If there’s one thing every traveler knows, it’s that a sturdy pair of shoes is among the most important investments to make for a successful life on the go. Resting on their soles are the 10,000-plus-step days through city streets and up Arthur’s Seat, the bicycle rides along Amsterdam’s canals, and the injury-free swims in rocky Jamaican waterfalls. A high quality shoe does not come cheap—you’re going to want to buy the best, whichever combination of comfort, durability, and style you strive for. Enter the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—luxury shoes at a luxurious discount. When it opens to the public July 17, equip yourself to put your best foot forward.
Whether you’re the type of packer that wears the one pair of sneakers you step onto the plane in, or you prefer to pack any number of options with any number of functions—loafers for that fancy dinner, sandals for the beach—there are a number of styles to be aware of. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best stock on sale—don’t expect them to sit on shelves for long.
Athletic shoes
On almost any type of trip, if you’re only bringing one pair of shoes, you’d be wise to make them a pair of lightweight, versatile trainers. These are the shoes that ensure comfort on big walking days, can afford to get scuffed up in dustier activities, and enable you to jog or hit that hotel gym in your downtime. There are a couple good running shoes on offer in this sale—I have a few friends training for marathons this year that swear by New Balance’s offerings, while we at Traveler gave the Allbirds Tree Runners a resounding endorsement earlier this year. The Adidas Treziod running shoe also caught my eye as the athletic shoe that best doubles for a casual sneaker—nobody would think twice to see them worn with a pair of jeans.
Sneakers
The right casual sneaker makes just as good a walking shoe, with the added benefit of stylishness. I am on record calling New Balance’s offerings the best in the game, and I stand by it, but options are options. I love the Adidas Retropy E5 and Rodd and Gunn Ponsonby sneakers for those pops of orange-red against creamy beiges, while Nike too is doing some very fun things with color. I also, upon watching Asteroid City and admiring the high-tops in Matt Dillon’s costume, just bought my own pair of Converse and would be remiss not to include them here.
Sandals
The pickings are slim in the sandal sale this year, but what’s there is good. I like the Mephisto Nikos sandal for its well-worn stylistic fusion of the fisherman and Birkenstock mule sandals, and can imagine they’re the most supportive option of the bunch. Otherwise, this is a good opportunity to replace those leather flip-flops you’ve had for a decade. Both options below are well-reviewed and have leather straps—real men don’t wear plastic flip flops.
Boots
Boots are a choice when traveling—while studying abroad in Edinburgh, I decided to break in a pair of platform Dr. Marten’s Chelsea boots on a winter trip to Copenhagen and Amsterdam. They were bulky and a beast to tame, but I couldn’t have made a better call. In cold months, especially when the weather is inclement, a boot offers the security most of us desire. While the culture is souring on Chelsea boots, I do think they remain a fabulous option so long as you don’t pair them with skinny or slim pant—I especially appreciate the clunky stompers of the Vince Reggio Lug, while the Hunter Commando Waterproof Chelsea gets bonus points for trying something new.
Dress shoes
If you’re bound for a Michelin restaurant, attending a destination wedding, or otherwise desiring something dressier on your next trip, there’s no shortage of loafers and dress shoes for your perusing pleasure. While you really can’t go wrong with any of the below numbers, I’m partial to the Allen Edmonds Plain Toe Derby for its presence and heft.
