The dreary weather has me longing for sunshine, spring, and bright colors. I feel like I’ve got a case of the blahs, and my accessories aren’t exactly doing it for me lately. One thing that I bet would help (because let’s be honest, it always helps) is new shoes. Not to mention that my feet have grown a bit from pregnancy (thanks a lot Mini Warrior!) and only a few pairs of shoes fit comfortably. Sooooo I have to suck it up and go shoe shopping! No fun at all, right?

For any shoes I buy (and really most clothing too) I look for options that will work for travel, work, and play. Here are my main considerations when looking for shoes:

Comfort comes first! If a shoe is too small, comes up too high on your heel, rubs the wrong way, or feels wrong in any form or fashion I won’t get it, and please, please don’t buy it for travel. If you have to have them, buy them for a time when you’ll be sitting. Even if you don’t think you’ll be wearing them on a travel day, I just don’t recommend it. (True story—I had a pair of adorable shoes that I took on a trip to wear at the office. My meetings ran so late on my departure day that I didn’t have time to change, and in order to make my flight had to run/hobble through the airport—alongside my vice-president—in painful shoes. Not my finest moment!)

Not a paper thin sole. I’ll admit—I don’t always buy shoes with the best support. But one thing I always look out for is the sole. If it is super thin, or if I even think I will be able to feel tiny pebbles on a sidewalk through it I won’t get the shoes. Of course, you can always add a gel sole insert to increase your comfort level. Just don’t try it out for the first time on a trip!

Durability. Take a pass on anything that looks or feels like it won’t last. The cutest shoe in the world can turn ugly if it starts falling apart on a long trip!

Grip. Slippery shoes are not your friend in an airport (or anywhere, really). If a pair of shoes is perfect otherwise, you can have a cobbler add grippy soles to the bottom. Another true story—I have the cutest pair of black quilted ballet flats. They are super comfy and I love them. Their soles are very slippery though, and once while leaving a hotel I slipped and fell. In front of a whole bunch of people. Again, not my finest moment. However, now that my cobbler has added rubber soles they are perfect!!

Heels or flats? You guys know I will always choose flats, but if you can comfortably wear heels I say go for it. Again, just don’t wear a pair of shoes for the first time on a trip.

I typically go for colorful flats, either pointy toe or ballet flats. There are several brands of shoe designed to be comfortable and durable. Dansko, Born, and Clarks are often worn by flight attendants and frequent travelers. Many pairs are very cute, like these blue Marnee ballet flats from Born.

I also love these less expensive options: Mix No. 6 Emely cutout flats and French Follies Addy Flat  (pictured above) in a cheerful yellow and white stripe, both from DSW.

Readers, what is most important to you in travel shoes? Any crazy or embarrassing  shoe-related travel moments?