What's something that every mission has in common? Shoes! No matter where you serve, you'll need to bring some good shoes. Whether you'll be riding buses through the busy streets of Chicago, or walking the dirt roads of Uganda, you'll want to pack shoes that'll get you where you need to go.
A few simple features make a good shoe. Start with arch support. Have you ever spent an entire day walking around in your Converse or flip flops? Then you know the pain that can result from zero arch support. Since missions require you to be on your feet almost constantly, you'll want shoes that support your arches to reduce pain. Good arch support keeps your spine aligned, which means less back, hip, knee, and foot pain.
Next, look for durability. Shoes with thick soles and good material will last longer, and you play a role in how long they last. Rotate the shoes you wear and care for the material, such as by conditioning leather shoes. That will help guarantee that your shoes survive 10 miles (give or take) every day for 18-24 months.
Lastly, no one wants to walk in an uncomfortable shoe. I made the mistake of only bringing shoes I thought were cute when I served. I got lucky because of Covid, and I didn't walk as much as some. But when I did walk, I paid the price. I promise you won't regret buying the comfortable, ugly shoe over the uncomfortable, stylish one. Comfort is harder to define, so make sure you try shoes on and walk around the room a little. If it's comfortable for you, then that's one you should consider.
Here are a few recommendations from Missionary Mall to help you get started!
For an everyday shoe, try our Dansko Fawna, Dansko Rowan, and Naot Catania. These cute Mary Jane-style shoes are made of durable materials and designed to match the shape of your foot for support.
Elders, consider our Robbins & Brooks Hinckley shoes. Designed to feel like running shoes without laces, they're comfortable and stylish. They last those 2 years and more (my husband's have lasted him for almost 4 years!), and they're waterproof!
If you're heading somewhere warm where sandals are allowed, try some Dansko Jolenes. These cute sandals are built for comfort, with some arch support and durable leather and rubber.
Called to a mission with snow? Then check out the Cougar Shani. These boots are completely waterproof, and they're meant for -11ºF/-24ºC. They also have anti-slip soles (important if you don't want to sprain your ankle on the ice like I did in Minnesota) and a molded foam footbed for extra comfort.
For the Elders, we have Tactical Research Boots. These boots are meant to withstand harsh conditions, and are also waterproof. They'll help keep your foot and ankle supported through snow and ice.
If your mission has a wet season, consider some Dansko Daisies. These booties are completely waterproof, and they have Dansko Natural Arch® technology to keep your feet healthy and supported.
Of course, these aren't our only options. Feel free to browse our website or (even better) come to one of our stores and try some on! Whatever shoes you choose to wear, just remember: "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)