India, June 9 -- Ahead of a recent trip to Paris and Champagne, I agonized over which shoes to pack. The unpredictable early-summer weather called for cushioned sandals some days and ballet flats for others, plus a trusty pair of sneakers for morning runs and vineyard visits.

The four pairs I ended up packing served me well throughout my trip, enabling a wide variety of weather-appropriate outfit options that didn't require me to go back to my hotel to change between activities. Comfy walking sneakers, heeled sandals, padded Mary Janes, and chic ballet flats rounded out my Parisian-inspired capsule wardrobe, easily transitioning from day to night and keeping me comfortable during long days of exploring on foot. I swear by these four sty...