The Only 3 Shoes You Need in Your Holiday Suitcase

Holiday packing? Lucky you. Whether you’re jetting off for two weeks of poolside lounging or prepping for a jam-packed sunny city break, there’s one part of your suitcase you need to get right: the shoe rotation.

Pack too many pairs and there’ll be no room left for the ‘fits. Pack too few and you could find yourself wearing trainers to the beach or flip flops to a fancy dinner. The solution? The three-pair holiday shoe rule.

We’ve made packing easy with a guide to the only three pairs you really need, complete with our favourite styles and plenty of ‘fit inspo. Dig out the suitcase, clear some space, and let’s get into it.

1. The Go-To Trainers

Why You Need Them

Obvious? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. Whether you’re hitting 20k steps in Prague, café hopping in Paris, or wandering around beach towns in Mallorca, the perfect pair of trainers is your holiday best friend. Choose wisely and you won’t have to compromise on comfort or style – even when the itinerary keeps going from breakfast until sunset.

We’re loving the ASICS GEL-1130 in silver and grey for a sporty, ‘00s-inspired look that’ll keep you comfy on even the longest sightseeing days. Want the comfort of a trainer with the sleek look of a ballet flat? The PUMA Speedcat is the move – and the pale blue colourway is our current obsession. Prefer to keep things classic? The adidas Gazelle Lo Pro brings just the right amount of retro-coded cool that’ll fit right in on European city streets.

How to Style Them

Whatever trainers make the cut, styling them is easy. Go casual by pairing them with an oversized tee and denim jorts or cargo shorts, soften the look with a flowy maxi skirt and fitted vest, or lean fully into the retro-sport vibes with sporty shorts, crisp white socks, and a vintage football shirt.

Top packing tip: wear this pair to the airport. Trainers are usually the bulkiest option, so keeping them out of your suitcase leaves more room for the ‘fits.

2. The Staple Sandal

Why You Need Them

A sandal is a certified holiday essential: airy, easy to wear, and versatile enough for everything from beach mornings to laid-back dinners. But don’t overthink it – you only need one pair to cover the majority of your warm-weather plans.

If your holiday is centred around beach and pool time, keep things light with Havaianas flip flops. Effortlessly cool and endlessly wearable, they’re literally made for throwing on at a moment’s notice – choose a chic square-toe pair in black, white, or brown, or give your holiday looks an instant mood boost with a bright colourway. For a classic pick, you can never go wrong with the BIRKENSTOCK Arizona: its iconic two-strap design, instantly recognisable cork footbed, and laid-back energy make it a Euro-summer staple for good reason. And if you want to make a statement? Dr. Martens know how to bring the attitude. A chunky sandal like the Voss II combines a platform sole, thick straps, and classic Docs DNA, taking you from morning strolls to sunset drinks without missing a beat.

How to Style Them

Flip flops and classic silhouettes like the Arizona work effortlessly with swimwear and poolside cover-ups, but they’re just as good with linen trousers, jorts, or capris for a city-ready look – just add an oversized tee or shirt and wraparound sunglasses to go full cool girl mode. Chunky picks like the Voss are the perfect match for contrasting flowy maxi skirts or satin dresses, and also bring just the right amount of edge to simple combos like sporty shorts and a tank top. 

3. The Day-To-Night Pick

Why You Need Them

Your trainers have daytime exploring covered, your sandals are ready for beach and pool plans – completing the holiday line-up is perhaps the most versatile option of all: a day-to-night shoe. We’re talking sleek flats or subtle heels that work just as well for a dressed-up dinner as they do for a pre-beach breakfast. The key? Pick something that matches the dressiest ‘fits you’re bringing, while still feeling comfortable enough for more laidback daytime plans.

A ballet flat is a strong place to start. The JUJU JELLIES Billi Ballerina brings playful summer energy, while the schuh Lusan Split Toe Ballet Flat taps into that cool-girl, low-profile look that feels right at home on the streets of Paris, Barcelona, or Milan. Prefer a little extra height? A wedge heel like the schuh Solomon Toe Post Wedge in brown adds the perfect amount of polish without feeling like too much – a true holiday MVP, if you ask us. 

How to Style Them

Your day-to-night pick is all about versatility, so styling is a breeze. Pair with wide-leg linen trousers, a bandeau top, and oversized sunglasses for an elevated daytime ‘fit, or dress things up for the evening with a silky maxi dress or asymmetric skirt paired with an off-shoulder top. Complete the look with stacked jewellery and your go-to shoulder bag – minimal effort, maximum holiday energy.

Complete Your Holiday Rotation at schuh

Looking for the finishing touch to your three-pair holiday line-up? Or building the whole trio from scratch? We’ve got you covered with our Holiday Edit at schuh, packed with trainers, sandals, flats, heels, and everything your suitcase could be calling for. Stick to the formula – three pairs, every plan covered – and consider your holiday shoe rotation officially sorted.