Choosing the right shoes for your travels is paramount to enjoying your experience to the fullest. Imagine exploring a vibrant new city, only to have your adventure cut short by aching feet or painful blisters. Comfortable walking shoes are not just an accessory; they are an essential travel companion that can make or break your trip. At Family Circle Travel, our editors understand this crucial need, having personally tested countless pairs across diverse destinations and travel scenarios. We’ve curated a list of top-tier travel shoes, encompassing various styles from versatile sneakers to supportive boots and breezy sandals, ensuring you find the perfect match for your travel needs and preferences.
Scroll down to discover our editor-approved selections for the best travel shoes that promise comfort, style, and durability for every journey.
FAQ: Finding Your Perfect Travel Shoe
Before diving into our top recommendations, let’s address some key considerations when choosing your ideal travel shoes.
How We Test Travel Shoes for Comfort and Durability
Our recommendations are not just based on brand reputation or online hype. We put travel shoes through rigorous real-world testing. Each shoe featured has been worn by our experienced editors on multiple trips, spanning various terrains and climates. We assess comfort levels during extended wear, often for entire days of walking and sightseeing. We evaluate support, cushioning, and overall practicality for travel, ensuring each pair can withstand the demands of different travel styles and environments. Some shoes are long-time favorites, tested over years of personal travel, while others are specifically tested for our articles. Regardless, every shoe earns its place on our list by proving its ability to keep feet comfortable, even after a full day of exploration.
Key Considerations Before You Buy Travel Shoes
Selecting the right travel shoes involves more than just picking a stylish pair. Several factors should influence your decision to ensure optimal comfort and versatility during your travels.
-
Comfort and Support: Prioritize cushioning and arch support. Good Travel Shoes should provide all-day comfort, preventing foot fatigue and pain, especially when you’re on your feet for extended periods. Look for features like padded insoles, supportive midsoles, and well-designed heel counters.
-
Versatility: Packing light is a travel mantra. Choose shoes that are versatile enough to suit various activities and settings. Think about shoes that can transition from sightseeing during the day to casual dinners in the evening. Neutral colors like black, white, and brown often offer the most versatility, easily complementing different outfits.
-
Style and Personal Wardrobe: While practicality is key, your travel shoes should also align with your personal style and travel wardrobe. Consider the colors and styles you typically wear. If your wardrobe is mostly neutral, you might opt for shoes with a pop of color. Conversely, if you favor colorful clothing, stick to neutral shoe colors for greater outfit flexibility.
-
Destination and Activities: Your travel itinerary and destination climate play a significant role in shoe selection. Are you heading to a rainy city, a tropical beach, or planning rigorous hikes? Closed-toe sneakers or waterproof boots are ideal for wet weather, while sandals or breathable sneakers are better suited for warm climates. For adventurous trips involving hiking, consider sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners.
-
Packability: Travel shoes should ideally be easy to pack without taking up excessive space or adding unnecessary weight to your luggage. Consider lighter shoe options and think about how they will fit into your suitcase alongside your other essentials.
By considering these factors, you can confidently choose travel shoes that are not only comfortable but also perfectly suited to your travel style and destination.
Top Picks for Good Travel Shoes
Now, let’s explore our curated selection of the best travel shoes, categorized by style to help you find the perfect pair for your next adventure.
Boots
For cooler climates or destinations that demand more robust footwear, boots offer excellent support, protection, and style.
[Insert image of Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming platform Chelsea boots here]
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Platform Chelsea Boots: Stylish and Comfortable Platform Boots for Travel in Zurich, Venice, and Brooklyn
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Platform Chelsea Boots
Susie Plotkin from Condé Nast’s global email team enthusiastically recommends these platform boots as “the perfect shoe.” Having owned them for over three and a half years, she’s explored numerous destinations with them, from navigating Zurich to wandering through Venice and her everyday life in Brooklyn. Despite being slightly heavy, these boots are exceptionally comfortable for long hours of walking and are conveniently easy to slip on and off, making them excellent travel shoes for city explorations.
Key Features: Pull-on design, cemented sole for durability.
