5 Types Of Shoes You Need To Own In Alaska

I learned exactly what shoes I had to keep to survive in Alaska and let's just say the sandals got cut. So if you are hoping to visit Alaska, or have recently moved up to the land of the midnight sun and are looking for some shoe guidance, here are the five types of shoes every Alaskan should own.

I don’t consider myself a high maintenance kind of person, but if I do overindulge in one item, it is shoes. So when my husband asked me to downsize my collection for our new place, I had a hard time. I mean everyone needs 6 pairs of black sandals right? As painful as that process was, I learned exactly what shoes I had to keep to survive in Alaska and let’s just say the sandals got cut. So if you are hoping to visit Alaska, or have recently moved up to the land of the midnight sun and are looking for some shoe guidance, here are the five types of shoes every Alaskan should own.

1. Xtra Tuffs

If you don’t know what Xtra tuffs are, you are probably not from Alaska, nor have you ever visited here. That’s how popular these particular rain boots are in Alaska. Listen, Alaska is a beautiful state and I think everyone should experience being here, but this isn’t California… it rains here. And even when it’s not rainy, it’s often not 85 degrees outside. These shoes are the go-to mucking about shoes. You wear them when it’s cloudy, rainy, muddy, or just a bit chilly. Maybe it’s our state’s strong fishing background, but rain boots are an absolute must in my book.

2. Winter Boots

Listen, I know most people don’t come up here for the long dark winters, but sometimes you have to face facts; if you are here anytime between November and April, you will need winter boots. They don’t need to be 10-pound hideous clunkers, but they do need to be warm and comfortable. You will probably reach for these shoes more in the winter months than any other pair, so consider spending a little extra money to get ones you actually like.

3. Active Shoes

You may be a city girl where you are from, but if you are spending time in Alaska, you are going to need outdoorsy shoes. We are a state full of adventure seekers. Hiking, biking, running, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, you name it, and Alaskans do it. You don’t need top of the line hiking boots, but you should have a pair of good quality active shoes in your suitcase if you are coming here in the summer. Alaska has so much to offer off the beaten path, so don’t let your shoes hold you back.

4. Sandals

Despite what people think, Alaska does have a summer and it can get pretty warm. When June and July hit, you don’t want to be stuck in your sneakers at the lake. Even if you are only coming for a couple weeks in summer, sandals should be on your list of things to pack. That being said, our summers are short… one pair will do just fine.

5. Closed toed Go-to’s

My final advice is to know yourself. If you are a sneakers kind of girl, bring a pair, if you are more of a bootie girl, bring one of your favorite pairs. Have a pair of closed-toed, yes they need to be closed toed, shoes that you know you can wear with almost anything. These are the types of shoes you get to wear on the in-between days, where it’s not a blizzard outside, but it’s also not sunny and 70 degrees. For me, these are my black short heeled booties, but they can be whatever style your heart desires.