When I was at a conference last month speaking about travel and offering up my standard tips, the question of packing came up. I told the ladies in the audience that my secret to only ever traveling with a carry-on was that I never bring more than two pairs of shoes on a trip. When they asked (in shock) how I could do that, I lifted up my foot and showed them my Cleopatra shoes from Taos. (For the record, one gal in the audience who was traveling for five days admitted to having packed seven pairs of shoes.)
My theory is that shoes are so bulky that it’s impossible to travel only with a carry-on if you have to actually pack more than one pair in your luggage. As a result, I look for shoes that can serve multiple purposes – i.e. I can wear them on long walks and wear them out at night. And that’s exactly why I like the Taos Cleopatras, because they are comfortable enough to spend the entire day in.
Most recently I did just that when I traveled to both Haiti and Miami with only these and my running shoes. I stood for long periods and went on long walks, and never had any discomfort with them. On warm evenings, these are definitely sandals that can be worn during a night out — with a dress, a pair of shorts, or jeans.
The uppers are beautiful leather with hammered metal accents (I love this style!), and the footbed is contoured with arch and metatarsal support. While I wouldn’t go on any kind of strenuous hike with the Cleopatras — for example on a trail where I’d be kicking through dirt and navigating over rocks and tree roots — they do just fine on both city and park walks.
What I Love
- The style first and foremost. I do love this Romanesque design.
- The Cleopatras are comfortable with three adjustable straps so you can basically custom fit them to your feet.
Not So Much
- On the right foot only, I have found that the leather and metal hammered strap on my right foot often wiggles to the left (toward the inside) and I have to constantly readjust it. I can prevent this by tightening the strap, but then the sandal feels a bit too tight. A total minor inconvenience (talk about first world problems!) and it doesn’t prevent me from wearing them.
Overall, a must-have sandal to add to your collection this summer.
Available on Amazon for under $100.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Scarpa Caipirinha Shoes
Chaco EcoTread Flip Flops
Leave a Reply