[Insert image of Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots here]
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots: Comfortable Lug Sole Chelsea Boots for City Travel
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots
Megan Spurrell, Associate Articles Director, favors Vagabond’s Cosmo 2.0 lug sole boots, highlighting the importance of a wider toe box for walking comfort. These Chelsea boots are ideal for city trips, offering a balance of style and practicality. Their robust construction makes them slightly bulkier, which can be an advantage when trying to save suitcase space by wearing them during travel. They are excellent good travel shoes for navigating urban environments in style and comfort.
Key Features: Pull-on style, leather upper, and reliable traction.
Casual Sneakers
Casual sneakers are the quintessential travel shoe, offering a blend of comfort, style, and versatility for everyday exploration.
[Insert image of Adidas Samba OG sneaker here]
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers: Iconic and Comfortable Sneakers for Street Style and Travel
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
The Adidas Samba OG sneakers, a classic since 1950, have recently surged in popularity as a street style staple. Editorial assistant Kat Chen highly recommends them, calling them her “ride or die” shoes. She recounts wearing a previous pair for a decade, highlighting their exceptional durability and timeless appeal. These sneakers are incredibly versatile and comfortable, making them ideal good travel shoes that can handle various travel scenarios with style.
Key Features: Lace-up closure, leather upper, rubber outsole, available in half sizes.
Check Price at Amazon (Men’s Sizes)
Check Price at Adidas (Women’s Sizes)
[Insert image of Kizik Milan sneaker here]
Kizik Milan Sneakers: Hands-Free Slip-On Sneakers with Retro Design for Travel and Everyday Comfort
Kizik Milan Sneakers
Commerce writer Paris Wilson is a new but enthusiastic convert to Kizik Milan sneakers, praising their innovative hands-free design. These sneakers combine the style of a lace-up with the ease of a slip-on, perfect for travelers who value convenience. The chunky retro design and ultra-cushioned foam insoles ensure both style and comfort, making them great good travel shoes for busy trips. Wilson has worn them extensively in New York City, New Jersey, and Maine, attesting to their all-day comfort.
Key Features: Hands-free slip-on, half sizes, removable insoles, foam midsole.
Check Price at Kizik (Women’s Sizes)
Check Price at Kizik (Men’s Sizes)
[Insert image of New Balance 574 Core sneaker here]
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: Cool and Comfortable Dad Shoes for Travel and Everyday Wear
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers
The New Balance 574 Core sneakers are experiencing a significant resurgence, becoming a favorite for their “cool dad shoe” aesthetic and exceptional comfort. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny praises their balance of style and comfort. She’s worn them on weekend trips to Boston, airport travels, and daily commutes for three years. Their neutral shade ensures versatility, easily matching various outfits, solidifying their status as excellent good travel shoes for style-conscious travelers.
Key Features: Half and wide sizes available, suede and mesh upper for breathability.
[Insert image of Adidas Stan Smith sneaker here]
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers: Timeless and Comfortable Classic Sneakers for Versatile Travel
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
The Adidas Stan Smith sneakers have transitioned from tennis courts to global streets for good reason: unparalleled comfort and timeless style. Associate editor Matt Ortile, a loyal wearer for eight years, considers them essential good travel shoes. He highlights their versatility for everything from sightseeing to light hikes and airport ease. Ortile has taken them to Paris, AlUla in Saudi Arabia, and Palau, showcasing their adaptability to diverse travel environments.
Key Features: Half sizes available, lace closure, OrthoLite liner for temperature regulation.
Check Price at Adidas (Men’s Sizes)
Check Price at Adidas (Women’s Sizes)
[Insert image of Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low stop sneaker here]
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star Low Top Sneakers: Playful and Lightweight Canvas Sneakers for Travel Days
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star Low Top Sneakers
Brie Schwartz, Commerce Director at Glamour and Teen Vogue, recommends the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low tops for adding a playful touch to travel outfits. These sneakers are lightweight due to their canvas upper and offer good traction with a vulcanized rubber sole. Their fun design and comfortable construction make them excellent good travel shoes for Disney trips and casual sightseeing.
Key Features: Lightweight canvas upper, vulcanized rubber sole for traction.
