Every Shoe You Need For Full Time RV Life
We’ve been living on the road full time for 8 months now, and to the OG’s, that probably doesn’t seem like very much time at all. For us however, it’s been enough time to shake down what we actually use on the road and what seems to live in the cabinets and rarely see the light of day.
Shoes, very much fall into the category of use it, or it’s wasting space that could be used for something else. We’ve also found that having shit packed into every last nook and cranny does not promote good airflow throughout the RV and creates an environment for mold to develop. Open spaces are your friends everyone.
We’ve spanned more then half the country on this road trip and we’ve been through most of the environments or weather scenarios that you would need footwear to handle. From the dessert plains of the badlands in South Dakota, all the way out to the coast of Oregon in a rainy, snowy winter, we’ve traversed many a hill, trail and river. We’ve also walked hundreds of miles around small towns, into restaurants, museums and other fun local attractions.
With these 8-9 pairs of shoes, I promise, you can handle juuuuust about anything.
#1 Trail Runners
Trail Runners will become your everyday walking about, running errands go to. You want to find a shoe that you find VERY comfortable, and can be worn on longer hikes, along with whatever exercise needs you may have. I like a pair in a more muted color so they can be adapted to a night out for dinner, or a day of drinking beers on a patio with your dogs.
#2 Waterproof Shoe/Boot
When the weather turns south and gets wetter, or colder than your trail runners will keep you comfortable, turn to the trusty hiking boot. They double as a snow boot, and will be great for lots of occasions. I sneak these into the back of the jeep a lot when I’m not sure what the conditions will be like when we get to a trailhead.
#3 Rain Boots
If you’re going to spend any real time in the Pacific NorthWest, a good pair of rain boots is pretty much a must have. I’m a big fan of the classic XtraTuff boots but it should be known they provide very little in the way of insulation from the cold!
#4 Everyday Shoes
Personally I think everyone should own a pair of casual shoes that aren’t tennis shoes. Vans are a great option because they are classic, come in tons of colors and will adapt to a ton of different situations.
#5 Dressy Shoes
You’ll have to make the decision on just how dressy of a shoe you need, based on your lifestyle and your professional obligations. I do keep one pair of “Brogue” dress shoes tucked in felt bags, under the bed, in the event that I need to wear to suit for something. On the daily however, I feel like these Cole Hans fit the bill
#6 Chelsea/Chukka/Cowboy Boots
We’ve chased good weather for most of the year, but inevitably you’re going to find yourself in some places where a good rugged boot will serve you well. We like to horseback ride once or twice a year if we can, and these boots would be a great fit. They’re also great for a cold evening at a brewery or the local sports bar for a burger when your hiking boots are wet from the days adventures.
#7 House Shoes
Spending $100 or more on a pair of house shoes may sound absolutely outrageous to many of you, but I can tell you I’ve spent at least 10X the time in my house shoes over the last 10 years, then I have any other single pair of shoes I have owned. Prior to buying these Olukai Kipuka Hulu slippers, I owned a pair of ugg slippers for nearly 10 years! If you buy quality shoes, they last a lot longer than cheap ones!
#8 Flip Flops
You should just own some nice flip flops, enough said.
#9 Teva/Chocco Sandals
Strapped sandals become your go to hiking/river shoes in the summer. I won’t tell you which ones to buy for you…it’s important to try a few and find the ones that you like. My wife likes Tevas, I like Choccos, we are both right in what we like.
What shoes am I missing for full time travel, let me know on Tik Tok, Instagram and Twitter.
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