There’s something no one really prepares you for before moving to Spain, which is the walking. Yes, I knew I’d walk a lot, but I didn’t take into account the wear and tear of my shoes.
You will walk everywhere: to school, to the grocery store, to the train station, to meet friendships, to explore a new neighborhood, and to accidentally wander into a plaza you didn’t know existed. And while it sounds romantic, your feet will very quickly remind you that your cute shoes from back home were not built for European walking.
I learned this the hard way. At first, I thought any pair of sneakers would do. But after walking on cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, and hills that somehow appear out of nowhere every day, I realized something very important: You have to Europe-proof your shoes, or in my case, Spain-proof them. Here are a few simple things you can do to make your shoes actually comfortable for the amount of walking you’ll do here.
Add Insoles
The number one thing I recommend is adding insoles to your shoes. Most shoes, even sneakers, don’t have enough support for the kind of walking you’ll be doing in Spain. Insoles help add cushioning and support, so your feet aren’t taking the full impact of every step.
You can find insoles at pharmacies, supermarkets, or shoe stores here in Spain. They’re relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference. Think of it as upgrading your shoes without having to buy new ones.
Wear Thick Socks
This one might sound simple, but thick socks can save your feet. They add an extra layer of cushioning and help prevent blisters when you’re walking long distances. Especially during those first few weeks when your feet are still adjusting to the constant movement.
If you’re breaking in a new pair of shoes, thick socks are your best friend. I can’t tell you how many pairs of socks I’ve ruined since living here. So many of them ended up with holes because they were too thin and didn’t provide enough cushioning. At the time, I also wasn’t using insoles in my shoes, which meant my feet were doing all the heavy lifting with very little support.
Between all the walking and the constant pressure on my feet, the thin socks just couldn’t keep up. That’s when I realized how important it is to have the right setup.
Add a Heel Insert or Back Sole
Another trick is adding a heel insert or a back sole to the inside of your shoe.
This helps with two things:
- Preventing your heel from slipping
- Reducing the friction that causes blisters
If you’ve ever walked around a city all day and ended up with that painful spot on the back of your heel, you know exactly what I’m talking about. A small heel insert can make a surprisingly big difference. When you move to Spain or travel around Europe, walking becomes a huge part of everyday life. It’s one of the best ways to explore a city, but it also means your shoes need to be ready for the job.
By adding insoles, thick socks, and heel inserts, you can turn an average pair of shoes into something much more comfortable for long days on your feet. Trust me, once you start doing this, you’ll never look at your shoes the same way again. Because when you’re living in Spain, cute shoes are great, but comfortable shoes are a necessity.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
