Hi everyone! I am leaving soon on my honeymoon: London for the Olympics, a couple of days in Keswick, and then Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival and Tattoo. (Fairly crazy as honeymoons go, we know). I am a big believer in packing light but I am having trouble narrowing down my shoe choices for this trip, and I'd like some advice. The two definite choices are hiking boots, since we will hike in the Lake District, and my Privo by Clarks Cosign walking shoes. But the latter are not quite dressy enough for the fancy dinners we will go to, since it is our honeymoon. So I need something else. My choices are Aerosoles black ballet flats that are sturdy enough that I can walk in them during the day if I want a break from the Cosigns. I also have smaller, easier to pack metallic ballet flats that won't be good for a long day of walking but will look better with my dress up clothes. Ditto some metallic sandals that would pack very light and flat, but I am guessing that is not my best choice, even in August. I am tempted to try to sneak in the metallic flats and just take four pairs, but I know I will regret it. I brought three pairs to Paris last summer, but since it rained almost the entire time we were there I only used one pair. I'd be tempted to leave off the hiking boots for such a short trip to the Lake District, but last time I hiked without boots I hurt myself... and my husband always somehow manages to choose the hardest hikes for us. The ones that involve scrambling, mud, or both. It's also important for me to look nice for my honeymoon, though. I've never been to the UK in August, and never at all to the Lake District or Edinburgh, so any input would be appreciated! Picking the shoes is always the hardest part for me.
Posted by
Land of La
9126 posts
Go with the hiking, the Privos and the lightest pair of flats for your dinners out. Congratulations on your honeymoon.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Do what Claudia suggests. When you take the hiking boots you just have to accept that you need two pair of alternate shoes. ; ) And the rate it's been raining in the UK this summer you will need those hiking boots. ; ) Pam
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
How about, instead of hiking boots and Privos, you take one pair of sturdy loafers? And then your ballet flats for dress-up. Just a thought. I hiked the Lake District in loafers w/ no problems.
Congratulations on your wedding and don't sweat packing too much. You'll have a great time!!
Posted by
OP
New York, NY, 10025
392 posts
I should have added -- I can't afford to buy new shoes right now, so I have to work with the ones I have. I don't have any good walking loafers. I just tried a shot hike in the walking shoes last week but got nervous about them going down hills since my feet moved around in them. Given my history of travel injuries, I'd rather be safe and take the boots. So hiking boots, walking shoes, and the smaller ballet flats seem the way to go, I think. Thanks!