Depending on who you are, you are either rolling your eyes at the title or you are curious to see if I have a shoe problem too. Living at home during the last four years led to the accumulation of one too many pairs of shoes. I went from having the basics to having choices. While this is not a problem when there’s plenty of space to store them at home, it became an issue when I had to move (almost every two years). To help myself (and anyone in the same situation as me), I’ve come up with a list of basics for the practical nomadic shoeaholics. For those of you who need only one or two pairs of shoes, I’m happy for you. Maybe I’ll get there one day. 🙂

• Ballet Flats (1-2 colours) – My daily walking shoes
  • Suggestions – Foldable shoes make it easier to pack for travelling:
    • Bagllerina – 86€+. Also has a line of sandals and waterproof ballerinas. Comes with a shoe pouch.
    • Ballasox – US$60. Comes with ‘socks’ sewn in! Comes with a shoe pouch.
    • CitySlips – US$30-60. Comes with an expandable tote bag.
    • Tieks – US$175+. Features non-skid soles and cushioned instep. Comes with a nylon tote AND a shoe pouch.
  • Are they good for the rain? Maybe even the beach or park? Suggestions: Crocs Kadee (these are best for muddy destinations), Oka-b
• Heels vs Wedges (1-2 colours) – Without a doubt, heels are more professional and formal. Wedges are generally more stable, are better on cobblestone pavements and grates. With the invention of convertible heels (and even wedges), maybe it won’t be long when all we need is a pair of ballet flats and a bag of different heel sizes.

• Wellies vs Waterproof Boots (1 colour) – Very practical for rainy and snowy days
  • Foldable rubber wellies are much easier to pack.
  • Waterproof boots can be worn in rain or shine.
• Trainers (1 colour) – For exercise, running races, hiking
• Sandals (1 colour) – For summer, the beach, the park, etc.

• Or skip sandals and get a pair of ballet flats!

Total: 4-7

Things to consider

<li>What colour matches more clothes?</li>
<li>Nude (i.e. the closest to your skin colour) work best with pastels and brightly coloured clothing. Nude heels will make legs look longer.</li>
<li>Black goes with just about everything and can be worn anything of the year for any occasion.</li>
<li>Plain vs decorative - a plain pair (i.e. no bows) will give you the option of adding clip-on&nbsp;<a href="http://ericagiuliani.com" target="_blank">Shoelery</a>&nbsp;for your ballerinas, heels, wedges, and even boots!</li>
<li>Need something waterproof or at least water repellent? There's waterproof leather, patent leather, and rubber or PVC.</li>
<li>Is it skid-resistant? Does it offer arch support? Will it be comfortable to walk or stand in for long hours? -&gt; If no, will there be room / is it easy to add any inserts?</li>
<li>Sandals: Would you be able to wear these to the beach? Is it easy to clean when sand gets in?</li>
<li>Sometimes 'Grandma' shoes with the ridiculously comfortable soles are the best.</li>
<li>Some suggestions for comfortable shoe brands: Aerosoles, Clarks, Cole Haan, Crocs, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, <a href="http://www.lechateau.com/style/jump/Moda+Reflex/category/catmodareflex" target="_blank">Le Chateau Moda Reflex</a>, <a class="zem_slink" title="Brown Shoe" href="http://brownshoe.com" target="_blank" rel="homepage">LifeStride</a>, Naturalizer, Oka-B, Sam Edler</li>