When preparing for a trip, your packing list likely includes essentials like clothing, toiletries, and travel documents. However, one item often underestimated but crucial for an enjoyable travel experience is a pair of Good Walking Shoes For Travel. Imagine exploring a new city, captivated by its sights and sounds, only to be constantly distracted by aching feet or developing blisters. The right travel shoes can make all the difference, turning potential foot fatigue into comfortable exploration.
Travel editors, who are constantly on the move, understand the importance of comfortable and practical footwear. They’ve personally tested countless pairs of shoes across various destinations and travel scenarios. This guide compiles their top recommendations for good walking shoes for travel, ensuring your feet are happy, no matter where your adventures take you. We’ve curated a diverse selection, featuring everything from versatile sneakers to supportive boots, breezy sandals, and elegant flats, to cater to every traveler’s style and trip itinerary.
Scroll on to discover the best walking shoes for your next journey, or jump directly to the category that suits your needs:
FAQ: Choosing the Right Walking Shoes
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s address some frequently asked questions about selecting good walking shoes for travel.
How are these shoes tested?
The shoes featured in this guide are not just randomly selected; they are rigorously tested. Many are shoes that travel editors have relied on for years in their personal travels. Others are specifically tested for articles like this one. Each shoe has been worn by an editor multiple times, at a minimum, and must meet the essential criterion: all-day comfort. These are shoes designed to keep your feet comfortable even after hours of walking and exploration.
What factors should you consider before buying?
Choosing the perfect good walking shoes for travel involves considering several key factors to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Comfort and Support: Prioritize cushioning and support. Look for shoes with good arch support and ample cushioning to absorb impact and reduce foot fatigue during long walks.
Versatility: Travel packing often requires minimizing luggage. Opt for versatile shoes that can transition seamlessly from sightseeing to casual dinners. Think about shoes that can be paired with multiple outfits and suitable for various terrains.
Style: While comfort is paramount, style is also important. Choose a style that aligns with your personal aesthetic and travel wardrobe. Consider neutral colors like black, white, or brown for maximum versatility, or opt for a pop of color if your wardrobe is more subdued.
Activity and Climate: Consider the activities you’ll be engaging in and the climate of your destination. For rainy destinations, closed-toe sneakers or waterproof boots are more practical than sandals or flats. Beach trips might call for water-friendly sandals like Tevas. If you plan on hiking, consider trail-ready athletic shoes or hiking boots.
Packability: Think about how easily the shoes will pack in your luggage. Bulky boots might take up more space than lightweight sneakers or flats.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your choices and find the best walking shoes for travel that will keep your feet comfortable and happy throughout your adventures.
Top Picks for Good Walking Shoes for Travel
Now, let’s explore the top recommendations for good walking shoes for travel, categorized by style:
Boots
Boots offer excellent ankle support and protection, making them ideal for cooler climates or destinations with uneven terrain.
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming platform Chelsea boots
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Platform Chelsea Boots: These platform Chelsea boots are lauded as “the perfect shoe” by Susie Plotkin from Condé Nast. Having owned them for over three years, she’s taken them everywhere from European cityscapes to bustling Brooklyn streets. Despite their slightly heavier feel, they offer exceptional comfort for long days of sightseeing, and their pull-on design makes them incredibly convenient.
Key features: Pull-on style, cemented sole for durability.
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots: Megan Spurrell, Associate Articles Director, recommends Vagabond’s lug sole boots, specifically suggesting styles with a wider toe box for enhanced comfort during extensive walking. Ideal for city explorations, these Chelsea boots are substantial enough to wear through airport security, saving valuable suitcase space.
Key features: Pull-on design, leather upper, robust traction for city streets.
Casual Sneakers
Casual sneakers are incredibly versatile and comfortable, making them a fantastic choice for everyday travel wear.
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers: A classic since 1950, Adidas Sambas are experiencing a major resurgence. Editorial assistant Kat Chen highly recommends them as her “ride or die” shoes. She’s worn pairs for a decade, highlighting their durability and timeless style. These sneakers are perfect for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and retro cool.
Key features: Lace-up closure, leather upper, rubber outsole, available in half sizes.
Kizik Milan Sneakers: Commerce writer Paris Wilson is a new convert to Kizik sneakers, praising their hands-free design. The Milan combines the look of a sneaker with the ease of a slip-on, ideal for travelers who value convenience. The chunky retro design and ultra-cushioned insoles make them stylish and comfortable for all-day wear in cities or on light trails.
Key features: Hands-free slip-on design, removable insoles, foam midsole, available in half sizes and nylon or leather uppers.
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: New Balance sneakers are back in a big way, and the 574 Core is a favorite of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. She describes them as “just as comfortable as they are cool,” perfect for city explorations, airport travel, and daily commutes. Their neutral shade ensures they complement a wide range of travel outfits.
Key features: Suede and mesh upper, available in half and wide sizes.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers: A true streetwear classic, the Adidas Stan Smith is a staple in many travel editors’ wardrobes. Associate editor Matt Ortile has worn them for eight years, rotating between pairs. Their comfort and versatility make them ideal for everything from sightseeing in Paris to exploring ancient sites or even light hikes.
Key features: Lace-up closure, OrthoLite liner for temperature regulation, available in half sizes.
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low stop sneaker
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star Low Top Sneakers: Recommended by Brie Schwartz, Commerce Director at Glamour and Teen Vogue, these playful Converse sneakers add a touch of fun to your travel attire. Lightweight and comfortable, they are perfect for casual sightseeing and travel days, as Brie recently wore them on a trip to Disney.
Key features: Lightweight canvas upper, vulcanized rubber sole for traction.
