I realized that travel shoes were important — especially ones that could get wet. And, with the beginning of the fall season, I’ve been on the market for a good pair of waterproof flats. Ideally, they’ll look like normal flats — but just won’t get ruined if I get caught in the rain.

I’ve found two pairs that fit the bill, both with good reviews. I’d wear both of these flats in rain or shine, so they’re easy to pack for trips when you’re mixing and matching your way through a carry-on.

 Hunter Original Ballet Flat, $125

Hunter Original Ballet Flat

Hunter Original Ballet Flat

First up, we have the Hunter Original Ballet Flat. These flats are on sale for $125 at Nordstrom and Zappos, with other not-so-cute versions at Neiman Marcus and Amazon. Both the nude (found at Zappos) and black (at Nordstrom) colors are perfect for pairing with jeans, skirts or dresses and dressing up or down. And, we all know that the Hunter brand is a trusted, tried and true rain-friendly shoe. While they’re a bit on the expensive side for a plain rubber flat, it’s an investment that will last a while. These shoes only come in full sizes, so order accordingly.

 Melissa + Jason Wu Jean Cut Out Flats, $105

Melissa + Jason Wu Jean Cutout Flats

Melissa + Jason Wu Jean Cutout Flats

I found these waterproof flats a few months ago (on ShopBop and Amazon here) and fell in love. THEN, by some stroke of good luck, I found them over on Gilt.com for only $59!!

They are the perfect travel shoe. Reviews rave about how comfortable they are (huge must) AND they bring back the 90’s fad of jellies. I couldn’t get enough of jellies in the ’90s, so I’m pumped that they’re back. But, remember the gross smell of jellies? Melissa + Jason Wu has tried to cut back on that plastic-y smell, so they’ve added a perfume to the shoe that just doesn’t quite cut it. It smells more like a 12 year old’s perfume (but then again, it is a jelly…?). On the flip side, it’s your shoe, so who’s going to be close enough to smell the perfume? These cute waterproof shoes only come in whole sizes, too and, although most reviewers said to size down, I found sizing down cramped my foot, so I’ve ordered one size up.

BOTTOM LINE:  One of these shoes is sure to fit your needs for a comfortable flat to wear on a trip each day even when it’s raining.

The post Best Waterproof Flats For Travel first appeared on Weekend Blitz.

I just picked up a great pair of cognac sandals on sale at Gap (they’re completely sold out online, but a similar style is listed below) and it feels like I’ve been walking on air. The walk-ability of your shoes is super important when traveling, so I’ve found a couple other shoes that may fit the bill… and still look cute in your pictures.

These T-strap sandals are the perfect summer shoe. And, they have the same sole as my new Gap sandals, so I can vouch for their comfort. These sandals will go with anything, so you can wear them all day and then for a casual night out, too. At just $29.95, they’re very affordable and you can choose between off-white, indigo (pictured here) or black straps.

These slip-on sneakers are all the rage these days, and I love this blush pink snakeskin option from Joie Kidmore. The reviewers on Piperlime are raving about how comfortable these shoes are — and the good news is these are much more stylish than Toms:  these aren’t your grandmother’s slip-ons! If you’re just dying for a pair, be prepared to shell out $190 – double if you want them in black AND pink.

Don’t want to spend $190 on pink snakeskin? I don’t blame you. Check out this similar pair at Gap for just $49.95.

These black ballet flats are anything but generic. First of all, they’re made by Cole Haan, a brand widely known for their quality craftsmanship and comfort. Reviews say they “fit like snuggly slippers” and are easy to break in… sounds like great travel shoes to me!  And, with Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale going on now, they’re 30% off at $116.90.

But the real reason why I picked these? They’re waterproof!! After completely ruining a pair of snakeskin flats on my honeymoon after I walked through the rain all day, I’m a big believer in taking at least one pair of shoes with you that you don’t mind getting wet. If only I’d had these with me then…

These $45 Van’s sneakers from Madewell are perfect for sight-seeing in the summer.  Comfortable and low-key, these shoes (which come in off-white and navy) are perfect with a pair of shorts and a graphic tee or even a maxi dress.

If you’re more of the real sneaker type, check out these Pumas (now on sale for almost half off at just $36.00!) I’ve had my eye on these for quite some time, looking to kill two birds with one stone:  gym shoes when I’m at home and lightweight tennis shoes while I’m traveling and find myself biking, hiking and more. I snagged these as soon as they went on sale this week. Sometimes you really do need a sturdy pair of tennis shoes. I love these because they’re neutral and don’t scream “I’m an American tourist” like many Nikes do.

If you’ve been living under a humungous rock and haven’t heard that the 90’s are back, it’s time you know:  it’s not just Boy Meets World that’s back, but Birkenstocks have made it to 2014, too. Birkenstocks + gladiator-style ankle straps make me happier than hearing Closing Time on the radio. If only jellies were more comfortable, they would have made this list, too.

Next up are these super-cute Koala espadrilles from TOPSHOP.  You can choose from a variety of colors:  black, leopard, coral, white and more. These are another update from Toms – these leather espadrilles are lightweight and super comfortable for $75.

For a girlier option to go out on the town, try these MEEK2 Cut Out Slippers, also found on TOPSHOP. These also come in black and are just $45. The cut outs provide some breathing room and the small barely-there “heel” dresses the shoe up a bit. And, the good news… Reviewers applaud this shoe’s comfort, too.

When a brand literally calls itself “Love Feet,” you can’t help but be convinced these shoes ($189.95) will feel like walking on clouds. The camel color (or white) will go with anything and you can see the arch support from miles away. One reviewer did complain that her narrow feet were too small for this shoe, so beware. Otherwise, I say hop on any shoe that claims to love feet.

All the comfort of Toms with an added wedge? I’ll take it. Choose Toms Wedges in various colors, designs, cork wedge or fabric wedge (prices vary, but run ~$65). You can wear these all day long to explore or slip into these for dinner and a night out. Practical and cute:  it’s all you need in a travel shoe.

Featured Image source:  http://abt.cm/1sHBGCO

The post Top 10 Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel first appeared on Weekend Blitz.