Can anybody recommend a pair of mens shoes that will pack down super small? Travelling with hand baggage I often find myself wearing the same dress shoes for 3 days straight, and I'm sure someone must make some trainers that will squash down to minimal size. No need for them to be performance - just so I can take a stroll
Old-style Converse maybe? I keep a pair or well-soled water shoes in my GHB. They're pretty small but the rubber makes them heavier than a converse-style shoe.
Izzy - my dress shoes are pretty comfy, but I just find it nice to change them , and if I get to wear shorts or hit the gym even my sense of the aesthetic gets a bit offended by black leather lace ups :-)
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
Even a fairly stout show that doesn't fold up well will occupy minimum space if you fill the interior with small stuff you are planning to carry along - socks, handkerchiefs, lip balm, etc.
You might consider any of the versions of the Japanese tabi sock/boot.
In its simplest and lightest form you get a cotton canvas form-fitted sock that is split to alloy you to slip on sandals over. The tabi socks I used had a double layer of canvas on the bottom and were suitable for padding around the house or airport.
There is also the jika-tabi which is a heavier version of the tabi but with a thinnish, but tough, rubber sole that is intended for outdoor wear. They are apparently quite popular with farmers and many construction workers.
jika-tabi can be anything from a form-fitted slipper suitable for going out to get he morning paper to very heavy units which pretty much have the same protective properties as a heavy work boot.
These are also marketed to westerners as 'ninja boots' and are sold at martial arts schools.
All of these are light weight, and fold into a compact package.
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