Packing to go on any trip can be stressful. Even more stressful? Packing for your first college dorm room. Even more stressful than that? Packing for a semester abroad. Unlike packing to go to college on the same continent as your home, you can’t make a trip home to get something you forgot. Either you buy a new one (using your already strict abroad-budget) or you suck it up and deal with it. I’m headed an ocean away, to a place where they don’t eat peanut butter. While I’m very excited, I’m also stressed about packing my life up into a 40 pound suitcase.
I leave for my semester in Spain in less than a month. I will be there from January to late June, so I will be experiencing both Spanish winter and summer. That means I have to pack for cold weather and super hot weather. But also I’ll be walking a lot, so they have to be comfortable. Everything has to be able to match everything. So, without further adieu, here is my short list of the shoes I’m bringing with me for my semester abroad.
Doc Martens
The specific pair I’m bringing I’ve had since sophomore year of high school (for four years now), and they’re so well-worn that they’re basically one of the most comfortable things I own, shoes or otherwise. They’re neutral enough that they go with just about everything. They’re pretty water proof, so they’ll work if it’s rainy or snowy. These are a great winter boot to wear even into the spring, ‘cause it’s nice to look a little punk rock even if the flowers are in bloom.
Nike Air Force 1’s (or Adidas Superstars)
I technically do not own the Nike’s yet, but they’re the only thing on my Christmas list, so I have a pretty good feeling that I will have them with me to take to Spain. These are going to be my new version of my Adidas Superstars, which I wear constantly. They’re comfortable, street-chic, neutral, easy to clean, and, again, pretty much water proof. Even if I don’t get these Nike’s, I do own my Adidas (hence the picture of Adidas) which I will take with me if needed (they’re just really beat up, and I wanted a newer pair of white sneakers).
Birkenstocks
Say what you will about Birks, but I love mine. They’re easy, neutral, comfortable, and a perfect summer-staple-sandal. To be honest, I’m not much of a sandal gal, but these are an exception for me. I wear them frequently, because they go with sundresses, jeans, leggings—pretty much everything except a ball gown—and they’re just as comfy as my favorite boots and sneakers, without having to put on socks (because who wants to do laundry?).
BC Oxfords
These are my “dress shoes” that I’m bringing. I don’t anticipate wearing them terribly often, but I know it doesn’t hurt to have a pair of dressier flats with me. These match everything, and they’re just generally so cute.