Top 5 things you look for in a travel shoe?

OK, so I've been going a little crazy working on this idea for a new travel shoe. It really could be something quite different and useful.

I wanted to ask some other passionate travellers what they thought and invite some of you guys to take a look at the first one if you'd like to.

So my question is simple, imagine you could only take one pair of shoes with you to go travelling. What are the top 5 things you would look for in that shoe?

Please reply in order of importance, 1 being top.

If the moderators don't mind I'd like to invite each person who answers (via PM) to take a peek at my invention. Feel free to PM me with any questions too.

I DO take only one pair of shoes when travelling!

Firstly, comfort/good fit is of paramount importance.
Secondly, hardwearing - my current pair (and it's the only pair of shoes I own) is coming up four years old and is still serviceable (showing signs of wear and tear, but not falling apart).
Thirdly, ethically-made is an ideal I try to achieve.
Fourthly, price is a factor.

I don't need goretex or pockets or arch supports or ruffles or whistles, and can't think of a fifth point. I'm easily pleased!

1 comfortable fit
2 has accessories - like clip on flippers for swimming, or attachable ice skates
3 is able to charge a USB device, by the action of walking
4 made from a glow in the dark material, so you can use it as a handy reading lamp, plus you will always be noticed when walking at night
5 incorporates "spring technology" allowing you to take giant strides

I could go on, but I guess that is my top 5

light
cool
comfortable
durable
reasonably priced

Hmmmm

Already produced by Salomon

Bought a pair in 2008/09 for my preRTW in CA, lasted through my 09/10 RTW, my 2011 sojourn to BKK/Cambodia. Bought a new pair in Hawaii on my return but still use the original pair for my morning walks to the river.

Hi Robin

Just watch your video, sounds intriguing. PM me!

Regards

Stephen

Well this is one of the top things on my list to figure out before my departure in October, so I guess MY top 5 would probably be the following

1) Versatility - I need something that services as a travel shoe comfortable for carrying a 65L pack, but that would not look out of place in a casual/semi-casual work environment. Also, something that works with both shorts and pants (my favorite harness boots serve the first point, but look silly with shorts).
2) Relatively lightweight (I'm realistic here, but something that is not 3lbs apiece)
3) Sturdy and long-wearing
4) Ethically-made and sourced
5) Designed to be easily repaired - if my sole comes off in some random country, I'd rather be able to find a cobbler to fix it, than have some esoteric construction that leaves me SOL.

And I tried the link in your signature - might just be me, but I just get an error... Would love to get some more info on your project.

Great question! I thought maybe I had found them in my Patagonia shoes that I recently bought, but I am sadly being let down. I'd say the things I'm looking for are

Versatility - City walking, light hiking, solemn temples, rowdy bars, pants, shorts...it has to be able to handle all of these
Comfort - The mid-sole shouldn't be too squishy as this hurts when you're actually on your feet a long time, the high-wear areas shouldn't become damaged and rough, and it should be cool and breathable
Easy On/Off - Not just for airport security, but for temples, peoples houses, etc
Easily repaired - My last pair of work shoes only would have made it 6 months if they couldn't have been cobbled. Lasted 3.5 years instead
Environmentally/Socially friendly - natural materials, non-toxic components, and fair-trade work (or made in USA)

I usually end up taking three pairs of shoes with me:
- a pair of flip flops
- a pair of trainers for days I'm doing a lot of walking/ bad weather
- a pair of ballet flats for nights out/occassions where something tidier is required.

While I'd never travel without flip flops as they've my footwear of choice whenever it's warm enough regardless of whether I'm at home or on the road, what I'd really like in a pair of travel shoes is something that combines the other two pairs into one, for the times I can't wear flip flops.

I'm probably looking at this from a slightly different perspective from most people who've replied in that I'm not thinking about hiking or heavy outdoorsy stuff but what I really struggle to find something that is practical but still stylish enough for evenings where some dressing up is required (I think this is a bit harder for girls in some ways - you can't really wear a pair of trainers with a dress)

I had a nice wee pair of diesels similar to this that ticked all the boxes except the waterproof one and I've found heaps of good lightweight, wp trainers but nothing that I'd wear on a night out.

So my list would be:
1) Comfy enough to walk all day in (not hardcore hiking, just regular sightseeing, maybe short nature walks)
2) Lightweight and not too bulky in my pack
3) Stylish enough to be able to wear with a skirt / jeans and not look like a weirdo on a night out.
4) Waterproof enough for rainy days (doesn't need to cope with muddy hiking trails, just wet streets, the odd un-noticed puddle)
5) Machine washable. (because everything gets grubby and sweaty when you're travelling)

As for me

1. Comfortable even if used for walking all day long
2. Light weight
3. Easy to pair up with jeans or shorts
4. Can be used with wet or dry weather
5. Affordable

I usually go for a running shoes during my travel as it is light weight and very comfy to walk with.

Good luck!

Mama-to-many wrote:I DO take only one pair of shoes when travelling!

Firstly, comfort/good fit is of paramount importance.
Secondly, hardwearing - my current pair (and it's the only pair of shoes I own) is coming up four years old and is still serviceable (showing signs of wear and tear, but not falling apart).
Thirdly, ethically-made is an ideal I try to achieve.
Fourthly, price is a factor.

I don't need goretex or pockets or arch supports or ruffles or whistles, and can't think of a fifth point. I'm easily pleased!

Can't improve on this!