A Look at which Shoes Are Best For Circulation On Long Flights

There is nothing like the stinging feeling of gravitational edema that will make you wonder, 'why didn't I pay attention to that blog post?' Choosing the right shoes for long flights is such an important issue that it is amazing how little attention it gets!

Before you ask - no, we do not sell shoes! We do, however, take beauty, comfort, health and style very seriously, and these things are extra important when traveling long distances.

So whether you're flying with the masses or wanting to look your best on a private jet, we've covered all these essential elements of choosing the right shoes for your next trip.

Why is circulation so important on long flights?

There has been plenty said in the news about the dangers of long flights, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) tends to shoot to the top of the list of potential ailments that can be caused by long-haul flights. DVT is a deadly disease that can easily be prevented by the simple act of choosing the right shoes for your flight.

While most people may not be able to explain it or even know what it means, most travellers that have been on a long flight can describe it. Your feet swell up, your skin turns red, and you can either feel intense pain or intense panic (or both). DVT is a blood clot in the body, and this usually happens in the thigh or lower leg.

It tends to happen when a person has been sitting for an extended period (about four hours) without moving. So naturally, the most vulnerable people are those who sit at their desk all day or fly economy - cramped seats with no legroom.

It is therefore important for you to get adequate circulation on your next flight and possibly consider an upgrade.

The risk of blood clots when flying can be enhanced or reduced depending on the shoes you wear. If you have been taking your shoe choices for granted all these years, it is time to make it a priority.

What are the best shoes for circulation?

See, you knew that was wrong immediately after you saw it. As much as stilettos are trendy and you should always make beauty a priority when flying, you should not do it at the expense of your health.

So, what are the best shoes to wear on long flights?

Slip-on footwear

When choosing shoes for your flight, consider wearing footwear that encourages you to walk, or at least don't discourage you from walking. Slip-on shoes are not a staple choice for flyers because they don't always look serious enough for an airport, but that comes down to taste and choosing the right shoes.

Of course, an added benefit of slip-on footwear is that it is easier to take off your shoes when going through security. However, whether they are fashion-forward or not, they are comfortable, and make it easier to stay mobile.

Sneakers or tennis shoes

Yup, you heard right – tennis shoes. Before you close the page, consider that sneakers and tennis shoes are not just great for your feet, but can also be worn with compression socks.

Besides, trainers can be trendy.

Compression socks or compression stockings are highly recommended for any traveller as they help keep your blood flowing the right way. This is particularly important if you are going to fall asleep on the plane. Falling asleep means that you won't be able to remind yourself to take a stroll every couple of hours.

It is good to have the assurance that your compression socks will guarantee your legs are protected.

So, back to sneakers.

Shoes that are comfortable and allow your feet to breathe are great for circulation. You need to be able to wiggle your toes or rotate your ankles without discomfort.

Loafers

Ahh, now we're making sense. There will be no objections to loafers because they are trendy, comfortable, and they also accommodate compression socks (but you weren't thinking about that). There are also many designer options to choose from!

High-heels

These are not on the list because they aid circulation, but rather because they look good. Moreover, once you are on the plane, you can change into your loafers or Crocs if you feel like it. It is worth mentioning that some heels provide great arch support, are breathable and are easy to walk in.

Conclusion

When it comes to picking the perfect outfit for your next long haul flight, please don't just think about what looks good, but also what will provide your legs with the most circulation.

Categorising shoes into broad groups such as flight-friendly and not flight-friendly could be misleading as it largely depends on the fabric and the design.

Whatever you choose to wear, remember to wear compression socks and don't forget to stretch your legs every couple of hours.