On days when either a man's schedule or his sense of propriety require him to wear a jacket and necktie on a commercial air carrier, shoes can be an issue. Air travel shoes must slide off and on easily, so they are easy to remove at security, don for the walk to the gate, remove again for the flight, and then put on again before landing.
Regular ASW readers may recall that I like Belgian Shoes for long flights. Those unfortunately aren't meant for the street, so another form of shoe is required before after the flight. And that's when elastic sided slip-ons come into their own.
Elastic sided slip-ons, like the pictured Edward Green Kibworths, are appropriate with either suits or odd jackets. And, unlike other slip-ons, they are made on the same lasts as an oxford, so the fitting is the same. This is a significant advantage over other casual shoe models (casuals are notoriously quirky to fit) when the buyer is not able to try on the precise shoe he wants. And with hard to find shoes like these, that's often a challenge.
By this point I'm sure someone is muttering to themself that I should just wear a pair of regular loafers. And I may, when I'm on holiday or travelling in an odd jacket. But ordinary loafers, with or without tassels, aren't formal enough to pair with most suits, and that's when I pull out the elastic sided shoes.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Air Travel Shoes
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10 comments:
That's a nice idea, Will. But I noticed this line: "...remove again for the flight..." Are you sure?!
LBT, do your feet not expand at high altitudes? I was under the impression that this phenomenon was universal.
The problem is not with your feet expanding, it can be with getting the shoes back on; although, I have never had this problem. I'm guessing, Will, the slip-ons normally accomodate for this?
No. If there's one thing guaranteed to provoke an in-flight altercation, it is the spectacle of fellow passengers removing their shoes and stretching out as if in the living room.
That said, Will is abolutely right, as always, about the usefulness of wearing slip-ons during travel.
What is your opinion about wearing clogs. I was introduced to them by a Flemish friend years ago--and I find them perfect for air travel.
Clogs? Not my taste.
I agree with Will, my wife works for BA, so we always try to be well presented when travelling, but flying from our home in Sydney to Italy or France, I couldn't keep my shoes on the whole way. I find the key is to have a short shoe horn in your carry on at easy reach.
Anybody who thinks you should just put on regular loafers is missing the point of this site, I think.
I have come to greatly love my RM Williams Chelsea boots when traveling. they look great with odd pants and jackets or jeans and are slip on with requiring a shoe spoon to prevent damage.
great blog
Easiest, most comfortable, and universally-admired footwear when flying is the flip-flop. Paired with sweats or cargo shorts and a hoodie, creates an ensemble that will be met with approval by ubiquitous, identically-attired fellow-travelers of all ages, shapes, and sex. Doesn't everyone want to dress like a prole toddler when taking to the air?
Not me! I usually wear Brooks slip-ons through the gate and then put on my beloved Belgians for the flight. Also, like Ethandesu, a shoehorn is always in my carry-on bag, just in case I or the person I'm traveling with may require it.
I seldom need to be dressed on a plane...so I opt for my C&J driver shoes....and the chicks always comment on them....hot chicks too....
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