How to Keep Shoes Fresh While Travelling

GRAN | 14 July 2026

0 min

How To Keep Shoes Fresh While Travelling

Travelling is great. Living out of a suitcase with a couple of pairs of shoes? Not always.

Whether you're heading away for a weekend break, a family holiday, a work trip or a long-awaited adventure, your shoes often end up working harder than usual. They're packed into small spaces, worn for long days and rarely get much time to recover between outings.

The good news is that keeping shoes fresh while travelling doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple habits can help keep your favourite pairs ready for every step of the journey.

Why Do Shoes Seem to Smell More When You Travel?

Travel can be tough on footwear.

Think about it:

·         You're often walking more than usual

·         Shoes may be worn for longer periods

·         Footwear gets packed into suitcases, backpacks or travel bags

·         There's less opportunity for shoes to air out properly

·         You may only bring one or two pairs, meaning they're worn every day

Even if your shoes usually feel fine at home, travel can create the perfect conditions for odours to build up.

Pack Smart Before You Leave

Keeping shoes fresh on holiday often starts before you even leave home.

Before packing:

·         Make sure shoes are clean and dry

·         Avoid packing damp footwear

·         Give frequently worn shoes a little extra care before placing them in your suitcase

·         Consider bringing a second pair if space allows

Starting with fresh footwear can make a big difference throughout your trip.

Give Shoes Time to Air Out

After a long day of sightseeing, meetings or exploring, it's tempting to kick your shoes off and forget about them. Whenever possible, give your shoes some time to air out before wearing them again. Even a few hours can help them feel fresher for the next day.

Rotate Your Footwear

If you have room in your luggage, packing two pairs of shoes can be a game changer. Alternating between pairs gives each one more time to dry and air out between wears.

It can also make your holiday more comfortable, especially when you're covering plenty of ground.

Don't Forget Fresh Socks

One of the easiest travel habits is also one of the most effective. Fresh socks can help support your overall shoe-care routine and keep your footwear feeling more comfortable throughout your travels. If you're planning active days, it's worth packing a few extra pairs.

The Suitcase Test

Let's be honest. Most of us don't think about our shoes until we open the suitcase and instantly know exactly where they are.

If you've ever unpacked after a holiday and noticed your footwear before anything else, you're certainly not alone.

A little shoe care before and during your trip can help avoid those moments and make travelling with your favourite shoes a much more pleasant experience.

Gran's Remedy is a New Zealand-born brand that helps with smelly feet and footwear odour. Designed for everyday use, Gran's Remedy can easily become part of your regular shoe-care routine, whether you're at home or heading away on holiday.

Its travel-friendly format makes it easy to pop into your luggage alongside your other essentials, helping you look after the shoes that accompany you on every adventure.

Because when you're travelling, you want to spend more time making memories and less time thinking about your shoes.

The Best Travel Shoe-Care Routine Is a Simple One

Before your next trip, remember:

·         Start with clean, dry shoes

·         Give footwear time to air out

·         Rotate shoes when possible

·         Pack plenty of fresh socks

·         Make shoe care part of your travel routine

The best travel habits are often the simplest ones. After all, your shoes are coming along for the journey too.

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