What to Pack: The Best Shoes for UK Summer Breaks

Planning a summer getaway in the UK? Whether you’re heading to the Cornish coast, exploring the Scottish Highlands, or wandering the streets of York, packing the right shoes can make all the difference. British summers are famously unpredictable - glorious sunshine one minute, a light drizzle the next - so packing the right footwear is key.

Here’s our expert guide to the perfect footwear for every part of your UK adventure.

1. Comfy Trainers or Sandals for Exploring

You’ll be doing a lot of walking - think cobbled streets, castle climbs, and garden strolls. A comfy pair of trainers or sandals is essential.

👉 Try Legero’s Lightweight Trainers or Wolky’s Jewel Sandals - breathable, supportive, and stylish enough to go from day to night.

Top Tip: Go for neutral colours like white, beige, soft grey or metallics that match with everything in your suitcase.

2. Waterproof Shoes or Sandals

Even in summer, you’ll likely run into the odd shower or damp grass. Waterproof shoes are a UK holiday essential.

👉 Check out Legero’s Gore-Tex trainers or their Adjustable Walking Sandals - they’re quick-drying with grippy soles, perfect for seaside walks or sudden summer showers.

3. Flats or Loafers

Even if your trip is mostly casual, you may want something a little smarter for evening meals, pub gardens, or gallery visits.

👉 We love Arche’s summer pumps and flats - elegant and easy to wear, or try El Naturalista’s lightweight slip-on shoes for a casual, packable option.

Style tip: Choose a summery colour like blush, tan, or even soft metallic to elevate your outfit.

4. Footbed Sandals or Slides for Easy Days

For relaxed days at the beach, garden, or exploring coastal towns, footbed sandals and slides are the perfect blend of comfort and style. They’re easy to slip on, supportive enough for longer walks, and much kinder to your feet than basic flip-flops.

👉 Try Haflinger’s Footbed Sandals for all-day support, or go for a pair of Mephisto Helen Sandals for a stylish off-duty look.

Why we love them: The anatomically shaped cork footbeds help distribute weight evenly, making them ideal for travel days, casual outings, and everything in between.

5. Walking Sandals for the Countryside

Doing a bit of hiking, or planning a countryside escape? Supportive walking sandals are a must.

👉 Walking Sandals from Legero and OmaKing are built for comfort and performance, with adjustable straps and shock-absorbing soles for long days on your feet.  

Final Packing Tips:

• Break them in: Don’t take new shoes out of the box and straight into a 10k walk - wear them in a bit first!

• Weather check: Look up the local forecast before you pack. It’ll help you decide what’s essential.

• Keep it versatile: 3 - 4 pairs of shoes are more than enough. Aim for styles that work across multiple outfits and activities.

With the right shoes in your bag, you’ll be ready for anything the British summer throws at you - from sunny seaside days to moody moorland hikes.

✨ Shop our full Holiday Shoe Edit and step into summer with confidence.