What Are the Best Shoes to Take On Holiday? Your Ultimate Footwear Guide for Every Type of Trip.

There’s a certain magic that begins the moment your out-of-office goes on and your suitcase comes out. Whether you're off to a sun-drenched beach, a bustling city, or a countryside escape, one thing remains constant — the shoes you pack can either make or break your holiday.

The perfect holiday shoe needs to work hard. It must balance comfort with style, elegance with practicality, and crucially, it should pack well. At Cocorose London, we know a thing or two about shoes that travel beautifully. From our foldable leather flats to our best-selling Hoxton trainers, we’re here to help you step stylishly into your next adventure.

In this guide, we’ll walk (comfortably!) through the best shoes to pack for various types of holidays — from city breaks and cruises to safaris and beach escapes — and help you build a versatile shoe capsule collection that’s chic, practical, and worthy of your passport stamp.

Why Your Holiday Footwear Matters

Let’s be honest. Most packing regrets revolve around shoes. Too many, not enough, or the wrong type altogether. And if you’ve ever wandered cobblestone streets in ill-fitting sandals or tried to navigate a safari lodge in flimsy flip-flops, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

The key is versatility. Holiday shoes should tick multiple boxes:

• Comfortable enough for all-day wear
• Stylish enough for dinners and dress codes
• Compact enough to pack without sacrificing space
• Appropriate for your destination and planned activities

Let’s explore the best options based on where you’re headed — and why Cocorose London styles belong in your suitcase.

1. City Breaks: Exploring in Style

City breaks are all about discovery — think long walks, museum visits, rooftop cocktails and spontaneous sightseeing. Which means your shoes need to cover serious ground without compromising your look.

Best Shoes for a City Break:

• Leather Trainers: The perfect hybrid of casual and chic, our Cocorose Trainers are a must. Crafted from soft leather with cushioned insoles, they're made for movement and can be dressed up or down. Pair them with wide-leg trousers, linen co-ords or a floral midi dress.

• Leather Flats: Understated and elegant. Our Harrow or Clapham loafers transition seamlessly from day to night, while offering the comfort of a slipper and the polish of a ballet flat.

• Foldable Flats: The unsung hero of city breaks. Easy to tuck into a tote, they’ll rescue your feet when your stylish sandals start to rub.

Packing tip: Pack one pair of trainers, one pair of hybrid leather ballet flats (which means they’re good for all-day wear but are also foldable shoes) and one pair of stylish sandals.

2. Beach Holidays: Laid-Back Luxe

The ocean breeze, the gentle sand, the lure of evening markets — beach holidays are about unwinding. But don’t be fooled: the wrong shoes can still ruin your vibe. While it’s tempting to rely solely on flip-flops, they often lack the support or elegance you’ll want for beachside dinners or walking excursions.

Best Shoes for a Beach Holiday:

• Strappy Sandals: Open-toe shoes can work beautifully, but opt for something elevated like a chic strappy sandal or metallic ballet flat. Our foldable leather flats are especially beach-bag friendly.
• Espadrilles or Wedges: If you need a little height, wedges are definitely a safer bet than heels on sandy terrain. They’re ideal for warm evening dinners with linen dresses or jumpsuits.
• Flip-Flops or Birkenstocks No beach holiday is complete without a pair of flip flops. They’re great by the pool or seaside, but if you’re venturing further afield and exploring nearby towns and having dinner out, then it may be best to leave your flip flops at the beach and opt for stylish leather ballet flats or even a pair of comfy leather trainers instead.

Style tip: Choose leather over synthetic material shoes and avoid sweaty feet.

3. Cruise Holidays: Smart, Stylish and Slip-On Ready

Cruises often come with their own dress codes. Between on-board dinners, offshore excursions, and lazy afternoons at sea, you’ll need multiple footwear options — but space is limited.

Best Shoes for a Cruise:

• Foldable Leather Flats: Ideal for onboard wear, they’re lightweight, portable, packable and elegant. Plus they won’t mark the deck and they’ll make you feel grounded and safe whilst onboard the ship and riding the waves! Our Sandringham flats work perfectly with both smart and casual outfits, as do any of our foldable leather ballet flats.
• Smart Trainers: Think understated and premium. Our Hoxton collection of trainers fits the bill — perfect for daytime strolls in port or laid-back evenings on deck. With gorgeous metallic details, a hint of animal print or novel designs, our Cocorose trainers will have you looking and feeling amazing.
• Strappy Sandals: Pair with floaty dresses for a hint of luxe. If you’ll be heading offshore for a spot of sightseeing, make sure you pack a pair of comfy foldable shoes in your tote bag, for that ‘just in case’ moment, as strappy sandals can be uncomfortable after wearing for a period of time.
• Wedges or Block Heels: If your cruise includes formal dinners, opt for a wedge heel or a block-heeled sandal over stilettos, which can feel unstable on moving decks.

