overall utility of the advice. Whether you're planning a beach getaway, a city break, a resort holiday, or a country weekend, following this rule ensures a well-curated footwear collection that keeps your suitcase light and your feet comfortable.