Choosing the right travel shoes is crucial for any trip, ensuring comfort and support for all-day exploration. Whether navigating city streets or hiking scenic trails, the perfect travel shoes can make all the difference. This guide reviews top walking shoes that are also excellent choices as the Best Travel Shoes For Men, focusing on comfort, support, and versatility for your travel needs.
Top Pick for Travel: Altra Experience Flow
altra experience flow
The Altra Experience Flow stands out as an exceptional travel shoe due to its lightweight design and all-day comfort. After rigorous testing involving over 12 hours of daily wear, these shoes quickly became a favorite. The compression-molded EVA foam midsole provides ample support and cushioning, ideal for long days of sightseeing. Strategically placed rubber on the sole enhances durability in high-wear areas, making them suitable for diverse terrains from city pavements to natural trails. Testers were impressed with their performance across various surfaces, including gravel, concrete, and tile. The engineered mesh upper is both durable and breathable, adapting to your foot for maximum comfort and ventilation, essential for travel in varying climates. Padded tongue and heel cup create a snug, comfortable fit, preventing blisters and hot spots, while the simple and fast lacing system with reinforced eyelets ensures lasting wear. True to size and requiring no break-in period, the Experience Flow offers immediate comfort. One tester highlighted, “These are among the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, thanks to their balance of cushion and stability. I appreciate the room for my toes to spread out naturally as I walk.” Lab analysis confirmed a 31mm heel stack with a 4mm drop, promoting a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
The spacious toe box, measuring 4.9 inches wide, accommodates natural toe splay, enhancing comfort during long walks and flights. While ideal for most, those with very narrow feet might prefer a snugger fit like the On Cloud 5. Although slightly pricier, the versatility and durability of the Altra Experience Flow justify the investment. They are perfect for work, errands, and exploring new destinations, making them a top choice for best travel shoes for men. The Altra Experience Flow is a well-engineered shoe that delivers all-day comfort and support in a lightweight package, perfect for travel.
Read More: Altra Experience Flow review
The Altra Experience Flow offers a natural underfoot feel, quickly becoming a favorite for travel and everyday wear.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Best All-Day Travel Shoe: On Cloud 5
The On Cloud 5 is an excellent all-around travel shoe, offering agility and comfort for extended daily use. Tested extensively during 10,000-step walks, the Cloud 5 proved ideal for long travel days and quick outings. The elastic lacing system is incredibly convenient for quick on-and-off access, a boon for airport security and busy travel days. Most of the time, these can be slipped on hands-free, and traditional laces are included for a more secure fit if preferred. Cloudtec cushioning strikes a balance between comfort and support without excessive bulk, providing a responsive feel ideal for navigating travel environments. Lab measurements show a 30mm heel stack and an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. A tester commented, “These shoes offer a smooth, responsive feel, and I enjoyed them for diverse travel activities.” Weighing just 9.23 ounces per shoe, they are among the lightest tested, enhancing agility and reducing fatigue during travel. The antimicrobial breathable mesh upper is reinforced in key areas, adding to the shoe’s light and airy feel, perfect for warm travel destinations.
The On Cloud 5 is a sleek, slimmer shoe that may not be ideal for wider feet or those needing maximum support. For wider feet, consider the New Balance 877 V1. The sole design, with separated sections, can trap small debris, a minor inconvenience. While the Cloudtec sections include rubber inlays for traction, some sections lack rubber, potentially leading to wear over time. Made with 44% recycled materials, the On Cloud 5 is an environmentally conscious choice, available in stylish designs. Whether for work trips or casual travel, the On Cloud 5 ensures comfort on the go, making them a solid contender for best travel shoes for men.
