For the second time we’ve taken to the streets and trails to test out some of the best travel footwear out there. Why you ask? Well good shoes can be the most important thing you pack — often the enjoyment of your entire trip will be riding on their soles and you may be down for the count if you’re suffering blisters rubs backaches and other consequences of an improper fit or poor quality shoe. Remember to break in your shoes before you depart and to properly size yourself for each different brand — even top notch shoes will be uncomfortable without accurate sizing or if used under extreme conditions. Without further ado here are our recommendations from an eclectic variety of shoes that were tested.

Terra Plana’s Yukam

Terra Plana: Yukam

Who wouldn’t be psyched about a brand that uses recycled parts to form fashionable footwear or is socially conscious helping support AIDS affected orphans in Africa? Add a genuine concern for comfort and foot health to the list and you’ll have Terra Plana. Check out the new line using Vivo Barefoot Technology (and pardon our pun) but we think it‘s a step above the rest. Available in a range of styles the Vivo sole is super thin (just 3 mm yet is puncture resistant). Though this may sound counterintuitive when talking about comfort wearing these shoes allows your foot muscles to perform in their natural range of motion which is so often hindered by modern footwear. Since you’ll be mimicking going barefoot these shoes will help realign your natural posture and stimulate nerve endings in your body — which according to Terra Plana enhances your sensory perception. Who wouldn’t want an extra sensory boost while traveling? Try Yukam a canvas slip on that has an antibacterial removable insole and is quick drying. Terra Plana recommends allowing a break-in period to give your feet time to adjust to the “barefoot“ state. You’ll notice right away how much more you’ll feel through the sole…very cool indeed.

Check out the Yukam and other styles at http://www.terraplana.com.

Privo’s Acacia shoe in Smokey Brown Nubuck