Of all the essentials you pack for a trip, comfortable walking shoes are paramount. Imagine exploring a new city, only to be sidelined by blisters or foot pain. Instead of focusing on the sights, you’re preoccupied with discomfort, or worse, cutting your day short to find relief back at your hotel. At Family Circle Travel, we understand this firsthand. Our team is constantly searching for the Best Travel Footwear to ensure your journeys are enjoyable from start to finish. We’ve personally tested countless shoes across diverse destinations and travel scenarios, and we’re excited to share our top recommendations with you.
This guide features a variety of styles to suit different needs and preferences, including versatile sneakers, durable boots, breezy sandals, and elegant flats. Whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets, hiking scenic trails, or attending evening events, the right footwear can make all the difference.
Browse our curated selection below, or jump directly to the shoe category that interests you most:
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Footwear
Our Testing Process
Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and real-world travel experiences. Some of the shoes featured are long-time favorites of our editors, worn for years on personal trips. Others have been specifically evaluated for this article. Every shoe on this list has been worn by an editor multiple times, at a minimum, and has proven to be comfortable for all-day wear. We prioritize footwear that can withstand the demands of travel, keeping your feet happy and supported mile after mile.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
Choosing the best travel footwear involves more than just picking a stylish pair. Think about practicality and versatility. You need shoes that are cushioned, supportive, and adaptable to various situations, as luggage space is often limited. Consider your typical travel wardrobe. Neutral-colored shoes like black, white, or brown offer maximum versatility, complementing a wide range of outfits. However, if your wardrobe is primarily neutral, a pop of color in your footwear can add personality to your travel style.
Also, consider your itinerary and the climate of your destination. For rainy locations or outdoor adventures, closed-toe sneakers or boots are more suitable than sandals or flats. Beach destinations might call for water-friendly sandals like Tevas. Matching your footwear to your planned activities and environment is crucial for both comfort and practicality.
Top Picks for Best Travel Footwear
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Boots for Travel
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Platform Chelsea Boots
Susie Plotkin, from Condé Nast’s global email team, raves about these platform boots, calling them “the perfect shoe.” With over three years of travel under their belt, these boots have accompanied her everywhere. “From sightseeing in Zurich to 12-hour walks in Venice and everyday wear in Brooklyn, they are incredibly versatile. They are a bit substantial, but exceptionally comfortable and easy to slip on and off.” These boots combine style and practicality, making them ideal best travel footwear for cooler climates and urban exploration.
Key features: Pull-on style, cemented sole
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Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots
Megan Spurrell, Associate Articles Director, favors Vagabond’s lug sole boots, recommending a wider toe style for ultimate walking comfort. Ideal for city trips, these Chelsea boots have a robust build, making them perfect for wearing through airport security to save suitcase space. Their durability and style make them excellent best travel footwear for urban environments.
Key features: Pull-on style, leather upper, solid traction
Casual Sneakers for Travel
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Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
The Adidas Samba, a classic since 1950, has recently experienced a resurgence in street style popularity. Editorial assistant Kat Chen wholeheartedly recommends them: “They are my absolute favorite. I’ve worn them for years, even a pair for a decade until they wore out. These shoes have been with me through so much.” Their timeless design and comfort make them excellent best travel footwear for everyday exploration.
Key features: Lace-up closure, leather upper, rubber outsole, half sizes available
$100 at Adidas (women’s sizes)
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Kizik Milan Sneakers
Commerce writer Paris Wilson is a new convert to Kizik sneakers, praising their hands-free design and stylish look. “This is my first pair, but definitely not my last.” The slip-on design is ideal for travelers of all ages, especially those seeking convenience and ease. “The Milan has a cool retro vibe. I have the Naval Academy color, which is so versatile. I chose nylon for breathability in summer, but I’m planning to get a leather pair for cooler weather. I’ve worn them all over New York City, New Jersey, and Maine, and my feet have been happy thanks to the cushioned insoles.” These innovative sneakers are excellent best travel footwear for those prioritizing ease and comfort.