Read More: On Cloud 5 review
The On Cloud 5 provides an ideal balance of flexibility and comfort, perfect for hours of wear during travel.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Best Budget Travel Shoe: Under Armour Charged Assert 10
under armour charged assert 10
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is an impressive, budget-friendly option for travel. The breathable mesh upper with durable overlays offers excellent protection and ventilation, crucial for varied travel conditions. The rubber sole provides adequate traction on diverse surfaces, and the padded tongue and heel cup enhance security and comfort. A tester noted, “I wore these while traveling and appreciated the cushioned feel, along with their understated appearance. They don’t look bulky despite the cushioning.” With a 33mm heel stack height, they offer substantial cushioning for a budget shoe.
The Charged Assert 10 offers a good balance of comfort and durability, though a short break-in period may be needed. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop is higher than some might prefer, which could take adjustment for those used to lower drops. The toe box was noted as slightly tight initially, improving with wear. For a wider toe box, the Altra Experience Flow is recommended. The heel sole width is somewhat narrow, potentially leading to ankle roll, so for extensive walking, more supportive shoes like the On Cloud 5 might be better. For a more spacious budget option, consider the Adidas Race TR23. Overall, the Charged Assert 10 performs well, is durable, and suitable for daily travel activities, making them a great value choice among best travel shoes for men.
Read More: Under Armour Charged Assert 10 review
Despite their budget-friendly price, the Charged Assert 10 offers significant cushioning for travel comfort.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Most Versatile Travel Shoe: Hoka Transport
The Hoka Transport excels as a versatile travel shoe, adapting to various environments throughout your travel day. The robust Vibram EcoStep outsole with deep lugs provides excellent traction on diverse terrains, from urban streets to hiking trails. Testers appreciated the quick-toggle lace system for easy on and off, ideal for travelers on the go. The molded sock liner ensures a snug, comfortable fit without feeling restrictive. They fit true to size and are available in regular and wide widths. A water-repellent treatment helps keep feet dry in wet conditions, and 360-degree reflectivity enhances safety in low-light conditions. The thick compression-molded EVA midsole was comfortable during extensive testing. A tester commented, “The sole felt firm and supportive even after hours of wear. My foot felt secure, and I felt confident in my stride.”
The Hoka Transport upper is reinforced with Cordura in high-wear areas for added durability and abrasion resistance. Cordura’s limited breathability and a break-in period are minor drawbacks. The thick midsole, while supportive, can feel bulky and less agile for quick movements. However, they are not as plush as some Hoka models or the Brooks Ghost Max 2. The shoe performs exceptionally well with a smooth heel-to-toe transition, providing ample cushion and support for all-day travel. For a more breathable alternative, consider the On Cloud 5. Overall, the Hoka Transport is a top-tier versatile option for best travel shoes for men, suitable for diverse travel itineraries.
Read More: Hoka Transport review
The Hoka Transport is ideal for varied terrains, offering durability and sturdiness for any travel adventure.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Best Professional Travel Shoe: Dansko Professional
dansko professional
The Dansko Professional is a trusted choice for professionals who spend long hours on their feet, also making them excellent for demanding travel scenarios. Favored in medical and service professions, these durable leather shoes are built to last. The slip-on design is convenient for travel, while the padded instep collar provides secure comfort, and the roomy toe box allows for natural toe movement. A single-density footbed offers firm support, crucial for long travel days. Walking in these clogs, the heel moves freely, but the heel counter provides lateral stability. The sole has a slight rocker profile to aid forward motion. A tester, a Nurse Practitioner, states, “I’ve worn these shoes for years and never had issues. My original pair is still going strong.”
Clogs may not be the most stylish for all travel situations and require an adjustment period. At 17 ounces per shoe, they are the heaviest in this lineup. The 26mm heel-to-toe drop is significant and may take getting used to. The leather construction requires break-in, and the polyurethane sole can initially feel firm, but the long-term support is invaluable. The wider heel base enhances stability, and the slip-resistant sole adds safety. While some may initially find ankle support or stability challenging, the adjustment period is brief. The full leather upper is spill-resistant and easy to clean, though less ventilated for warmer climates. For robust protection and support during extensive travel, the Dansko Professional is a reliable choice. For ventilation and agility, the Altra Experience Flow is a contrast, offering a tennis shoe feel with a 4mm drop. For professionals needing durable and supportive travel shoes, the Danko Professional is a top consideration among best travel shoes for men.