Athletic Shoes
For active travelers or those seeking maximum comfort and support, athletic shoes are an excellent choice.
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers: Hoka sneakers live up to the hype, according to Meaghan Kenny. The Clifton 9, initially intended for running and workouts, has become her go-to walking shoe. Despite their thick sole, they are surprisingly lightweight and provide exceptional cushioning for hours of walking, making them perfect for trips involving extensive sightseeing or light hikes.
Key features: Thick cushioned sole, lightweight design, available in half and wide sizes, Gore-Tex option available.
Salomon Speedcross 6: Associate editor Charlie Hobbs wears Salomon Speedcross 6 shoes everywhere, praising their comfort and convenience. The quick-lace system eliminates the need for tying, and their exceptional comfort makes them ideal for active travel, from gym sessions to park strolls and even outdoor events.
Key features: Quick-lace system, available in half and wide sizes, Gore-Tex option available, lightweight.
Hoka Kawana Sneakers: Seen frequently in fitness classes and marathons, Hoka is a trusted brand for comfort. Glamour‘s Senior Commerce Editor Jenifer Calle recommends the Kawana style, highlighting their breathability and bouncy cushioning. Perfect for warm climates and extensive walking, these sneakers kept her feet comfortable and sweat-free during a trip to San Antonio.
Key features: Breathable design, bouncy cushioning, pull tab at heel, available in half sizes.
On Cloudmonster Sneakers: Also recommended by Jenifer Calle, On Cloudmonster sneakers boast maximum cushioning and energy return thanks to the brand’s largest CloudTec layer. While not a runner, Calle appreciates the relief and extra push these sneakers provide, making them ideal for travelers who enjoy jogging or long walks and prioritize superior cushioning.
Key features: Maximum cushioning, designed for energy return, rocker bottom, available in half sizes.
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes: Known as the world’s most popular hiking shoe, the Merrell Moab 3 is praised for its versatility and comfort. Tested in Iceland by a Traveler editor, they performed well on both moderate hikes and city walks. Commerce writer Jake Smith from Glamour also loves them as walking shoes, highlighting their great traction and comfortable fit.
Key features: Rugged trail-ready design, protective toe cap, available in half and wide sizes.
Slip-Ons
Slip-on shoes offer unparalleled convenience and comfort, perfect for travel days and casual outings.
Kane Revive active recovery shoe
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes: Recommended by Emma McDonald from Condé Nast’s digital marketing team, Kane Revive recovery shoes are designed for all-day comfort. Made from Brazilian sugarcane with raised footbed nodes, they promote blood flow and are perfect for standing desks, errands, and travel days where comfort is key.
Key features: Cushioning for recovery, quick-drying, easy to clean, grippy soles.
SeaVees Bodega Clogs: Glamour‘s commerce editor Malia Griggs is a fan of SeaVees Bodega clogs. Initially thinking they were just rain boots, she wears them constantly for their slip-on ease, comfort, and waterproof practicality. They are excellent plane shoes and durable enough for light trails, making them versatile travel companions.
Key features: Waterproof, memory foam footbed, partially made with recycled materials.
Sabah Slip-Ons: Articles director Lale Arikoglu considers Sabah slip-ons a “permanent fixture” on her packing list. Handmade in dozens of colors from soft leather or suede, they mold to your feet over time for a custom fit. These stylish slip-ons are perfect for travelers seeking comfort and handcrafted quality.
Key features: Handmade, soft leather lining, replaceable rubber outsole.
Sandals
Sandals are essential for warm weather travel, offering breathability and comfort in hot climates.
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks: Former Traveler editor Sarah Ratner swears by Birkenstocks for comfortable sandals. The suede-covered cork-latex footbed molds to your feet over time, and the Arizona slides come in various colors and widths. Lale Arikoglu also endorses Birkenstocks, having walked 10 miles in Barcelona in them without any discomfort.
Key features: Cork-latex footbed, adjustable straps, customizable fit with regular and narrow sizes.
Teva Universal Trail Sandals: Tevas are known for their durability and comfort. These trail sandals offer more arch support than the classic style and have been tested on hikes, city sightseeing, and water activities. A Traveler editor has worn them for five years without ever getting a blister, highlighting their exceptional comfort for walking.
Key features: Adjustable straps, waterproof, grippy outsoles, made with recycled materials.
Teva Midform Universal Sandals: Another Teva favorite, the Midform Universal sandals are slightly less rugged than the Trail version but still provide all-day comfort. Megan Spurrell has worn them for years to the beach, bike rides, city walks, and dinners, proving their versatility for various travel scenarios.
Key features: 1.25″ platform, quick-dry material, rubber outsole for traction.
Flats
Flats offer a more polished look while still being comfortable for walking, ideal for city trips and evenings out.
Rothy’s The Point II Flats: While Rothy’s also makes classic ballet flats, The Point Flat offers a more sophisticated silhouette. Available in a wide array of colors, these flats are made from recycled plastic and are machine washable. Travel writer Terry Ward praises their ability to instantly elevate any outfit, pack easily, and maintain their shape, highlighting their durability and value.
Key features: Machine washable, removable cushioned insole, made of recycled materials.
Conclusion: Step into Comfort on Your Travels
Choosing the right good walking shoes for travel is an investment in your overall trip experience. Comfortable feet mean more enjoyable explorations, fewer distractions, and the ability to fully immerse yourself in your destination. Whether you prefer the support of boots, the versatility of sneakers, the ease of slip-ons, the breathability of sandals, or the elegance of flats, this guide offers a diverse range of editor-approved options. Select a pair of good walking shoes for travel that match your style, itinerary, and comfort needs, and get ready to explore the world, one comfortable step at a time.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
