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What should I wear on my feet when flying?

Wear Proper Footwear. Wear compression socks or hose and avoid normal socks that cut off at the ankle. Slip-on shoes are also easier to remove to massage your feet.



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Flight attendants agree that the best shoes to wear on a plane are flats, although Caris points out that if you do prefer to wear heels, block heels are the most stable. Closed-toe shoes are best to protect your feet, as Caris learned the hard way.

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Travel slippers are essential, especially for flights longer than 10 hours. Wearing comfortable shoes is so important to ensure an overall positive experience on a long flight. Some travel experts recommend slip-ons or sneakers, but I usually bring a pair of slippers to change into once on board.

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Socks are non-negotiable. Most airlines agree, by the way, even going so far as to mandate their presence in the air.

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Enter compression socks. Yes, really. Your grandmother and marathon runners are on to something. These stockings help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling or worse deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clotting on a long flight.

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While flip-flops and high heels are easy to slip off and back on at airport security, they're not a good idea. And while sandals might sound good—especially if you're headed to the beach—airplanes are notoriously cold. Plus, who wants to walk through security barefoot? Heels are a no-no for obvious reasons.

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Lace-up boots, strappy heels, sandals with more buckles than you can count - they're the nightmare of every in-a-rush business traveler who must stand behind you as you undo myriad straps and laces. Wear simple slip-on shoes or sneakers when flying, as you'll have to take them off in the airport security line.

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Andrea Fischbach told whattowear.co.uk that 'backless sandals make it difficult to quickly evacuate the aircraft... [and] can also end up flying off your feet', adding that 'your feet are more likely to freeze, especially during a long flight'.

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Don't wear shoes with steel tips, steel heels, steel shanks, metal buckles, or nails. Tennis shoes are usually a safe bet. If you know that your shoes set off the alarm on the metal detector, wear something else while flying. Shoes in your carry-on luggage might also be a problem.

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Anything tight Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also common on airplanes. You want to be able to move comfortably, encouraging healthy blood circulation and avoiding deep vein thrombosis. Avoid cramping by doing exercises in your seat and taking a walk to the lavatory, whenever possible.

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Another reader adds, “Wear your boots onto the plane, saves you space and weight in your luggage. Then, if they are uncomfortable during the flight, slip on some ballet slippers stashed in your carry-on.” Read why ankle boots are the best shoes for travel to Europe from autumn through spring!

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Instead wear: Slip-on shoes Even though they're perfect shoes to wear on vacation, trainers, boots, and Birkenstocks will only slow you down at the airport when you are inevitably asked to remove them to go through security.

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A large wrap scarf keeps you warm during cold airplane flights and extra layers can help get you through long travel days. 5. Keep a scarf handy in places where modest dress is required such as in European churches or Asian temples. Many places of worship require that you cover your shoulders or don't permit shorts.

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The general rule of thumb is that class 1 (18-21 mmHg) stockings are best for healthy veins that just need a bit of extra assistance on a flight, while class 2-4 (23-49+ mmHg) are more suited to those struggling with venous and lymphatic disorders.

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You'll find thousands of compression garments in airports and pharmacies, at medical supply stores, and on Amazon. Some styles, like knee-high compression socks, travel well.

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Why should you wear socks at the airport? Airport floors, like most public floors, are covered in germs, including bacteria associated with the common cold, influenza, E. coli, and listeria. Sharp objects are also a danger, and open sores make feet more susceptible to picking up bacteria.

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