Key features: Half sizes, narrow fit, removable insoles, foam midsole
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. “These sneakers are both stylish and incredibly comfortable. I’ve had mine for three years, and they’ve been perfect for weekend trips to Boston, airport travel, and my daily commute. They’re the ideal balance of sporty and chic, comfortable for hours of walking, and the neutral color goes with everything. They’re my most worn shoe, besides my classic white sneakers. Bonus: they’ve stayed surprisingly clean despite not being babied!” These versatile sneakers are excellent best travel footwear for everyday comfort and style.
Key features: Half and wide sizes, suede and mesh upper
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Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
The Adidas Stan Smith, evolving from tennis shoe to streetwear icon, is a staple in many Traveler editors’ closets for good reason: unmatched comfort. For short trips with limited packing space, these are ideal. They handle sightseeing, light hikes, airport security with ease, and maintain a chic aesthetic without sacrificing comfort. Associate editor Matt Ortile has worn them for at least eight years. “I buy a new pair every 1.5 years, rotating between similar pairs.” His travels with Stan Smiths include Paris, AlUla in Saudi Arabia, and Palau. These classic sneakers are essential best travel footwear for their versatility and lasting comfort.
Key features: Half sizes, lace-up, OrthoLite liner
$100 at Adidas (women’s sizes)
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star Low Top Sneakers
Recommended by Brie Schwartz, commerce director at Glamour and Teen Vogue, this playful Converse spin adds fun to travel days. Lightweight canvas and a vulcanized rubber sole provide comfort and traction. Schwartz recently wore them on a trip to Disney. These stylish sneakers are fun best travel footwear option for casual travel.
Key features: Lightweight canvas upper, vulcanized rubber sole
Athletic Shoes for Travel
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Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Hoka sneakers truly live up to the hype, according to Kenny. “I got these Clifton 9s for light runs and workouts, but they’ve become my go-to walking shoes. The thick sole looks bulky but is incredibly comfortable and surprisingly lightweight. They even fit in my weekender bag’s shoe compartment without weighing it down. I’ve worn them hiking in the Poconos, shopping in Montauk, and moving apartments – all 10,000+ step days. Supportive, comfortable, and versatile, they are a must-pack for any trip.” These high-performance sneakers are top-tier best travel footwear for active travelers.
Key features: Half and wide sizes, Gore-Tex option, recycled laces
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Salomon Speedcross 6 Sneakers
Associate editor Charlie Hobbs wears Salomon Speedcross 6 everywhere: “Gym, park, even raves – I forget I own other shoes. No laces, just pull a cord to tighten. They’re so comfortable and easy.” These sporty sneakers are incredibly convenient best travel footwear for active lifestyles.
Key features: Half and wide sizes, Gore-Tex option, 10.5 oz weight
Hoka Kawana Sneakers
Hoka’s popularity extends beyond running circles, as seen by senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle of Glamour. “I wore these Kawana sneakers in San Antonio last year, and they were a lifesaver. I did tons of walking in the Texas heat and these sneakers were incredibly bouncy and breathable. My feet never felt tired or sweaty.” These breathable sneakers are excellent best travel footwear for warm climates and extensive walking.
Key features: Half sizes, heel pull tab, 8.9 oz weight
On Cloudmonster Sneakers
Also recommended by Calle, On Cloudmonster sneakers boast maximum cushioning with CloudTec technology, reducing muscle fatigue and maximizing energy return. “I’m not a runner, but I enjoy a three-mile jog in Liberty State Park. I tried On shoes last year, and I was amazed by the relief my feet felt while running compared to my old Nikes. The rocker bottoms feel like they propel me forward. I’m never going back to minimalist sneakers.” These high-cushion sneakers are premium best travel footwear for active days and light workouts.
