Comfortable walking shoes are arguably the most crucial item for any traveler. Imagine exploring a new city only to be sidelined by painful blisters or foot fatigue. To prevent this travel mishap, the editors at Family Circle Travel have rigorously tested numerous shoes across various trips and destinations to bring you the definitive guide to the Best Walking Shoes For Travel. From versatile sneakers to supportive boots and breezy sandals, we’ve curated a list of top-rated footwear that promises comfort and style for your next adventure.
Finding Your Perfect Travel Shoes: Key Considerations
Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to consider what makes a great walking shoe for travel. Comfort, support, and versatility are paramount. You need shoes that can keep your feet happy through long days of sightseeing, navigating airports, and adapting to different terrains and climates. Since luggage space is always a premium, choosing versatile shoes that can pair with multiple outfits is also a smart packing strategy.
Think about your typical travel wardrobe. Do you lean towards neutral colors or embrace bolder palettes? Your clothing choices can guide your shoe color selection. Neutral shoes like black, white, or brown offer maximum versatility, while a brightly colored pair can add a stylish pop to a monochrome wardrobe.
Also, consider your itinerary and the weather conditions at your destination. Are you expecting rain? Opt for closed-toe sneakers or waterproof boots. Heading to a beach destination? Sandals or lightweight slip-ons might be ideal. For cooler climates, boots or insulated sneakers will provide warmth and protection.
Top Walking Shoe Categories for Travel
To make your search easier, we’ve categorized our recommendations by shoe type. Explore our editor-approved selections in each category to find your perfect travel companion:
- Boots: Stylish and supportive for cooler climates and urban exploration.
- Casual Sneakers: Versatile and comfortable for everyday sightseeing and travel days.
- Athletic Shoes: High-performance options for active travel and longer walking distances.
- Slip-ons: Convenient and comfortable for easy wear and airport navigation.
- Sandals: Breathable and lightweight for warm weather destinations.
- Flats: Chic and packable for dressier occasions and lighter walking days.
Boots: Stylish and Supportive Travel Footwear
For travelers seeking both style and support, boots are an excellent choice, particularly for colder destinations or city trips that involve a lot of walking. Our editors have tested various boot styles to find those that combine comfort with on-trend aesthetics.
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Platform Chelsea Boots
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming platform Chelsea boots in brown leather, showcasing their platform sole and Chelsea boot style, ideal for urban travel and sightseeing.
Susie Plotkin from Condé Nast’s global email team swears by the Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming platform Chelsea boots as “the perfect shoe”. Having owned them for over three and a half years, she’s taken them on countless trips. From navigating Zurich’s sights to 12-hour walking days in Venice and everyday wear in Brooklyn, these boots have proven their comfort and durability. While slightly weighty, they offer exceptional comfort and are easy to slip on and off, making them ideal for travel.
Key Features: Pull-on style, durable cemented sole.
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots in black leather, highlighting their lug sole and Chelsea boot design, suitable for city travel and providing solid traction.
Megan Spurrell, Associate Articles Director, recommends Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots, especially the wider toe box version for enhanced comfort during extensive walking. Ideal for city explorations, these Chelsea boots feature a robust lug sole and are slightly bulkier. To save suitcase space, consider wearing them while traveling.
Key Features: Pull-on design, durable leather upper, reliable traction.
Casual Sneakers: Versatile Comfort for Everyday Travel
Casual sneakers are a travel staple, offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and adaptability. They are ideal for sightseeing, exploring cities, and long travel days. Our editors have handpicked casual sneakers that are both fashionable and exceptionally comfortable for walking.
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
Adidas Samba OG sneakers in white and black leather, showcasing their classic low-profile design and iconic stripes, perfect for street style and comfortable walking.
The Adidas Samba OG sneakers, a classic since 1950, are experiencing a major resurgence in street style. Kat Chen, Editorial Assistant, highly recommends them as her “ride or die” shoes. Having worn a previous pair for a decade, she attests to their longevity and comfort. These sneakers are versatile, durable, and perfect for everyday wear and travel adventures.
