As someone who spends a ridiculous amount of time living out of a backpack or suitcase, I’m always on the lookout for travel gear that actually earns its place. Space is precious, weight matters, and if something can’t survive airports, long walks, questionable hostel bathrooms and the occasional beach, it’s probably not coming with me.
So when Pollyfab offered to send me a pair of their Aero Pro shoes to try, I was intrigued.
At first glance, they’re unlike anything I’ve worn before. Rather than traditional trainers or sandals, the Aero Pro is made using 3D printing technology, creating a distinctive lattice design that makes the whole shoe incredibly lightweight and surprisingly flexible. They’re designed as an easy slip-on shoe for everyday wear, travel and holidays, and after spending some time wearing them, I can definitely see the appeal.
Impressively Lightweight
The first thing I noticed when I picked them up was just how little they weigh. They almost feel like you’re holding nothing at all.
For anyone who’s ever sat on a suitcase trying to force the zip closed before a flight, you’ll understand why this immediately caught my attention. Every gram counts when you’re travelling, and bulky footwear is often one of the biggest space thieves in your luggage.
These compress down surprisingly well, meaning they don’t dominate your suitcase in the way that trainers often do.
Comfortable From Day One
One thing I always worry about with new shoes is the dreaded breaking-in period.
Thankfully, these didn’t really need one.
The material is soft and flexible, so they felt comfortable straight away. The cushioning provides enough support for everyday walking, whether that’s wandering around a city, heading to the beach or simply popping out for coffee.
I also really liked the slip-on design. I’m forever taking shoes on and off in airports, accommodation and when visiting temples around Asia, so anything that saves me repeatedly tying laces is a small luxury I didn’t know I needed.
Perfect For Summer Travel
The open lattice design isn’t just for looks.
It allows plenty of airflow, which means your feet stay much cooler than they would in a conventional trainer. During hot summer days, that’s a surprisingly big advantage.
Because they’re also waterproof and quick-drying, I found myself thinking these would be ideal for beach holidays, campsites, poolside lounging or simply travelling somewhere with unpredictable weather. If they get wet, they dry remarkably quickly.
They’re also incredibly easy to clean. A quick rinse removes most dirt, which is always appreciated after travelling somewhere dusty or sandy.
A Different Look
I’ll admit that the design took me a little while to get used to.
They’re certainly not your traditional trainer, and they’re different enough that people notice them. But after wearing them for a while, I actually came to appreciate how unique they are. It’s refreshing to see a company trying something genuinely different instead of producing yet another identical white trainer.
Final Thoughts
Finding footwear that balances comfort, practicality and packability isn’t always easy, especially if you travel regularly.
The Pollyfab Aero Pro manages to tick a lot of those boxes. They’re lightweight, breathable, comfortable straight out of the box and easy to throw into a suitcase without sacrificing valuable luggage space.
Will they replace my hiking boots? Absolutely not.
But for city breaks, beach holidays, flights, campsites and those slower travel days where comfort matters more than anything else, I can definitely see myself reaching for them again.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual travel footwear, they’re certainly worth a look.
