Cruise vacations are the ultimate blend of relaxation and adventure—cocktails at sea, sun-drenched excursions, elegant dinners, and maybe a little salsa dancing on the deck. But nothing kills that vibe faster than packing the wrong shoes.
Trust us: the sea may be calm, but your footwear drama doesn’t have to be. Between slippery ship floors, unexpected walking tours, and the fine line between “resort casual” and “who let her in here,” your cruise shoe lineup needs to be smart, stylish, and seriously practical.
Unfortunately, not all shoes are cut out for maritime life. Before you toss your stilettos or clunky sneakers into your suitcase “just in case,” read this list. Here are 7 shoes you’ll absolutely regret bringing on board—and exactly why they’re cruise no-gos.
1. Stilettos
Imagine walking on a gently swaying ship deck in high heels. Stilettos, while glamorous, become a perilous choice on a cruise. Their thin heels make it easy to slip on slick floors, increasing the risk of twisted ankles. Though they can add drama to an outfit, most cruise ship dinners do not warrant such footwear extravagance.
The movement of the ship can cause instability, turning what was meant to be a graceful entrance into a balancing act. Opting for more stable footwear ensures you can enjoy the evening without worry.
Leave the stilettos at home, and prioritize safety over style.
2. Heavy Hiking Boots
Picture lugging around heavy hiking boots on a cruise. Unless your itinerary includes serious hiking excursions, these boots are dead weight. They occupy valuable suitcase space and clash with typical cruise attire like sundresses and swimwear.
Their bulkiness makes them awkward to manage when you’re in a sea-ready mood. While they offer great support, the casual and relaxed cruise environment makes them unnecessary.
Save the space for more versatile footwear and avoid the frustration of hauling around something that ultimately goes unworn.
3. Cheap Flip-Flops
Flip-flops might scream vacation, but cheap ones can be a cruise nightmare. While fine for the pool, they offer zero support elsewhere and can make wet decks treacherous.
Their flimsy construction does little to protect your feet or provide comfort during long excursions or walking around the ship. The last thing you want is a fall or sore feet holding you back from enjoying your trip.
Opt for more supportive and sturdy sandals that suit both poolside lounging and day-long wanderings.
4. New Shoes You Haven’t Broken In
New shoes often mean blisters and discomfort, especially on a cruise where walking is frequent. From exploring the ship to embarking on excursions, foot comfort is key.
New, unbroken shoes can rub against your skin, leading to painful blisters that can ruin your holiday. Wearing familiar, broken-in shoes ensures you’re ready for all walking adventures without suffering.
Take the time to prepare your footwear before setting sail to avoid any foot-related regrets.
5. Over-the-Knee Boots
Imagine packing over-the-knee boots for a cruise. These are more suited to city streets in winter, not sunny decks. Their bulk insists on space, leaving little room for essentials.
The climate on most cruises renders them impractical. They may look stylish, but are completely out of place when paired with summer attire.
Save your suitcase space for lighter and more climate-appropriate footwear, and ensure your outfits align with the breezy, relaxed vibe of cruising.
6. Plastic Jelly Sandals
Jelly sandals can bring back fond childhood memories, but on a cruise, they become sweaty traps for feet. They often squeak and rub, creating discomfort.
On humid port days, they transform into mini-saunas, turning your leisurely stroll into a squeaky ordeal. The casual, fun look they offer is overshadowed by their impractical nature for all-day wear.
Trade them for comfortable sandals that allow your feet to breathe and keep your cruise adventures carefree.
7. High-Top Sneakers With Complicated Laces
High-top sneakers with intricate laces seem sporty but quickly become a nuisance. Navigating airport security or changing shoes in your cabin becomes tedious.
Their clunky design is more fitting for a gym session than a relaxed cruise dinner or casual stroll. While they offer good support, their time-consuming nature outweighs their benefits on a cruise.
Opt for slip-ons or simple lace-up shoes for ease and a stylish, fuss-free journey.