Key Features: Lace-up closure, leather upper, rubber outsole, available in half sizes.
Kizik Milan Sneakers
Kizik Milan sneakers in navy and white nylon, showcasing their hands-free design and retro-chunky style, ideal for easy wear and comfortable city walking.
Commerce writer Paris Wilson is a recent convert to Kizik Milan sneakers, praising their hands-free design which combines the look of a sneaker with the convenience of a slip-on. This design is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, parents with young children, or anyone seeking ease of wear. The Milan boasts a retro-chunky aesthetic and excellent cushioning, making them perfect for long days of walking in cities like New York and during travels further afield.
Key Features: Hands-free slip-on design, removable cushioned insoles, foam midsole, available in half sizes and narrow fit.
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers
New Balance 574 Core sneakers in grey and white suede and mesh, showcasing their classic dad shoe style and neutral colorway, suitable for versatile travel outfits and comfortable walking.
The New Balance 574 Core sneakers are enjoying a major comeback, becoming a go-to “cool dad shoe”. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny frequently wears this style, praising their comfort and style balance. Perfect for weekend trips, airport travel, and daily commutes, these sneakers offer all-day comfort and their neutral shade effortlessly complements various travel outfits. Their durability and ease of maintenance are additional bonuses, maintaining a clean look despite frequent wear.
Key Features: Suede and mesh upper, available in half and wide sizes.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Adidas Stan Smith sneakers in white leather with green accents, showcasing their iconic minimalist design and comfortable profile, ideal for versatile travel style and all-day wear.
The Adidas Stan Smith sneaker has transitioned from a tennis shoe to a streetwear icon, favored by numerous Family Circle Travel editors for its exceptional comfort. If you’re packing light, these sneakers are incredibly versatile, handling sightseeing, light hikes, and airport transits with ease. Associate editor Matt Ortile has been wearing Stan Smiths for over eight years, rotating between pairs and taking them on adventures from Paris to AlUla in Saudi Arabia and Palau.
Key Features: Lace-up closure, OrthoLite liner for temperature regulation, available in half sizes.
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star Low Top Sneakers
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low stop sneakers in white canvas with red heart logo, showcasing their playful design and lightweight canvas upper, suitable for adding a fun element to travel outfits.
Brie Schwartz, Commerce Director at Glamour and Teen Vogue, recommends the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low-top sneakers for a playful twist on a classic. These sneakers add a fun touch to travel attire, featuring a lightweight canvas upper and a vulcanized rubber sole for good traction. Their recent use on a trip to Disney further highlights their comfort for walking-intensive days.
Key Features: Lightweight canvas upper, vulcanized rubber sole for traction.
Athletic Shoes: High-Performance Comfort for Active Travel
For travelers prioritizing performance and comfort for long walks, hikes, or active pursuits, athletic shoes are the ideal choice. Our editors have selected athletic sneakers that offer superior cushioning, support, and durability for demanding travel itineraries.
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers in blue and white, showcasing their thick cushioned sole and lightweight design, perfect for running, workouts, and comfortable all-day walking during travel.
Meaghan Kenny raves about the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers, highlighting their well-deserved hype. Initially intended for light runs and workouts, they’ve become her preferred walking shoes due to their exceptional comfort. Despite a thick sole, they are surprisingly lightweight and provide hours of comfortable walking. Versatile enough for hiking and city exploration, they are a must-pack for any trip.
Key Features: Thick cushioned sole, lightweight design, available in half and wide sizes, Gore-Tex option, recycled laces.
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon Speedcross 6 sneakers in black and red, showcasing their quick-lace system and rugged outsole, ideal for trails, gyms, and everyday comfortable walking on various terrains.
Associate editor Charlie Hobbs enthusiastically recommends Salomon Speedcross 6 sneakers for their versatility and comfort. From gym workouts to park strolls and even raves, these shoes are a constant companion. The convenient quick-lace system eliminates the need for tying, offering ease and security. Their comfort and adaptability make them a top choice for active travelers.