Key features: Half sizes, max cushioning, energy return design
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
The Merrell Moab is renowned as the world’s most popular hiking shoe, with over 25 million pairs sold. Flager tested the third-generation model in Iceland: “They performed well on moderate hikes and city walks on wet roads. Great traction, comfortable fit, and compact for packing – I see why they’re so popular.” Jake Smith from Glamour also loves them as walking shoes: “I’ve worn them for four years, and while they’re great for hiking, I really love them for everyday walking.” These durable hiking shoes are reliable best travel footwear for varied terrains.
Key features: Half and wide sizes, rugged trails, protective toe cap
$120 $84 at Merrell (men’s sizes)
$120 $84 at Merrell (women’s sizes)
Slip-On Shoes for Travel
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes
Emma McDonald from Condé Nast’s digital marketing team recommends Kane Revive recovery shoes. “I’ve had them a year and wear them at my standing desk and for errands.” Made from Brazilian sugarcane, these cushioned shoes feature footbed nodes designed to stimulate blood flow. These recovery slip-ons are supportive best travel footwear for relaxed days and post-activity comfort.
Key features: Quick-drying, easy to clean, grippy soles
SeaVees Bodega Clogs
Glamour’s commerce editor Malia Griggs is a fan of SeaVees clogs. “I thought they’d be just rain boots, but I wear them all the time. Easy to slip on, comfy, and perfect for drizzly days in the city. I brought them to the North Carolina mountains this summer – great plane shoes and durable for light trails. The backing keeps them secure while walking.” These versatile clogs are practical best travel footwear for varied weather and casual outings.
Key features: Memory foam footbed, recycled materials
Sabah Slip-Ons
Articles director Lale Arikoglu highly recommends Sabah slip-ons, calling them “a permanent fixture on my packing list.” Available in many colors and materials, they are handcrafted in Gaziantep. “They mold to my feet like a glove with wear, feeling custom-made.” These stylish slip-ons are luxurious best travel footwear for everyday elegance and comfort.
Key features: Handmade, soft leather lining, replaceable outsole
Sandals for Travel
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Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
Former Traveler editor Sarah Ratner recommends classic Birkenstock Arizona sandals for extended wear. The suede-covered cork-latex footbed molds to your feet over time. Available in many colors and widths, they are versatile for various outfits. Lale Arikoglu also endorses Birkenstocks: “I walked 10 miles in Barcelona in them with no rubbing.” These iconic sandals are reliable best travel footwear for warm weather comfort.
Key features: Cork-latex footbed, adjustable straps
Teva Universal Trail Sandals
Tevas inspire lifelong loyalty. Ideal for light hikes, sightseeing, and water activities, they are incredibly versatile. “I’ve worn them on Arizona hikes, Israel sightseeing, Austin reservoirs, and El Salvador trips,” says the author. “The Trail sandals offer more arch support than the classic style, making them even more comfortable for cities and trails. I’ve had mine for five years and never gotten a blister.” These durable sandals are essential best travel footwear for adventure and warm weather.
Key features: Adjustable straps, waterproof, grippy outsoles, recycled materials
Teva Midform Universal Sandals
Another favorite of Spurrell, these Tevas are slightly less rugged than the Trail sandals but still comfortable for all-day wear. “I wear them to the beach, for bike rides, walks, and dinners in New York – they are so versatile,” says Spurrell. These platform sandals are versatile best travel footwear for everyday comfort and style in warmer climates.
Key features: 1.25″ platform, quick-dry, rubber outsole
Flats for Travel
Rothy’s The Point II Flats
While Rothy’s offers classic ballet flats, The Point Flat offers a more refined aesthetic. Available in numerous colors, there’s a shade for every traveler. Made from recycled plastic with minimal waste production, Rothy’s shoes are eco-conscious. The Point flats have been redesigned for enhanced comfort with a cushioned insole and wider toebox. Travel writer Terry Ward praises Rothy’s flats: “They elevate any outfit, pack flat, and hold their shape. Worth the investment – mine have lasted for years.” These chic flats are elegant best travel footwear for travel days and evenings.
Key features: Machine washable, removable insole, recycled materials
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