Read More: Dansko Professional review
For travel professionals on their feet all day, the Dansko Professional offers a stable base and cushioned heel for impact absorption.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Best Hands-Free Travel Shoe: Kizik Lima Slip On
The Kizik Lima Slip On offers a unique hands-free design, ideal for convenient travel. Unlike typical slip-ons, the Lima provides secure fit thanks to its InternalCage technology, allowing you to slide your foot in effortlessly with the heel automatically snapping into place. This technology works effectively as tested and appreciated for ease of use during travel. Laces need tying only once to set your preferred tightness, after which the shoes function as slip-ons, staying securely laced. After months of use, the materials showed no wear. The breathable mesh upper conforms to the foot and offers good toe box movement. The RabbitFoam midsole provides sufficient cushioning and stability for most activities, though not ideal for very long walks. Available in wide and extra-wide widths, the Lima is inclusive for various foot shapes. A tester commented, “I loved how easy these are to slip on and off, especially when frequently going in and out during travel.”
The shoes are comfortable and convenient, especially for travel, but are best suited for shorter durations of walking due to moderate support. The softer midsole and less arch support may cause fatigue during extended walks. They excel for chores and short city explorations. For long travel days on foot, the Dankso Professional is more supportive, and for long walks, the Altra Experience Flow is preferable. However, for casual travel requiring hands-free convenience, the Lima is an excellent choice, especially for navigating airports and quick outings, making them a notable option for best travel shoes for men focused on ease of use.
Read More: Kizik Lima review
The Kizik Lima’s hands-free design is perfect for travelers seeking ultimate convenience.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Compare Travel Shoe Features
walking shoes men – the on cloud 5 provides light weight comfort with the convenience of…
The On Cloud 5 combines lightweight comfort with speed laces, ideal for travelers.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
How We Evaluate Travel Shoes
Our testing process for travel shoes mirrors real-world travel scenarios. We begin by researching top and popular walking shoes suitable for travel. We test each shoe in everyday situations, mirroring how travelers would use them, to identify strengths and weaknesses. This includes wearing them to stores, short walks, park trails, and even for over 12-hour workdays to simulate long travel days, providing comprehensive insights into their performance as travel shoes.
In our lab, we dissect each shoe to take precise measurements and assess internal construction. We measure heel-to-toe drop, width, rocker angle, weight, and stack height to provide objective comparisons against manufacturer specs. Real-world testing involves a minimum of 10,000 steps in each model to evaluate comfort, cushioning, arch support, stability, fit, and durability under regular use. Traction is tested on various surfaces including concrete, gravel, and tile to assess grip performance across diverse travel environments. We also measure shoe weight and note any fatigue or muscle soreness during use, crucial for assessing travel-readiness.
We objectively score each product based on five key metrics:
- Comfort (30% of overall score)
- Support (25% of overall score)
- Traction (20% of overall score)
- Weight (15% of overall score)
- Durability (10% of overall score)
We dissect each shoe in our lab to conduct precise measurements for objective evaluations.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Expert Insights for Choosing Travel Shoes
Travis Reddinger, a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, is our lead tester for travel and walking shoes. His demanding shifts, often exceeding 12 hours of standing and walking with over 15,000 steps daily, give him unique insights into footwear performance. Beyond the hospital, his active outdoor lifestyle further informs his understanding of ideal travel shoe characteristics. Travis’s extensive experience makes him an authority on what constitutes an excellent travel shoe.
These shoes are versatile for both indoor and outdoor travel, making them adaptable for various travel scenarios.
The Dansko provides good traction on wet surfaces.The Dansko provides reliable traction on wet surfaces, important for varied travel conditions.
The rocker design in the heel aids in forward motion, beneficial for long walks while traveling.
Our testing included extensive miles walked on diverse surfaces, including gravel, tile, and concrete, mimicking travel environments.