Athletic Shoes
For active travel days or destinations involving more physical activity, athletic shoes provide the necessary support and performance.
[Insert image of Hoka Clifton 9 sneaker here]
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers: Lightweight and Cushioned Athletic Shoes for Walking, Running, and Travel
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Meaghan Kenny attests to the well-deserved hype around Hoka sneakers, particularly the Clifton 9 model. Initially intended for running and workouts, she found them to be exceptional walking shoes as well. Despite their thick sole, they are surprisingly lightweight and offer superior cushioning for hours of walking. Kenny has worn them hiking in the Poconos, shopping in Montauk, and even moving apartments, consistently exceeding 10,000 steps in comfort. These are must-pack good travel shoes for any type of trip, offering support, comfort, and versatility.
Key Features: Half and wide sizes available, Gore-Tex option, recycled laces.
Check Price at Hoka (Women’s Sizes)
Check Price at Hoka (Men’s Sizes)
[Insert image of Salomon Speedcross 6 here]
Salomon Speedcross 6 Sneakers: Comfortable and Easy-to-Wear Athletic Shoes for Gym, Park, and Travel
Salomon Speedcross 6 Sneakers
Associate editor Charlie Hobbs wears Salomon Speedcross 6 shoes everywhere, from the gym to parks and even raves, highlighting their exceptional comfort and ease. The quick-lace system eliminates the need for tying, making them incredibly convenient. Their comfort and practicality make them excellent good travel shoes for active individuals.
Key Features: Half and wide sizes available, Gore-Tex option, lightweight at 10.5 ounces.
[Insert image of Hoka Kawana sneaker here]
Hoka Kawana Sneakers: Bouncy and Breathable Athletic Shoes for Travel in Hot Climates like Texas
Hoka Kawana Sneakers
Senior Commerce Editor at Glamour, Jenifer Calle, recommends Hoka Kawana sneakers for their exceptional comfort and breathability, especially in warmer climates. She found them to be “lifesavers” during a trip to San Antonio, experiencing Texas heat. The bouncy and breathable design kept her feet comfortable and sweat-free even during extensive walking, making them ideal good travel shoes for hot destinations.
Key Features: Half sizes available, heel pull tab, lightweight at 8.9 ounces.
[Insert image of On Cloudmonster sneaker here]
On Cloudmonster Sneakers: Maximum Cushioning Athletic Shoes for Running and Travel Comfort
On Cloudmonster Sneakers
Also recommended by Jenifer Calle, On Cloudmonster sneakers are designed for maximum cushioning and energy return, featuring the brand’s thickest CloudTec layer. While Calle uses them for jogging, their exceptional cushioning makes them ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort during long walks. The rocker bottom design adds an extra push, enhancing walking efficiency and reducing foot fatigue, making them superb good travel shoes.
Key Features: Half sizes available, maximum cushioning, designed for energy return.
[Insert image of Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe here]
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes: Popular and Durable Hiking and Walking Shoes for Iceland and Rugged Trails
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
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 in Iceland, finding them excellent for both moderate hikes and city walks in wet conditions. Commerce writer Jake Smith from Glamour has used them for four years, praising their comfort for walking as much as for hiking. Their traction, comfort, and packability make them reliable good travel shoes for varied terrains.
Key Features: Half and wide sizes available, rugged trail design, protective toe cap.
Check Price at Merrell (Men’s Sizes)
Check Price at Merrell (Women’s Sizes)
Slip-ons
Slip-on shoes offer unparalleled convenience and comfort, ideal for travel days and relaxed exploration.
[Insert image of Kane Revive active recovery shoe here]
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes: Cushioning and Quick-Drying Slip-Ons for Everyday Wear and Travel
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes
Emma McDonald from Condé Nast’s digital marketing team recommends Kane Revive recovery shoes for their all-day comfort. Made from Brazilian sugarcane, these cushioned slip-ons feature footbed nodes that stimulate blood flow. Their quick-drying and easy-to-clean nature, combined with grippy soles, make them practical good travel shoes for both everyday use and travel.