Key Features: Quick-lace system, available in half and wide sizes, Gore-Tex option, lightweight at 10.5 ounces.
Hoka Kawana Sneakers
Hoka Kawana sneakers in beige and pink, showcasing their bouncy sole and breathable design, suitable for workouts, marathons, and comfortable walking in warm climates.
Seen frequently in fitness classes and marathons, Hoka sneakers are a popular choice for active individuals. Glamour‘s Senior Commerce Editor Jenifer Calle favors the Hoka Kawana style for its comfort and breathability. During a trip to San Antonio, she found them to be a “lifesaver” in the Texas heat, noting their bouncy cushioning and excellent ventilation that kept her feet comfortable and dry even in warm conditions.
Key Features: Bouncy and breathable, pull tab at heel, lightweight at 8.9 ounces, available in half sizes.
On Cloudmonster Sneakers
On Cloudmonster sneakers in white and green, showcasing their maximalist cushioning and rocker sole, designed for maximum energy return and reduced muscle fatigue during running and long walks.
Also recommended by Jenifer Calle, On Cloudmonster sneakers feature the brand’s thickest CloudTec layer, providing exceptional cushioning and energy return, reducing foot fatigue. While not a runner, Calle appreciates the relief these shoes offer during jogs, highlighting the rocker bottom design that aids in propulsion. She emphasizes that these sneakers have redefined her expectations for running and walking shoe comfort.
Key Features: Maximum cushioning, rocker sole for energy return, available in half sizes.
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes in brown and olive green, showcasing their rugged design and protective toe cap, ideal for hiking trails and providing stability and traction on varied terrains.
The Merrell Moab 3 is recognized as the world’s most popular hiking shoe, with over 25 million pairs sold. Our editor tested the latest generation model on a trip to Iceland, finding them suitable for both moderate hikes and city walks on wet surfaces. They offer excellent traction, comfortable fit, and are relatively packable. Jake Smith from Glamour also praises them as excellent walking shoes, even beyond hiking trails.
Key Features: Rugged trail-ready design, protective toe cap, available in half and wide sizes.
Merrell (Men’s) – $84 (Sale Price)
Merrell (Women’s) – $84 (Sale Price)
Slip-ons: Effortless Comfort and Convenience for Travel
Slip-on shoes are perfect for travelers who value convenience and ease of wear, especially during airport transits or for quick errands while traveling. Our editors have found slip-ons that are both comfortable for walking and stylish enough for various travel occasions.
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes
Kane Revive active recovery shoes in grey, showcasing their cushioned design and slip-on style, ideal for standing desks, errands, and providing foot recovery after long walks.
Emma McDonald from Condé Nast’s digital marketing team recommends Kane Revive active recovery shoes for their exceptional comfort. She wears them daily at her standing desk and for running errands. Made from Brazilian sugarcane, these cushioned slip-ons feature raised footbed nodes designed to stimulate blood flow and provide foot recovery, making them excellent for post-walk relief.
Key Features: Cushioned recovery shoe, quick-drying, easy to clean, grippy soles.
SeaVees Bodega Clogs
SeaVees Bodega clogs in beige rubber, showcasing their waterproof design and easy slip-on style, suitable for rainy days, travel, and light trails.
Glamour‘s Commerce Editor Malia Griggs is a fan of SeaVees Bodega clogs, initially thinking they were just rain boots but now wearing them frequently for their comfort and convenience. Perfect for drizzly days in the city or as travel shoes, they are easy to slip on and off at airport security and durable enough for light trail walks. Their supportive backing prevents them from slipping off during walks.
Key Features: Waterproof clog, memory foam footbed, partially made with recycled materials.
Sabah Slip-ons
Sabah slip-ons in various colors of soft leather, showcasing their handmade construction and vibrant color options, ideal for stylish travel and molding to the wearer's foot for a custom fit.
