Packing running shoes
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2002
Location: IAD
Programs: UA PrmEx
Posts: 162
Packing running shoes
As much as I love to wear running shoes and jeans while home in the US, it usually screams "Gringo" overseas. I like to get some fresh air and hit the weight rack while I'm on business trips, but I find that running shoes/sneakers/trainers (or whatever you want to call them) take up too much space in the bag. What's the best solution?
#2


Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 623
Running shoes are worn worldwide and so prevalent that people wearing them are no longer marked as "gringoes", so why worry about that. Keep your old pairs, wear them on the outward bound segments (unless you're travelling with associates wearing business wear), use the shoes on the trip, and toss them away when you no longer need them. If you have to pack the shoes in your suitcase, stuff the shoes with socks, toiletries, briefs, even a small camera fits in there and is well protected, eyeglasses in a case, etc. Or you could mail the shoes ahead to your destination.
#4

Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Everywhere
Posts: 758
I bought a pair of trail runners for traveling that can double of "going" out shoes while traveling, thus eliminating the need to pack an extra pair of shoes.
I also usually pack my work out clothes in my running shoes.
I also usually pack my work out clothes in my running shoes.
#5
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Flyertalk Cares




Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,927
Reebok makes what they call a Travel Trainer. They fold up very small in your suitcase. They won't work for running outdoors, but are good for hotel gym equipment. I bought some several months ago and love them.
http://www.reebokstore.co.uk/stores/...cid=1639&pty=1
http://www.reebokstore.co.uk/stores/...cid=1639&pty=1
#6
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX, AMS, MSN, ORD. Dedicated to finding a cure for Republicanism in our time. "Won't you please help"? "For the children's sake"?
Programs: ! "Ya can't tell da' playahs wit'out a program!" NW silver, DIRT everywhere else.
Posts: 1,194
Wear your old shoes. Brand new shoes scream 'tourist!'
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,337
Get a pair of those little Nike (or whatever) "beach slippers". They fold up to a very small package and work fine for running on treadmills. I have a pair with me now on a two-week trip in Europe. You don't even need socks with these. If they get too stinky, you can easily wash them in a bathroom sink or tub.
#8

Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: RHI. The Northwoods.
Programs: Everything and everywhere. Officially a nomad
Posts: 1,126
I bought a pair of marathon runners shoes. They're very light and fold in half. Not to mention that those in the know think I'm in much better shape than I am
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, ex-BD Gold, SPG Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 2,041
I always pack them. It's worth the weight and space--I'll skip the normal casual shoes before leaving my runbning shoes at home, even if the chance of their being used appears to be small. I have gone away on three-day business trips with three pairs of shoes (running, full business, and business casual). Many times, it seems that I am taking shoes, a computer and not much else!
#10
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
I stuff the shoes with things that need protecting, if I don't have anything like that, then underware, socks, whatever is small enough to fill them, and help them keep their shape.
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Ginger K:
I bought a pair of marathon runners shoes. They're very light and fold in half. Not to mention that those in the know think I'm in much better shape than I am
</font>
I bought a pair of marathon runners shoes. They're very light and fold in half. Not to mention that those in the know think I'm in much better shape than I am
</font>
What kind of shoes are those? None of my road racing or training shoes will fold in half or come close to it.Though bulky, I always bring running shoes - usually my lightest pair of road racers unless I am pretty certain I'll have access to some trail action.
Obviously, running shoes go in my carry-on. Just like I wouldn't want to lose my wallet or passport, I don't want to lose da shooz.
#12


Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: The road less traveled
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA EXP, Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Natl EE, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 5,189
I find my sneakers fit great in my 22" rollaboard. I put socks down inside the shoes and then wrap them in plastic bags. They fit snugly against eachother at the bottom of the suitcase. When I gifts are purchased and/or there is no more room in the suitcase, as a last resort I can tie them to the handle of the suitcase with the laces. (Okay, so it looks a little tacky... but it means I can carry an extra two bottles of wine back from France!) 
------------------
"There are those who travel, and those who travel well."

------------------
"There are those who travel, and those who travel well."

