Tea at Trianon: The Most Practical Shoes for Traveling

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Thursday, January 10, 2019

The Most Practical Shoes for Traveling

Man Sitting Beside Black Backpack Near Railway

A guest post by Clarissa Rivera.

While many of us have a large shoe rotation—the average American woman, for example, owns 19 pairs—it’s impossible to travel without cutting back on some things. Whether you’re packing a suitcase or backpack, you likely won’t have room for more than one or two extra pairs. It’s therefore extremely important to find versatile, well-fitting shoes that you’ll feel comfortable using in a variety of situations. Prioritizing style over function will leave you in pain after a long day of walking, especially if you’re planning to hike or do other activities on uneven ground.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you look for the perfect pair of shoes for traveling. Investing in one or two high-quality pairs of supportive boots or sneakers will set you up for a comfortable trip that isn’t cut short or affected by foot pain or other difficulties.

Consider Where You’re Traveling

The most important factor when purchasing travel shoes is simply what you’ll be using them for. Hiking boots and other high-top shoes can help prevent ankle sprains and other injuries, but you’ll probably be fine with a pair of sneakers if you’re planning to travel in an urban area.

Hiking Boots

Beyond providing support, good hiking boots should also be waterproof to keep your feet dry and comfortable. If you’re backpacking or doing lighter hikes, the sole should be slightly flexible to accommodate changes in positioning and weight as you navigate the terrain. More strenuous activity, on the other hand, generally calls for a rigid sole to prevent injuries.

Shoes for City Travel

Although support is still an important factor when walking in a city, other things like breathability and impact absorption are likely higher priorities. Many sneakers have sections of mesh or a similar material to provide ventilation, making them more comfortable for long days or intense exercise.

Preparing for Your Trip

You should make any necessary purchases in advance of traveling in order to give yourself a chance to test them out and ensure they’re comfortable to walk in for long periods of time. The last thing you want is to spend your vacation time looking for a new pair of shoes. This is especially true for hiking boots, which often contain tough leather that needs to be broken in over time. Bringing a brand-new pair of boots to a difficult or long hike will most likely lead to blisters and foot pain, so consider gradually breaking them in in the weeks leading up to your departure.

Traveling is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, and you shouldn’t let uncomfortable or unsupportive shoes leave you with bad memories. With these considerations in mind, you should be prepared to invest in a high-quality pair of travel shoes that fits your style and functional needs.