Key Features: Quick-drying, easy to clean, grippy soles, made with Brazilian sugarcane.
[Insert image of SeaVees Bodega clog here]
SeaVees Bodega Clogs: Waterproof and Comfortable Slip-On Clogs for Rainy Days and Travel
SeaVees Bodega Clogs
Glamour‘s Commerce Editor, Malia Griggs, is a fan of SeaVees Bodega clogs, initially seeing them as rain boots but finding them versatile for everyday wear. Easy to slip on, comfortable, and waterproof, they are ideal for drizzly days and travel. Griggs has worn them as plane shoes for easy airport security and for walks in the North Carolina mountains. Their durability and comfort make them excellent good travel shoes for unpredictable weather.
Key Features: Memory foam footbed, partially made with recycled materials.
[Insert image of Sabah Slip-ons here]
Sabah Slip-Ons: Handmade and Colorful Leather Slip-Ons for Comfortable and Stylish Travel
Sabah Slip-ons
Articles Director Lale Arikoglu highly recommends Sabah slip-ons, calling them a “permanent fixture” on her packing list for years. Handmade in Gaziantep from soft leather or suede, they come in numerous colors. They mold to the wearer’s feet over time, offering a custom-like fit. Their comfort and style make them ideal good travel shoes for those seeking a blend of luxury and practicality.
Key Features: Handmade, soft leather lining, replaceable rubber outsole.
Sandals
For warm weather destinations, sandals offer breathability and comfort, essential for hot climates.
[Insert image of Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks here]
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks: Classic and Adjustable Sandals for Comfortable Walking and Travel
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
Former Traveler editor Sarah Ratner swears by Arizona Birkenstocks for comfortable extended wear. Their suede-covered cork-latex footbed molds to the feet over time, providing customized support. Available in various colors and widths, they are versatile and easy to pair with many outfits. Lale Arikoglu also endorses Birkenstocks, having walked 10 miles in Barcelona in them without discomfort, highlighting their reliability as good travel shoes for warm climates.
Key Features: Cork-latex footbed, adjustable straps for a custom fit.
[Insert image of Teva Universal Trail Sandals here]
Teva Universal Trail Sandals: Supportive and Waterproof Sandals for Hiking and City Travel
Teva Universal Trail Sandals
Teva Universal Trail sandals are a favorite for life-long fans, proving useful in various situations. Our editor has worn them on light hikes, sightseeing, and swimming, highlighting their versatility. The Trail sandals offer more arch support than the classic style, enhancing comfort for both city and trail use. Having owned them for five years without blisters, they are praised as exceptionally comfortable good travel shoes for warm weather adventures.
Key Features: Adjustable straps, waterproof, grippy outsoles, made with recycled materials.
Check Price at REI (Women’s Sizes)
Check Price at REI (Men’s Sizes)
[Insert image of Teva Midform Universal Sandals here]
Teva Midform Universal Sandals: Platform Sandals for Stylish and Comfortable Everyday Travel Wear
Teva Midform Universal Sandals
Another favorite of Megan Spurrell, Teva Midform Universal sandals, while slightly less grippy than the Trail version, are still highly comfortable for all-day wear. Spurrell uses them for beach outings, bike rides, walks, and even dinners in New York City, demonstrating their versatility as good travel shoes that are both practical and stylish.
Key Features: 1.25″ platform, quick-dry material, rubber outsole for traction.
Flats
For occasions requiring a touch more elegance while maintaining comfort, flats are an excellent travel shoe choice.
[Insert image of Rothy’s The Point II flats here]
Rothy's The Point II Flats: Stylish and Comfortable Flats Made from Recycled Materials for Travel
Rothy’s The Point II Flats
While Rothy’s offers classic ballet flats, The Point II flats provide a more sophisticated aesthetic. Available in numerous colors, from vibrant to neutral, they suit diverse traveler styles and outfits. Made from recycled plastic with minimal production waste, they are both eco-conscious and comfortable. Travel writer Terry Ward highlights their ability to elevate any outfit, pack easily, and maintain their shape, making them worthwhile good travel shoes.
Key Features: Machine washable, removable cushioned insole, made from recycled materials.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
