As someone who travels frequently, I’ve learned the hard way just how important it is to have the right shoes and bags. I’ve been on countless trips where my feet have paid the price for ill-fitting shoes or where my bag simply couldn’t handle the demands of travel. Anothersole – the Singapore-born brand that has been known for their comfy leather shoes – probably heard the cries of many a traveller and decided to come up with the Travel Flats and Souffle Bag. I put both to the test to see if they deserve a permanent spot in my suitcase.
Ditch Your Heels and Go Flat
Photo © Anothersole
If there’s one thing that makes or breaks a trip, it’s your shoes. When I travel, I walk a lot, unlike when I am back in Singapore. And, a seasoned traveller would tell you that the pavements of other countries are certainly not smooth like those in Singapore, for example the cobblestone pathways that are so common in Europe. Now, as much as I love my heels, I have to ditch them when I travel and go for flats. But let’s be honest, I don’t want to sacrifice style either. This is where Anothersole’s Travel Flats come into play.
From the moment I slipped these on, the first thing I noticed was the buttery soft sheepskin leather. It feels like a gentle hug for your feet. I’ve had my fair share of stiff, uncomfortable flats that took weeks to break in, but with these, there was no need for a painful adjustment period. They were soft and flexible from the get-go, which is exactly what I want when travelling. Another plus is that the shoes are lined with sustainable cotton certified by non-profit organisation Better Cotton Initiative.
The flats are really lightweight too. Heavy shoes tend to tire me out after walking for some time. From my experience, a lot of the high-end designer shoes are gorgeous to look at but really heavy. They add weight to my feet, apart from adding weight to my luggage of course.
The footbed of the Travel Flats gives cushioning that makes long days of walking much more bearable. I’ve worn these for hours on end and my feet never once complained.
Effortless slip-on design is also something I look for in a pair of travel shoes. There’s nothing worse than faffing around with buckles or straps when you’re going through airport security. These flats go on in seconds, making them a perfect choice for anyone on the move. Plus, the minimalist design means they work with pretty much any outfit. I’ve paired them with jeans for a casual day out, with a skirt for a more polished look, and even with a dress for an evening out. They work.
Photo © Anothersole
Durability is a key attribute I need in my shoes too. I tend to be hard on my shoes, especially when travelling, but these flats have held up beautifully. The sheepskin leather is robust enough to withstand the rigours of travel, yet soft enough to stay comfortable. Whether I’m wearing them for a quick jaunt through a city or packing them for a longer trip, they remain in top-notch condition. At S$129.90, they’re not exactly cheap for a Singaporean brand but given that the shoes are made of leather, I think it might well be worth that little splurge.
The Anothersole Souffle Bag: Stylish and Practical
Now, let’s talk about bags. I’ve spent years hunting for the perfect travel bag, and while I’ve had a few good ones, none have ticked all the boxes.
Anothersole has come up with the Souffle Bag to be versatile for various uses. First off, this bag feels lovely to the touch. It’s made from the same buttery soft sheepskin leather as the Travel Flats, which not only looks luxurious but feels it too. The leather has a lovely texture that gives the bag a sophisticated yet casual vibe, making it a perfect choice whether I’m heading out for coffee or an event. The recycled suede lining is a lovely eco-friendly touch as well. I’m all for sustainable fashion, and knowing this bag is made with a bit of thought for the planet makes me appreciate it even more.
Photo © Anothersole
On most days, I tend to go for roomy tote bags. It’s just me; I carry a lot of things with me. But when I travel, I also bring along a small sling bag for nights when I want to travel light. The Souffle Bag fits the bill for that. It might be small but it could hold my phone, wallet, my hand sanitiser and lip balm, enough for me to survive a night out. There is also a small inner compartment that is perfect for keeping little things organised, so I’m not digging around for my things every time I need them.
Photo © Anothersole
The Souffle Bag’s versatile design means I can pair it with practically any outfit, and its neutral colour palette works with everything in my wardrobe. Whether I’m sightseeing during the day or heading out for a nice dinner, this bag is a perfect match.
At S$128, it’s priced competitively for a leather bag, especially one that’s so versatile and well-made. I’ve taken it with me several times now, and it’s quickly become my go-to for daily use. It’s not just a travel bag; it’s an everyday essential.
Final Takeaway
As someone who’s always on the move, finding reliable, stylish, and comfortable accessories is crucial. Anothersole’s Travel Flats and Souffle Bag have been a revelation. They’ve made my travels more comfortable, my packing lighter, and my outfits a little more polished. If you’re a frequent traveller like me, I recommend giving these a try. They’re a great combination of style and practicality, and they’ve earned their place in my travel essentials.
Visit Anothersole’s website for details on the Travel Flats and Souffle Bag.