Articles Director Lale Arikoglu highly recommends Sabah slip-ons, considering them a “permanent fixture” on her packing list. Handmade in Gaziantep from soft leather or suede and available in numerous colors, Sabah slip-ons become increasingly comfortable with wear, molding to the wearer’s feet for a personalized fit. Their style and comfort make them a top travel shoe choice.
Key Features: Handmade, soft leather lining, replaceable rubber outsole.
Sandals: Breathable and Lightweight for Warm Climates
Sandals are essential for travel to warm destinations, providing breathability and comfort in hot weather. However, not all sandals are suitable for extensive walking. Our editors have selected sandals that offer both comfort and support for long days of exploring in warm climates.
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks in brown leather, showcasing their classic two-strap design and contoured cork-latex footbed, perfect for warm weather travel and providing arch support.
Former Traveler editor Sarah Ratner recommends Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks for comfortable walking sandals. Featuring a suede-covered cork-latex footbed that molds to the feet over time, Birkenstocks offer excellent support and become increasingly comfortable with wear. Available in numerous colors and regular or narrow widths, they are versatile and easy to pair with various outfits. Lale Arikoglu also endorses Birkenstocks, particularly the Arizona Big Buckle style, for their all-day comfort, even during 10-mile walking days.
Key Features: Contoured cork-latex footbed, adjustable straps.
Teva Universal Trail Sandals
Teva Universal Trail sandals in grey, showcasing their adjustable straps and grippy outsole, ideal for light hikes, sightseeing, and water activities during warm weather travel.
Teva Universal Trail sandals are a favorite for their versatility and durability. Having owned a pair for five years, our editor has worn them on light hikes, sightseeing in dusty conditions, swimming in rocky waters, and multi-city trips. The Trail sandals offer enhanced arch support compared to the classic style and remain exceptionally comfortable for both city and trail walking, without causing blisters.
Key Features: Adjustable straps, waterproof, grippy outsoles, made with recycled materials.
Teva Midform Universal Sandals
Teva Midform Universal sandals in black, showcasing their platform sole and minimalist strap design, suitable for beach trips, city walks, and adding a touch of style to casual travel outfits.
Megan Spurrell also recommends Teva Midform Universal sandals, having worn them for about four years. While slightly less grippy than the Trail sandals, they are still comfortable for all-day wear and versatile enough for beach outings, bike rides, city walks, and even casual dinners. Their platform design adds a touch of style while maintaining comfort, making them a valuable addition to any travel packing list.
Key Features: 1.25″ platform, quick-dry material, rubber outsole for traction.
Flats: Packable Elegance for Travel
Flats are a sophisticated and space-saving footwear option for travel, suitable for dressier occasions or when you prefer lighter footwear for walking. Our editors have chosen flats that combine elegance with comfort and packability.
Rothy’s The Point II Flats
Rothy's The Point II flats in red, showcasing their pointed toe design and elegant silhouette, perfect for dressier travel occasions and packable convenience.
While Rothy’s offers classic ballet flats, The Point II flats provide a more refined and sophisticated look. Available in a wide array of colors, these flats suit diverse travel wardrobes. Made from recycled plastic with minimal production waste, Rothy’s shoes are also eco-conscious. Recent redesigns have enhanced their comfort with a cushioned insole and a roomier toe box. Travel writer Terry Ward praises their ability to elevate any outfit, packability, and long-lasting durability, making them a worthwhile investment for travel.
Key Features: Machine washable, removable cushioned insole, made of recycled materials.
Conclusion: Step into Comfort on Your Next Trip
Choosing the right walking shoes for travel can significantly enhance your overall travel experience. By prioritizing comfort, support, and versatility, you can explore new destinations without foot pain or discomfort holding you back. Our editor-approved selections offer a range of styles and features to suit various travel needs and preferences. Invest in a quality pair of walking shoes and step into your next adventure with confidence and comfort.
This article has been updated with the latest information and editor recommendations.
