As an Australian expat living in London and working in the travel industry, I’m no stranger to a very long and uncomfortable flight. From my travels, I can report that Seoul Airport is without a doubt the nicest airport in the world (yes, better than Singapore), the layover times at Doha Airport are never long enough, and Qantas is the best airline when it comes to free in-flight snacks. I know now that avoiding your reflection in the plane’s bathroom mirror is an act of self-care, packing cubes in your hand luggage is essential and brushing your teeth before landing will always make you feel better.
I have also found that what you wear on a long flight can make or break the experience. Jeans have no place on a 10-hour journey. And trainers, while comfortable, are not very practical – see: bending down to tie laces while sitting in a cramped economy seat. Instead, I’ve always sworn by an easy loafer or ballet flat to wear on a flight, that is until I discovered the trending Tasman slipper from UGG.
Sophie Knight
Sophie Knight
If you’re not one to endlessly scroll on Instagram, you may not have noticed that the UGGs of the early 2000s era – think Sienna Miller wearing them with a short skirt at Glastonbury – are shockingly back. Instead of the mid-calf sheepskin trimmed styles of yesteryear, though, the new UGG sits either just below or just above the ankle and has been spotted on an array of jet-setting celebrities, including Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid and Shanina Shaik.
Of the new-gen Uggs, it’s the Tasman slipper that caught my eye. The below-ankle unisex style is ideal for wearing on a flight – easy to slip off but sturdy enough to walk or, as I found when late for a flight in Geneva, even run in. The tread on the sole is impressive too. Unlike ballet flats that can be slippery, I’ve worn them outside on snow-covered streets and lived to tell the tale. The other element I really like about this style is the seasonal versatility – wear them with socks to the airport in the UK and then remove the socks when you land in, say, Thailand or the Caribbean.
Sophie Knight
More than anything though, they are incredibly comfortable. Possibly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. The soft, shearling-lined style gives your feet a nice warm hug while remaining incredibly lightweight. The shoes are not just great for wearing on a flight but also for slipping on to head to breakfast at the hotel, or popping out to get a coffee.
Pros:
- Easy to slip off
- No metal details or thick soles so can be worn through security
- Can be worn with or without socks
- Available in men’s, women’s and unisex styles
Cons:
- Suede exterior can stain
- Not waterproof – although you can buy a spray protector
- Sells out quickly
- Not suitable for long walks or difficult terrain