Travel Shoe Performance Analysis
Travel shoes must meet diverse needs. With numerous options available, selecting the right shoe for your travel style can be challenging. Our testing process rates and compares shoes, acknowledging that individual needs vary. While we offer guidance based on our findings, personal preferences and foot characteristics ultimately determine the best travel shoe for you.
Best Value Travel Shoes
Value in travel shoes is not just about price; it’s about the balance of cost and quality. A moderately priced, durable shoe or a higher-priced, long-lasting option both represent good value. The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a top value pick, offering comfort, support, and durability at an affordable price, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. At the higher end, the Dansko Professional, despite its price, offers exceptional comfort, support, and durability, potentially lasting years of travel, representing long-term value.
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a budget friendly walking…The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a budget-friendly travel option.
For long travel shifts, the Dansko Professional provides essential support.
Both the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 and Dansko Professional offer excellent value for travel needs.
Travel Comfort
Comfort is paramount in travel shoes. If shoes are uncomfortable, they won’t be worn. Our comfort assessment focused on cushioning, fit, and ease of use. During 10,000-step tests, we evaluated cushioning and impact absorption on various terrains. We noted initial fit and break-in needs, as well as ease of putting on and taking off shoes, crucial for travel convenience.
The Altra Experience Flow scored highly in comfort, offering excellent impact absorption in a lightweight, agile package, perfect for extended travel days. It fits well immediately and is easy to wear and adjust.
walking shoes men – the altra provided comfort without significant weight or bulk.
The Altra Experience Flow offers travel comfort without added weight or bulk.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The On Cloud 5 also excels in travel comfort, with great impact absorption and a sleek design. Lightweight and agile, its elastic lacing enhances ease of use, ideal for quick transitions during travel. The Hoka Transport delivers Hoka’s renowned comfort and impact absorption without feeling bulky, and its quick-toggle laces add to travel convenience.
walking shoes men – the hoka transport provides comfort and stability.
The Hoka Transport combines travel comfort and stability.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
These shoes are travel-ready out of the box, needing no break-in. Others, like the New Balance 877 V1 and Dansko Professional, require break-in due to materials like suede or leather. The Dansko Professional had the longest break-in but offers exceptional long-term comfort and support once conformed.
walking shoes men – the dansko professional is a simple hands free design.
The Dansko Professional is a hands-free design, convenient for travel.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Closure type and ease of use are important travel considerations. The Kizik Lima slips on easily and offers good comfort with stretch fabric and a rebounding heel, perfect for quick airport transitions. The Dansko Professional is another hands-free option providing lasting travel comfort and support. Lace-up shoes like the Altra Experience Flow offer comfortable, even tension. Some styles may cause instep discomfort, as noted with the New Balance 877 V1 and Vamjam Ultra Lightweight.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
Shoe Interior photo comparison
The Lima features a stretchy knit upper, comfortable for travel, and 13mm stack height for impact absorption.
Travel Support
Support in travel shoes is crucial for long days of walking and varied activities. We assessed sole rigidity, lateral stability, secure fit, and torsional resistance. Good travel shoes offer flexibility at the toe box, a snug, lasting fit, and resistance to twisting.
Sole rigidity was tested by flexing shoes against the ground. Supportive shoes bend at the toe but remain rigid elsewhere. Lateral stability was assessed during wear to check for ankle roll prevention. The Hoka Transport and Dansko Professional excelled with supportive, rigid soles; the Dansko showed no flexion at all.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Lacing systems were evaluated for snug, supportive fit that doesn’t loosen. Supportive travel shoes apply even lace pressure. The Altra Experience Flow provided consistent lace tension and heel padding for a secure travel fit.
