These Shoes Have Traveled
Being a former footwear designer that wore sample size 9M, I had well over a hundred pairs of shoes that once filled my condo. But, when we decided we were going to sell everything, buy an Airstream, and take our work and our 50 States: Veterans + Artists United mission on the road, I found new homes for over 95% of them, many of which have been part of my on-going Footscapes series.
While traveling full-time in 2020-21, I was able to whittle it down to living with 9 pairs.
Of those 9 pairs, 5 are Nikes (Air Moc 3.0, Space Hippie 04, Joyride Run Flyknit, Pegasus Trail 2 Goretex, ACG Mountain Fly Low), a pair of Chaco Z-Strap Sandals, OOFOS Ooclog Mule Slides, Under Armor hiking boots, and a pair of Mahabis Curve House Slippers.
Nike Air Moc 3.0
Admittedly, these Nike Air Moc 3.0 collapsible-heel sneakers were a late addition that Kendra found new on Ebay that I quickly tried to wear as my own. I’ve since found a black pair from StockX that has become my new daily slip-on shoes for quick errands or milling around outside — especially great for the campfire.
Recommend 9.0/10
Nike Joyride Run Flyknit
I bought the Nike Joyride Run Flyknits with the dream of becoming a runner, but really they’ve been worn more to play pickleball, mini-golf, and paved sunset strolls more than anything else. But, I’m not mad at ‘em. They’re still my go-to active shoe when traction or terrain is not a concern.
Don’t step in a puddle with them, though. Besides a knit upper that will soak your socks, apparently, the balls in the cushioning system may also get wet and they may not be the same ever again.
Recommend 8.5/10
Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Goretex
These Pegasus Trail 2 Goretex have been my go-to for any type of trail hike or day excursion because of its comfort, Goretex seam seal construction, and aggressive-enough rubber outsole to provide great traction. These were designed for trail running but work just as well for trail walkers, like me.
Recommend 10/10
Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low
These ACG Mountain Fly Low have been the only hiking shoes I’ve ever seen that turn heads on the trail. Insane traction with a nod to Nike’s waffle outsole heritage, with Goretex waterproofing and a firmer cushioned feel than most other Nike shoes, these are best suited for more challenging hikes.
And yes, I did a lace swap.
They came with an orange lace, but I opted for a more subtle approach with a pair of sand-colored Honey Badger Work Boot Laces after first trying a black lace.
Recommend 9.5/10
Nike Space Hippie 04
These Space Hippie 04 are the most “unnecessary” shoes in our travels, but we couldn’t pass up their recycled trash outsole and ridiculously lightweight knitted upper. These would be considered our “nice” shoes for a night out on the town — and by night, I mean dinner and back in sweats and slippers by 9PM.
And yes, we even got his/hers/hers/his pairs.
Recommend 9.5/10
Chaco Z-Strap Sandals
I’m not a huge flip-flop wearer, so my go-to sandal of choice is the timeless and versatile Chaco Z-Strap Sandal. Although, I don’t wear them as often as some of the ultra-dedicated, “Chaco-tan and proud” folks do while hiking. But, I certainly rock them anytime it’s a toes-out kind of day when we’re treading near water, especially while fly-fishing and kayaking.
Recommend 9.0/10
OOfos OOClog
They may be the least sexy of the bunch, yet these OOfos OOclog Mules were slid-on more days than any others. For post-hike or pickleball game recovery, quick trips out, dumping our 💩, slicing through firewood, and setting up/tearing down our traveling circus, these earned their keep. I haven’t noticed the dry heave-inducing smell that some EVA shoes emit after heavy use, so that’s a plus (for Kendra).
Recommend 9.0/10
Under Armour Hiking Boots
These Under Armour boots have taken me up, over, and through some of our most memorable and challenging hikes over the past few years. If they had a gusseted tongue and were waterproof, they’d be the perfect all-terrain sneaker boot. They don’t make this model any longer, but they might have some comparable boots within their Military & Tactical Collection.
Recommend 7.5/10
Mahabis Curve Slippers
Last, but certainly not least, even a tiny home on wheels needs a pair of house slippers. After a good long day outdoors, these Mahabis Curve House Slippers add that cozy hygge vibe that makes you all warm inside.
I almost always wear them with the collapsible neoprene heel down for easy on/off use. but if I’m putting my feet up after a long day, the heel cradle works quite well to keep these slippers from slipping off. Best of all, the 100% organic Italian wool lining nicely regulates your foot temperature to prevent cold feet or the foot sweats. They also feature a foam footbed and rubber outsole to offer good support.