Packing tip: Choose neutral tones for easy mix-and-match, and don’t underestimate the value of a backup foldable pair.

4. Safari & Countryside Retreats: Comfort First, Always

Whether you’re glamping in the UK or heading to the savannah, nature holidays require thoughtful shoe choices. Comfort, durability and weather-suitability take priority — but you still want to look and feel good.

Best Shoes for a Safari or Country Escape:

• Supportive Trainers: You need grip and comfort. A well-made pair of leather trainers will keep your look elevated while still being practical.
• Loafers or Sturdy Flats: Ideal for dinner or evenings around the fire. Our Clapham woven leather loafers add texture and sophistication to relaxed looks.
• Waterproof or Easy-Clean Options: If there’s mud, dust or potential for downpours, opt for wellies or waterproof hiking boots.

Style tip: Earthy tones, weatherproof fabrics and natural fibres pair beautifully with leather footwear in these settings.

Personal tip: I recently went camping and over the weekend, there were times when the rain was horizontal. Although I had a pair of ankle boot wellies, I still found them to be clumsy to put on and take off. My best option was a pair of my Cocorose Hoxton trainers, which I found to be perfect for walking around our field, wearing to the pub and just easily slipping into and out of for easy tent access.

5. Multi-Destination Holidays: The Capsule Shoe Wardrobe

If you’re backpacking across a continent or doing a two-week “city, sea and countryside” escape, smart packing becomes an art form. Your footwear needs to work across climates and dress codes.

The Dream Team for Multi-Stop Trips:

• 1 pair of Hoxton trainers for exploring
• 1 pair of Foldable Leather Flats for evenings and versatility
• 1 pair of Flip-Flops or Birkenstocks

Packing tip: Consider the weight, packability, and odour resistance of each pair. Soft leather and breathable linings go a long way in hot climates.

Why Cocorose London Shoes Are Made for Travel

Let’s talk about what makes Cocorose shoes perfect for your next holiday.

✨ Comfort Engineering
Soft leathers, cushioned footbeds, and ergonomic designs mean your feet feel good, wherever they are.

✨ Foldability & Packability
Our signature feature: our flats fold into a pouch, taking up minimal suitcase space. Lightweight, compact, and incredibly convenient.

✨ Smart Styling
We understand that you want form and function. Our shoes don’t just perform — they elevate your holiday outfits effortlessly.

✨ Handcrafted Quality
Each pair is designed with care and made to last, giving you premium travel footwear that doesn’t fall apart mid-trip.

Product Highlights

Hoxton White Trainers
Our most-loved travel staple. Minimalist, chic, and endlessly wearable. Cushioned for all-day city walks, stylish enough for smart dinners.

Leather Ballet Flats (that are Foldable)
From metallic finishes to woven leather, our foldable leather flats are a suitcase staple. Comfortable, packable, pretty, and versatile. Slip them into your carry-on and thank us later. Ideal for long travel days, outfit changes, or sore-foot emergencies.

Final Word: Step Into Your Holiday in Style

The best holiday shoes don’t just complement your outfit — they enhance your experience. Whether you're scaling Tuscan hills, sipping rosé on a yacht, or meandering through Moroccan souks, Cocorose shoes are designed to travel beautifully with you.

So, before your next getaway, take a moment to curate your shoe capsule collection. Choose comfort, invest in quality, and pack smart. Your feet will thank you.

Explore the Cocorose London Collection to discover your perfect holiday companion.

FAQ: Holiday Footwear Edition

Q: How many pairs of shoes should I take on holiday?
A: Aim for three: one pair of trainers, one smarter pair of foldable leather ballet flats, and a pair of sandals or flip flops.

Q: Are trainers acceptable for evenings out?
A: Absolutely — if they’re clean and chic. Our Hoxton trainers pair beautifully with tailored pieces and dresses.

Q: Can I wear Cocorose flats for walking all day?
A: Yes. Our leather flats are designed with cushioned insoles and soft uppers, making them ideal for long wear. Plus they easily fold up into a travel pouch, making them ideal for holidays.

Q: Are Cocorose shoes good for hot climates?
A: Yes — our breathable leathers and compact, lightweight styles make them excellent for warm destinations.

Q: What’s the best shoe for travel days or flights?
A: Our foldable flats are perfect — easy to slip off at security, and comfortable during long-haul flights.

Q: Do your leather flats fold?
A: Yes! Our leather flats are cleverly designed to be a hybrid – perfect for all day wear plus they also fold without compromising structure or comfort.