Stability Measurements
Heel Stack | Heel-to-Toe Drop | Rocker Angle | Rocker Apex | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nike Motiva | 35 mm | 9 mm | 15.5 deg | 6.9 in. |
Hoka Transport | 39 mm | 9 mm | 17.5 deg | 7.1 in. |
On Cloud 5 | 30 mm | 8 mm | 19.5 deg | 7.5 in. |
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | 33 mm | 10 mm | 23.0 deg | 8.3 in. |
Kizik Lima Slip On | 32 mm | 13 mm | 24.0 deg | 7.1 in. |
Skechers Go Walk Max | 36 mm | 9 mm | 18.5 deg | 8.2 in. |
Brooks Ghost Max 2 | 39 mm | 9 mm | 23.0 deg | 8.3 in. |
New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe | 34 mm | 12 mm | 22.5 deg | 8.7 in. |
Adidas Race TR23 | 40 mm | 21 mm | 27.5 deg | 9.2 in. |
Skechers GoWalk Max Effort | 34 mm | 9 mm | 19.5 deg | 8.7 in. |
Dansko Professional | 50 mm | 26 mm | 22.5 deg | 8.2 in. |
Altra Experience Flow | 31 mm | 4 mm | 24.5 deg | 8.3 in. |
VAMJAM Ultra Lightweight | 30 mm | 15 mm | 24.0 deg | 9.2 in. |
Heel Stack Height for Travel
Heel stack height, measured in our lab, affects cushioning and support, important for travel comfort. Higher heel stacks can offer more cushioning, beneficial for prolonged standing and walking during travel. The Dansko Professional has the thickest heel stack at 50mm, offering maximum cushioning but potentially feeling less stable initially. For a balance of support and lower profile, the On Cloud 5 offers 30mm heel stack with midfoot support.
walking shoes men – after cutting the shoes in half, we were able to measure heel stack…
Measuring heel stack height of the Altra Experience Flow at 31.5mm in our lab.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Heel-to-Toe Drop for Travel
Heel-to-toe drop, the difference between heel and toe stack, influences walking feel. Minimal drop mimics barefoot walking, while larger drops offer more heel cushioning. Personal preference dictates ideal drop. Drastic changes may require adjustment. The Altra Experience Flow has the smallest drop at 4mm, offering a minimalist travel feel. The Adidas Race and Dansko’s have larger drops at 21mm and 26mm respectively. Most other shoes range from 9 to 15mm drop.
The On Cloud 5 has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, measured in our lab.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Rocker Design for Travel
Rocker design can aid forward propulsion, potentially reducing fatigue during travel walks. The Nike Motiva has the most aggressive rocker. While not essential, rockers can assist in reducing push-off force. However, for prolonged standing during travel, midsole support is more critical than rocker angle.
The Nike Motiva’s rocker design aims to propel you forward, beneficial for travel walking.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Torsional resistance, tested by twisting shoes, indicates support. Supportive travel shoes resist twisting. The Hoka Transport, On Cloud 5, and Dansko Professional showed minimal twist. Conversely, the Vamjam Ultra Lightweight offered minimal resistance.
Hoka Transport features a firm midsole with flexion at the toe box, suitable for supportive travel.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Travel Traction
Traction is vital for travel shoes, preventing slips on various surfaces. We assessed sole design, tread depth, and traction pattern. Testing included concrete, gravel, and tile in wet and dry conditions to evaluate grip performance in diverse travel environments.
Traction Across Multiple Surfaces
Product | Gravel | Tile | Concrete |
---|---|---|---|
Hoka Transport | 5 | 3.5 | 4 |
Altra Experience Flow | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Nike Motiva | 3.5 | 4 | 4 |
On Cloud 5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 |
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Brooks Ghost Max 2 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 |
Kizik Lima Slip On | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Adidas Race TR23 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Dansko Professional | 2 | 4 | 4 |
New Balance 877 V1 Walking Shoe | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Skechers Go Walk Max | 2.5 | 2 | 2.5 |
Skechers GoWalk Max Effort | 2.5 | 2 | 2.5 |
VAMJAM Ultra Lightweight | 2 | 2 | 3 |
On gravel and trails, the Hoka Transport provided superior traction, ideal for outdoor travel activities. The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 and Altra Experience Flow also performed well on gravel despite shallower treads.
walking shoes men – the hoka transport provides great traction on wet and dry surfaces.
