Summer travel always comes with the same problem for my family because we either pack too much, or we don’t pack the right things at all, and shoes are usually what make or break the suitcase. This Summer my family didn’t have to worry about that because with everyone working we wasn’t able to travel.
With Back to School around the corner I’ve been looking for new shoes for my niece Lily and my nephew Jason. Charlie saw me on the Burno Marc site and he decided he needed to look for a pair of boots for himself because he loves the brown ones he has and was wanting a pair of black boots.
I reminded Charlie he would want comfort for long walking days, something cute enough for dinner, something easy for date nights, and something that could be worn year round. And somehow, were supposed to find all of that in one par of shoes which I knew we could do thanks to Bruno Marc.
So this year, instead of purchasing shoes we won’t wear, I’ve been focusing on the idea of “multi-use shoes.” Shoes that don’t just look good in a box, but actually carry us through the whole day without needing to stop and change them.
For me I knew I wanted a par of Foldable flats for days I need to dress up because they are simple lifesavers. You can toss them in your back pack and forget about them until our feet start hurting halfway through a museum trip or a long walk. I also thought about a pair of soft knit loafers that feel like slippers but still look put together enough for dinner out or a upscale event we needed to attend.
For me personally Sandals also matter more than people think. I just do not want a pair of flip flops or sandals that go between our toes. When walking around the Swimming Pool at the rec I don’t want to ruin good shoes or slip around. And the newer styles actually have better arch support than the old flat flip flops and sandals most of us used to live in.
Then you have the “dress it up without suffering” shoes. Low wedges, cushioned sandals, and block heels that give you just enough height to feel dressed up without the pain that usually comes after an hour of walking. Which I can’t wear because of my ankles. Can you?
But what I really want to focus on this year is how this connects to the whole family, because once you start thinking about Back to School you also start thinking about shoes and more than one pair always end up on that list whether we plan for it or not.
When purchasing shows for kids, the shoes need to be simple, durable, and easy for them to manage on their own. No complicated straps. No “I can’t get it on” moments in a parking lot. Nothing that they would be embarrassed to wear around there friends.
For boys, sporty sneakers are still the easiest win. Something like lightweight running-style shoes with good grip works for everything from airport days to running through theme parks. They’re the kind of shoes that can handle heat, sudden rain, and nonstop movement without falling apart halfway through the trip.
For girls, comfort sneakers or easy slip-on athletic shoes make life so much easier. You want something breathable, something that doesn’t require constant tying, and something they can wear with shorts, dresses, or even swimsuits as you celebrate the last days of Summer.
And honestly, the best kids’ back to school shoes are the ones that don’t become a daily argument. If they can put them on themselves and keep moving, that’s already a win. Especially if the shoes are on sale and don’t break the family budget. .
Older kids and young adults don’t want “kid shoes” anymore, but they still need something practical enough for walking, campus life, and weekend trips. This is where boots actually come into play. There’s a growing trend of lightweight casual boots that work for both style and function. They’re sturdy enough for walking across campus, but still polished enough for going out to eat or traveling without looking overly rugged.
A lot of young men, including Charlie’s age group, tend to lean toward boots that can handle multiple settings. Something that works for college life, part-time work, and travel days all in one. That is why Charlie would like to have Men’s Vegan Leather Dress Chelsea Boots.
Which is where brands like Bruno Marc fit into the conversation. They’ve built a reputation for shoes that look a little more polished than standard sneakers but still stay comfortable enough for long wear. Their styles often land right in that sweet spot between “dressed up” and “I can walk all day in this,” which is exactly what travel and college life both demand.
A good pair of boots or loafers in that category can honestly carry someone from summer trips straight into the school year without needing a full shoe overhaul in August. For my family the real goals is fewer shoes but smarter choices we all agree with. The more I plan for back to school for my nieces and nephews the more I realize the goal isn’t more options. It’s better ones.
A small rotation of shoes can do everything you need if you pick them right. One pair for walking. One pair for fun. One pair that can dress things up a little. And one flexible pair that fits into a bag just in case. That’s it. That’s the suitcase strategy. Everything else just becomes extra weight you end up carrying through airports, hotels, and parking lots.
This is also why I’m adding this straight into the back-to-school gift guide because shoes are one of those things that families end up buying twice if they don’t plan ahead. Once for summer,, then again right before school starts. But if you choose the right styles now, you don’t have to do both.
Kids can get shoes that work for summer fun and school. Teens and young adults get shoes that transition into campus life from work. And adults get shoes that don’t destroy their feet halfway through a work day. That’s the real win here.
Because summer and back to school shouldn’t feel like a packing puzzle every time you leave the house. It should feel simple. Comfortable. And a little bit lighter—starting from the ground up. I hope you check out Bruno Marc for all of your shoe needs.
Charlie and I picked out Boys’ Plain-Toe Oxford Dress Shoes because they look like the shoes my dad bought Charlie when he was in school that Charlie called his dancing shoes. This way Charlie can share the story of his grandpa with Lily and Jason. Even though were not going skiing Charlie picked out Kid’s Insulated Waterproof Snow Boots for Lily because she loves boots and pink and these cover both.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
