Okay, hear me out: when I packed for Mexico, I was not thinking about practical footwear. I mean, you don’t say, “Oh, I’m off to explore ancient ruins, charming cobblestone streets, and sandy beaches—better bring my most impractical kicks!” But then again, I’m me, and when I spotted my pink Dunk shoes sitting in my closet like little neon beacons of fun, I couldn’t not bring them.
Fast-forward to me at the airport, already regretting my life choices. They looked adorable with my travel ‘fit—white wide-leg pants, cropped denim jacket—but breaking them in on a travel day? Rookie mistake. By the time I landed in Cancún, my feet were silently begging for mercy. But I had no regrets. (Well, maybe a little. But mostly no.)
Day One: The Ruins and the Shoes That Weren’t Built for History
We started the trip with a tour of Tulum’s famous Mayan ruins. If you’ve never been, imagine towering stone structures perched dramatically over crystal-clear waters, with enough humidity to make your hair question its entire existence. It’s breathtaking, but also… a workout. My tour guide said the Mayans walked everywhere, which was inspiring until I remembered I was doing this in my pink Dunks.
Halfway through the tour, a little boy pointed at my shoes and said, “¡Zapatos rosados!” (Pink shoes!) He wasn’t wrong. My Dunks were now dust-covered but still somehow gleaming like a beacon of misplaced priorities. His mom smiled at me in that way moms do when they think you’re a little ridiculous but charming.
Let’s just say by the end of the day, I felt like I’d accidentally signed up for a fitness bootcamp in pastel sneakers. But the shoes? They still looked cute in every single Instagram photo, so who’s the real winner here? (Spoiler: not my arches.)
Day Two: From the Market to the Margaritas
The next day, we hit up a local market in Playa del Carmen. If you’ve never navigated a crowded Mexican market in Dunks, it’s basically an Olympic sport. Between dodging carts of fresh mangoes and saying, “No, gracias” to every single vendor offering tequila tastings, I was working up a sweat. But then, the shoes worked their magic.
At one stall, the vendor looked down at my feet and said, “¡Muy bonitas!” (Very pretty!) before launching into a story about how his niece loves bright pink shoes. I smiled, bought a handmade woven bag I absolutely didn’t need, and strutted away feeling like a fashion ambassador.
Later, as I sat sipping a mango margarita, I realized the Dunks had officially become part of my Mexican vibe. Sure, they weren’t ideal for cobblestones or long walks, but they were like the extroverted friend who makes everyone in the room smile—even if they’re slightly out of place.
Day Three: Beach Day Shenanigans (Because Why Not?)
You’d think I’d have learned my lesson by now and switched to sandals for our beach day. Nope. The pink Dunks made their sandy debut like the overachievers they are. I told myself they added a fun pop of color to my bikini-and-cover-up look, which was 100% true, but I also looked like someone who doesn’t understand how sand works.
At one point, a couple of teens on the beach asked where I got them. I said, “Nike,” like I’m some sort of sneakerhead (spoiler: I’m not), and they nodded approvingly before taking selfies. I low-key felt like a celebrity.
When I finally took them off to dip my toes in the water, I realized how ridiculous it all was—pink sneakers at the beach? Really? But hey, the heart wants what it wants, and mine apparently wanted Instagram-worthy footwear at all times.
Final Thoughts: Style Over Sanity?
By the end of the trip, my pink Dunk shoes were battered but still fabulous. I learned a lot: like how they’re not great for uneven terrain, and how they make you an instant conversation starter in a foreign country. I also learned that sometimes, fashion isn’t about practicality—it’s about fun. And honestly? These shoes brought a lot of fun.
Would I wear them on another tropical adventure? Probably not. But am I glad I did this time? Absolutely. If you’re thinking about bringing your favorite (but totally impractical) shoes on vacation, do it. Just don’t forget the blister bandaids. 😉
And if anyone’s wondering, yes, my pink Dunk shoes are back home now, resting up for their next great adventure. They’ve earned it.