If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I absolutely love a pair of sneakers. One of my friends once joked that if you opened my closet, you’d just see a pile of white sneakers that all look identical to the naked eye (to which I responded, “but they’re all just so different!”). Do I have an amount of sneakers that might be considered embarrassing to the average gal? Sure, but we all have our vices, and I could have far worse ones than an affinity for a good sneaker… right?
If I had to look within and examine myself, I might say that my love of sneakers stems from my even deeper love of walking. If my destination is less than two miles away, I’m walking. The only thing that can stop me and my legs from flying through the streets is the occasional sub-zero Chicago winter day, but even that’s a rarity. (You can catch me with my snow boots and ear muffs stomping through the city in January). I love putting my headphones on and bopping around and getting my steps in, so it makes sense that my ideal vacation involves days of exploring the city I’m in by foot.
I recently took a last-minute trip to Spain, which included four days in Barcelona—and subsequently, a whoooole lot of walking. Every day, we woke up and headed out to explore around 9 a.m. and didn’t get back until around midnight, which equaled around 10 miles of walking every day. From Park Güell all the way down to Barcleoneta, we covered absolutely all we could in four days, and my feet came out of it blister-free and completely intact. Sorcery? No—just a really good pair of sneakers.
Somehow, Gola sneakers went under my radar for quite some time, despite being reasonably priced and right up my alley style-wise. I happened to pick up my first pair right before my trip, and my average expectations were blown out of the water the second I tried them on for the first time. Despite being sleek and minimal, their support and cushion-y sole was so comfortable, I might as well have just put on my geriatric-looking running sneakers. After one errand trip in them, I made the brave decision that they were going to be the only sneakers I packed for my upcoming trip abroad.
Despite the more dressed-up arsenal shoes I packed for my trip, given how much walking I was doing, I ended up reaching for my Golas every day to ensure I didn’t have any wardrobe crises. Not only were they chic and versatile enough to pair with my impeccably curated vacation wardrobe seamlessly, but they left my feet in near-pristine condition after 80,000 steps in four days.
Despite how many sneakers I own and love in my closet, besides my actual running shoes, I don’t think any could have stood up to what I put my Golas through in Spain. They married together comfort and style seamlessly, and the experience made me a fan for life. Whether you’re going on an upcoming trip or are just looking for your next favorite pair of sneakers, trust me: these are them.
Planning your next getaway? Find the best packing tips, destination inspiration, and plenty of ways to save $$$ in The Everygirl’s Ultimate Travel Guide.
READ: The Shoes That Are Replacing Our White Sneakers This Summer
Gola Sneaker FAQs
Are Gola sneakers comfortable?
As someone whose closet is overflowing with sneakers (seriously, it’s becoming a problem), I can confidently say Golas are some of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn. The first time I slipped them on, I was genuinely surprised by how supportive they felt—they have a cushioned sole that gives you a lot more comfort than you’d expect from such a sleek, retro-looking shoe. We walked roughly 80,000 steps over the course of the trip, and I never once dealt with blisters, sore arches, or that desperate feeling of wanting to change shoes halfway through the day. That’s not something I can say about most of the fashion sneakers I’ve owned.
Do Gola sneakers run true to size?
In my experience, yes. I ordered my usual size, and they fit perfectly right out of the box. They felt secure without being too tight, and I didn’t need any break-in period before taking them on vacation—which, looking back, was probably a risky move that completely paid off. If you’re between sizes or have especially wide feet, sizing up a half size could give you a little extra room, but I found them to fit exactly as expected.
Are Gola sneakers worth the money?
Absolutely. Considering the quality, comfort, and versatility, I think they are a great buy that I would recommend to anyone.
Can you wear Gola sneakers all day?
Without question. I basically put them through the ultimate stress test and every night I kept expecting the soreness to catch up with me, but it never did. They stayed comfortable from the moment I put them on in the morning until we finally made it back to the hotel.
Are Gola sneakers good for walking?
This is honestly where they impressed me the most. Before my trip, I assumed I’d alternate between a few different pairs of shoes depending on how my feet felt. Instead, I reached for my Golas every single day. We spent nearly 10 hours a day exploring Barcelona on foot, from wandering neighborhoods to climbing hills and sightseeing, and they handled it all without making my feet ache. If your vacations tend to revolve around walking instead of sitting by the pool, these are the shoes I’d pack.
How do you clean Gola sneakers?
I treat mine the same way I do all of my favorite sneakers: a soft brush or damp cloth with a little mild soap is usually enough to remove dirt and keep them looking fresh. I let them air dry and avoid tossing them in the washing machine, which helps preserve the shape and materials.
Want more travel essentials and tips? You’ll love these:
- I Just Traveled to Europe for 10 Days: Here’s How I Fit Everything in a Carry-On
- I’m a Fashion Editor Who’s Constantly Traveling—These Are My Best Packing Tips
- These 6 Outfits Are the Secret To Staying Comfortably Chic on Travel Days
- The Travel Essentials Our Editors Swear By
Madeline Galassi, Former Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline Galassi is the former Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor at The Everygirl. She led the site’s fashion and beauty coverage, including trend reports, shopping roundups, and celebrity style. A trend expert with an eye for the latest must-have products and up-and-coming brands, Madeline stayed on the pulse of what was next to make sure readers were always in the know.
We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that’s unforgettable—not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We rounded up our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl’s Ultimate Guide to Travel, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
