Taking a cruise is a time to put your feet up in complete relaxation.
However, you will need shoes for everyday comfort, formal events, and theme nights. Let’s not forget the popular sightseeing land excursions.
With all this in mind, fitting all these pairs in your luggage can be stressful. Read on as we share a list of the best shoes for a cruise.
The Best Shoes For A Cruise for Women Ranked
Best for Fine Dining
Rockport
Best Overall
Skechers
Best for Shore Excursions
Adidas
Before you pack up half your shoe closet, here is a list of the best shoes for a cruise.
The list offers options for Caribbean (warm weather) and Alaska (cold weather) cruise excursions, so find what suits your itinerary.
1. Skechers Boat Shoe: Best For Overall Comfort
Your feet will thank you for putting them into these soft-cushion, well-tracked, lightweight shoes.
They are especially ideal for anyone with foot issues of all ages who require orthopedic shoes. Above all, they will match with pants and dresses and are machine washable.
They are the best for everyday wear and the usual long walks. They are perfect for wearing during travel day because of the airport walks.
But you could put them any other day because they are super comfy. Walking on uneven ground and the cobblestone town streets feels much better with this pair.
Pros
Cons
2. Rockport Wedges: Best for Fine Dining
Ditch those high heels for a cozy pair of Rockport wedges during the dressy formal dinners on your cruise. Styling them is pretty simple, which may earn you a few impressive compliments.
They are also made of pure leather, making them sturdy for dancing during the theme night party.
While the heel may seem a bit high, it’s quite low. Furthermore, the sole offers excellent arc support and is stable to walk around.
My mother is 60, and I got the same pair for her, and she swears her feet have never felt better.
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Cons
3. Adidas Cloudform Running Shoe: Best for Shore Excursions
If you want all-day comfort, especially for shore excursions, then the Adidas Cluodform shoes work best.
The memory foam liner will cushion your feet for hours of shopping and sightseeing while the rubber sole grips the floor firmly.
No more sore feet from tight, uncomfortable shoes, as these are stretchy to fit every foot size.
They are lightweight, and you can wear them several days in a row without any discomfort. Once they get dirty, put them into the washer for a quick spin, as they will air dry fast.
Pros
Cons
4. Vifuur Unisex Slip-Ons: Best Water Shoes For The Beach
Walking barefoot on the sandy beaches is now a hazard, primarily due to visitors leaving trash behind. Some shorelines are also rocky, and you risk hurting your toes and feet if you wear the wrong shoes.
If you walk on water or at the beach, use water shoes to protect your feet. The Vifuur unisex ones are like socks, soft and flexible, with a breathable fabric that stretches to fit.
They also have a rubber sole that is tough enough to protect your soles from sharp objects.
Since walking barefoot may be unsafe outside your cruise cabin, they are the best for the deck and swimming.
Pros
Cons
5. Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops: Perfect For The Poolside
Not a fan of flip-flops? You haven’t tried this brand. The Sanuk Yoga Mat sandals have a comfy, high-quality shoe look and feel.
Since they are made of authentic yoga mat foam, they are soft on your heels for daily wear on the decks.
Although the leather straps are synthetic, they will not cause skin chafing or come off the sole.
They are also machine washable on cold; you only need to air dry them for repeat use. No one will blame you if you wear them for the entire cruise.
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Cons
6. Merell Moab 2 Waterproof Boot: Best For Hiking
Are you taking an Alaskan cruise with day hiking as part of the itinerary? The Merell Moab 2 hiking boots have a comfortable rubber sole, and the outer 100% leather material is waterproof.
You do not have to worry about the icy and wet terrain common in the Alaskan wilderness.
Moreover, the inner heel cushion is soft to protect your feet from hours of walking.
Skidding on these shoes is unheard of as the treads are stable with slip resistance. You will be glad you bought this footwear for the great outdoors.
Pros
Cons
The Best Shoes For A Cruise: Buyer’s Guide
Ideally, 5-6 pairs of shoes should be sufficient for a week-long cruise, especially one with several land activities. Still, these pairs are too many, especially with baggage weight limits and limited luggage space.
Pro Tip: To avoid your shoes taking up most of your luggage space, always wear the bulkiest pair when traveling, especially on flights.
But first, before you rush to pack your bags, confirm the kind of cruise you are taking and the itinerary.
Your dress code will require light shoes if you go to the Caribbean or a relatively warm region.
Also helpful
On the other hand, Alaskan or cold-weather region cruises demand that you dress warm, no matter the season.
Your shoes need to be cozy and water resistant and a sturdy pair for outdoor trips such as hiking or fishing.
Here are a few tips on choosing the best shoes for a cruise.
Comfort
Walking is part of your daily routine aboard a cruise ship. For this reason, comfort is key. Whether getting from one side to the other or at the ports, ensure comfortable walking shoes.
As a rule of thumb, break in any new walking shoes before the trip. You do not want to deal with the misery of a tight shoe or painful blisters. That well-worn shoe you love so much will work just fine.
Material
The weather at sea is unpredictable, but the outdoors sometimes tends to be wet, especially around the pool.
In this case, pack shoes of a light, quick, dry material. Sandals and flip-flops are ideal, as they take up less room and are perfect for the ship deck strolls.
Purpose
Is hiking or fishing part of your cruise itinerary? If yes, then you will need a pair of waterproof hiking boots. Do not worry about fishing boots; most fishing tours offer waders as part of your package.
Similarly, a pair of dressy shoes is necessary for all formal events on the ship. While your favorite stiletto heels seem like a nice idea, replace them with a stylish wedge or flats as the ship may be moving.
Versatility
Minimalist travelers would rather pack two pairs of shoes max, even if they are holidaying for a fortnight.
The trick to hacking a minimalist lifestyle on a cruise is finding a pair that matches your casual and formal wear.
Once you find it, throw in the sandals or flip-flops for the water and simple outdoor trips.
Neutral color shoes are the most versatile, as they will match every outfit. You can test them out as you pack to confirm their fit.
Take a look
Storage
Fitting several pairs of shoes in your suitcase can be problematic, especially if you prefer to carry more than four pairs. But thanks to shoe bags, you can squeeze them in beside your packing cubes.
Besides keeping your shoes well-stacked, they will help separate the dirty and clean ones.
Conclusion
In summary, the best womens shoes for a cruise need to be comfortable, waterproof, and versatile. Find a practical pair for every occasion, and remember your destination.
Since you spend a lot of time on your feet, ensure that your go-to shoe offers the most arch support.
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