The Hoka Transport offers excellent traction in wet and dry conditions, crucial for travel safety.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
For indoor surfaces like tile, the Dansko Professional provided reliable footing. The Brooks Ghost Max Cushion also performed well on indoor travel surfaces.
The Brooks Ghost Max Cushion handles indoor travel surfaces with ease.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
For concrete and paved surfaces common in urban travel, the Altra Experience Flow showed excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions. The Adidas Race TR23, Hoka Transport, and Nike Motiva also offered secure footing on concrete.
walking shoes men – the nike motiva has a shallow lug pattern that does best on concrete…
The Nike Motiva’s lug pattern performs well on concrete and tile, common travel surfaces.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Travel Shoe Weight
Shoe weight is a significant factor for travel comfort. Heavy shoes can cause fatigue, gait issues, and tripping hazards. Lightweight travel shoes are preferable, but must still offer adequate support and comfort.
Many top travel shoes balance weight and support effectively. The On Cloud 5 and Altra Experience Flow are lightweight yet comfortable and supportive, ideal for minimizing travel fatigue.
walking shoes men – at 9.23 ounces per shoe, the on cloud 5 offers lots of support in a…
At 9.23 ounces, the On Cloud 5 provides significant support in a lightweight travel package.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Dansko Professional, the heaviest shoe due to leather and thick soles, is best suited for stationary work travel rather than extensive walking travel.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
Shoe Interior photo comparison
These heavier shoes offer substantial support, ideal for travel scenarios involving prolonged standing.
Lighter shoes like Skechers Go Walk Max may lack the support and comfort needed for extended travel walking despite their minimal weight.
A little heavier shoe, the Brooks provides a lot of cushion and…The Brooks, while slightly heavier, offers excellent cushioning and support for travel.
Lighter isn’t always better; support and comfort are crucial for travel shoes.
Travel Shoe Durability
Durability is key for travel shoes. We assessed materials, construction, wear during testing, and ease of cleaning. Durable materials ensure longevity and withstand travel conditions.
The Hoka Transport, made with Cordura uppers and Vibram soles, is highly durable for travel, showing no wear during tests and expected to last multiple travel seasons. The Dansko Professional, with leather uppers and polyurethane soles, is also exceptionally durable for long-term travel use.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Some shoes blend materials for breathability and weight reduction while reinforcing wear points. The Charged Assert 10 and On Cloud 5 feature breathable mesh with reinforced toe areas for enhanced travel durability.
The breathable mesh of the Charged Assert enhances ventilation, while toe box reinforcements improve travel durability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Altra Experience Flow and Kizik Lima, frequently used during testing, also showed excellent durability. The Kizik Lima is a convenient and durable option for light travel and errands.
The Kizik Lima is a convenient and durable shoe, recommended for light travel and errands.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Less durable shoes like Skechers Go Walk Max may be suitable for light use but not for rigorous travel demands. Foam soles may not withstand significant travel wear.
Foam soles may not hold up to extensive travel use.
The heel lacks durability and showed signs or wear after our testing…Heel wear after testing indicates lower travel durability.
Foam soles may not be ideal for travel durability.
Cleaning and maintenance are important for travel shoe longevity. Machine-washable options like Skechers Go Walk Max offer easy care.
walking shoes men – keeping your shoes clean can help prevent premature break down of…
Keeping travel shoes clean helps prevent premature material breakdown.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Hand-washable shoes like Nike Motiva and Brooks Ghost Max Cushion require mild detergent and air drying. Suede and leather shoes like New Balance 877 V1 and Dansko Professional need specialized cleaning and conditioning.
walking shoes men – various materials require different care and maintenance.
Different materials require specific care and maintenance for travel shoes.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Travel Shoes for Men
Selecting the best travel shoes for men involves considering numerous factors. With a wide variety of shoes available, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, the ideal choice depends on individual travel needs, preferences, and foot type. We hope this review helps you make a more informed decision in choosing your perfect travel companion for your feet.