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15 minutes readContents
- How to choose the best shoes for travel
- What shoes to pack for vacation and bleisure travel
- Our recommendations for the most comfortable travel shoes
- Veja Campo Sneaker
- Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
- HOKA Clifton 9 Sneaker
- Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
- Allbirds Couriers Everyday Sneaker
- Rothy’s “The Point II” Flats
- Chaco Women’s Zx2 Classic Sandal
- Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot
- New Balance 574 Sneaker
- Skechers Go Walk
- Nike Pegasus
- Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker
- Brooks Ghost 16
- Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle
- Book your next vacation with ZenHotels
How to choose the best shoes for travel
Don’t feel like you’re locked into wearing sneakers. Everyone’s ideal travel shoe is a little different. You want one that matches your style and can withstand a full day of walking. The key to choosing the best walking shoes for Europe is to break them ahead of time. Don’t pack brand-new shoes that you’ve never worn. That’s a guaranteed recipe for sore feet and blisters.
You’ll find a range of cushioned and durable styles on popular marketplaces, like Zappos and Amazon. Order your comfortable stylish walking shoes at least three weeks before your vacation and start breaking them in at home.
While the look of your shoes is important, support should be your priority. You’ll be wearing your shoes for several hours at a time, doing enough walking to hit your daily step goal by lunchtime.
Photo: Africa Studio/ Shutterstock.com
Don’t forget to consider versatility – whether you’re committed to saving money by traveling with only a carry-on or want to pack light. Most people only need to bring three pairs of shoes on vacation, including dressy walking shoes. Consider your travel itinerary, destination, and if you need shoes for a special occasion.
What shoes to pack for vacation and bleisure travel
Most vacations and bleisure trips call for three types of shoes: warm-weather appropriate shoes, travel sneakers to wear to the airport, and fancier shoes for dinner. Choosing shoes in a neutral color can make them more versatile and easier to style with different outfits.
Check Amazon for comfortable travel shoes with durable insoles, ankle-support, and lightweight materials. If you’re only taking a carry-on, your travel shoes may be the only pair you’re packing. In most cases, a non-athletic sneaker with a sleek profile is your best option. Brands like Allbirds and Superga will give you style and comfort without hurting your feet.
Photo: Alliance Images / Shutterstock.com
Your next priority after sneakers should be comfortable sandals if you’re traveling somewhere warm or weather-proof shoes, like Chelsea boots if you’re heading to a colder climate. Dinner-appropriate shoes, like heels or Oxfords, should be third on your packing list.
Our recommendations for the most comfortable travel shoes
Shoes are the most important things you’ll pack for any trip. Choosing styles that offer arch and ankle support will help you get the most out of every day of your trip. No one wants to make an emergency stop at the pharmacy for blister plaster. We’re sharing our top picks for 15 of the best shoes for traveling, from getting you through the airport to those late-night, post-dinner walks.
1. Veja Campo Sneaker
The “Veja Campo” sneaker is one of the ultimate travel shoes. Made famous by celebrities like Meghan Markle, it’s impossible to go through a city without spotting a pair of these distinctive travel sneakers. The minimalist design makes them easy to dress up and down for any occasion.
Photo: veja-store.com
Available in unisex styles, the Campo sneaker offers more support than your traditional sneaker due to its chunkier sole. The Campo is more comfortable than the brand’s other shoes and doubles as a great workwear staple. You can easily clean these shoes on the go with a damp cloth to keep them looking brand new.
2. Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
Adidas is an athleisure brand dominating the sneaker industry right now. The “Stan Smith” shoe has evolved from a classic tennis shoe to a streetwear must-have. These travel shoes are the perfect choice if you’re packing light and only have space for one pair.
Photo: adidas.co.uk
They’re chic and offer support for all-day wear, making them an ideal choice for European walking shoes. You won’t look out of place in Paris, London, or Milan with these understated, unisex sneakers.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
Where to buy: New Balance (Men’s) | New Balance (Women’s)
New Balance is a brand that ticks all the boxes. These breathable shoes will keep your feet comfortable, with a design that makes them easy to slip on and off at airport security. The laces are easy to adjust with additional padding at the tongue and heel for extra support. If you have issues with your hips or knees, these are the walking shoes for you. They’re a lightweight style to pack in your suitcase without adding unnecessary weight.
Photo: newbalance.co.uk
The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is great for warmer climates and dries quickly if you’re caught in a rain shower. You can find this running shoe available in an array of pastel and brighter colors for those who prefer dopamine dressing.
4. HOKA Clifton 9 Sneaker
HOKA is an athleisure brand surrounded by hype, but these travel shoes are the perfect example of why this brand is everywhere on social media. Although they feature a thick sole, this extra cushioning makes them ideal for long days of walking without being heavy. The silhouette is small enough to pack into a carry-on bag or to wear as your airport shoes.
HOKA is one of the most popular brands for comfortable travel shoes for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. If you need extra support and cushioning, HOKA has you covered. These walking shoes for Europe feel like you’re walking on clouds – even after hitting 10,000 steps.
Photo: hoka.com
Their maximum support profile makes them ideal for accommodating most foot conditions, including bunions. The polyester mesh makes them great for all weather conditions and suitable for those with wider feet.
The Clifton sneaker is one of HOKA’s signature styles with almost 30 different color options currently available, from earth-tone neutrals to pops of colors. Clifton 9 is the latest edition of the style with an even lighter silhouette and a 3mm heel stack for additional cushioning and support. HOKA sneakers are for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement with their comfortable travel shoes.
5. Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
Where to buy: Birkenstocks | Amazon
Sandals might not be the first shoe that comes to mind when packing for vacation, but Birkenstocks have become a firm favorite for frequent flyers. If you deal with puffiness and swelling when flying, Birkenstocks are the best way to keep your feet comfortable for long-haul flights. Although not ideal for hiking or all-day sightseeing, these lightweight shoes weigh almost nothing in your suitcase and can easily be carried in your day bag to switch out with your sneakers.
Photo: birkenstock.com
The Arizona style is one of Birkenstocks’ best-selling sandals with a cork-latex footbed that feels as if it’s memory form. You’ll find these sandals in almost every color imaginable with new colors launching seasonally. You can match these travel sandals with almost any look, from a linen suit to a floral summer dress. Choose from narrow or regular sizes, depending on your foot type.
These Birkenstocks have reached a cult classic status for a reason. The skin-friendly Birko-Flor synthetic material keeps your feet comfortable as the temperatures start to rise. These comfortable shoes offer more support than you would expect.
6. Allbirds Couriers Everyday Sneaker
Where to buy: Allbirds (Men’s) | Allbirds (Women’s)
Don’t just look at athleisure brands when shopping for travel sneakers. Allbirds is a brand comparable to Rothy’s and famous for their “wear them anywhere” sneakers. These shoes have a thick midsole, making them ideal for all-day wear. They have a spottier appearance than other fashion brands, like Superga, and it’s worth noting that stain removal isn’t easy on the go. These sneakers are best cleaned by putting them in a washing machine with a mild detergent and cold water.
Photo: allbirds.eu
If you’re buying travel shoes last minute, these sneakers are comfortable from day 1 without any need for extensively breaking them in. We recommend picking up a pair if your travel itinerary includes lots of outdoor excursions and walking. The “Couriers” sneaker has a larger midsole, providing you with extra arch support, and is available in men’s and women’s sizing.
7. Rothy’s “The Point II” Flats
Where to buy: Rothy’s
Sneakers and sandals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. If your fashion sense is more preppy or you want to maximize the versatility of your capsule wardrobe, don’t overlook a classic ballet flat. Rothy’s is a favorite brand amongst frequent travelers, including working professionals, for its sophisticated styles.
Photo: rothys.com
The Point II flat has a refined silhouette with a smooth finish and sculpted outsole for more stability and comfort. What we love about these chic shoes is that they’re made from recycled plastic with production methods that strive to minimize waste. These shoes are friendly to your feet and the planet.
The spacious toebox means you don’t have to worry about these shoes pitching your feet. Although they sit at a slightly higher price point, these flats are a great investment for frequent travelers or if you’re looking for comfortable everyday shoes. You can easily fold these shoes up to pack them in a carry-on or tote bag to maximize your packing space without compromising the shoe’s shape.
8. Chaco Women’s Zx2 Classic Sandal
Where to buy: Chaco (Women’s) | Chaco (Men’s)
Birkenstocks aren’t the only sandals that have earned a spot on this list. These sandals by Chaco meet all our tests – giving you great support with a sturdy design, ideal for all-day walking. You get more arch support than you would expect from other sandals, which can take a little getting used to. It’s a good idea to break these shoes in before your trip, as you may feel some chafing around the toe loop during your initial wars.
Photo: chacos.com
Some reviews point out that the strap adjustment style can be annoying for those with narrower feet due to excess material, leaving the straps dragging on the floor. If you have wide or average feet, the adjustment strap system might be what attracts you to these travel shoes. You can choose from a wide array of colors, from elevated neutrals to quirky pastels, that offer arch and heel support.
9. Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot
Where to buy: Sam Edelman | Nordstrom
Hear us out! Chelsea boots are some of the best walking shoes for travel in Europe, especially if you’re visiting outside of the summer months. You can expect these shoes to be the heaviest you’ll pack, meaning you’ll want to wear them through the airport. Choose a style that is easy to slip on and off to speed up your transit through security.
Photo: samedelman.co.uk
The key to wearing boots as travel shoes is to invest in a leather style and avoid anything made with plastic. If you want an alternative to sneakers, look no further than the “Laguna” Chelsea boot from Sam Edelman. Like any boot, you’ll want to wear this style before your trip to remove any stiffness. They’ll help keep your feet protected against the elements with their waterproof material and are great for spending hours outdoors exploring, even in the rain. These boots are available in a regular and wide fit.
10. New Balance 574 Sneaker
Where to buy: New Balance (Unisex) | New Balance (Women’s)
New Balance is a brand that makes more than one appearance on our list of the best travel walking shoes. The 574 sneaker is comfortable for walking around any city, with a sporty look that makes it easy to style with streetwear. This style is one of New Balance’s best-sellers and is available in women-specific and unisex styles, although sizing may vary. We recommend using New Balance’s size chart to find the best option as it may not align with your average sneaker size.
Photo: newbalance.co.uk
These running sneakers are available in a regular and wide-fit option with a foam midsole for extra support. The suede design makes them a welcome alternative to the all-white sneakers that dominate the market.
11. Skechers Go Walk
Where to buy: Skechers | Nordstrom
Skechers is a brand that people always talk about when buying travel shoes. Although not the most stylish option on this list, the GOwalk collection by Skechers prioritizes comfort. They’re some of the best travel shoes you’ll find at under $70 with maximum arch support. The ortholite insole makes it easy to stand for hours, perfect for days exploring museums or waiting in line for tourist attractions.
Photo: skechers.co.uk
Although these shoes won’t break the bank, their design doesn’t compromise on quality. The cushioning and insole are their main selling points, along with a breathable mesh design that makes this lightweight shoe a must-have for long summer days. They’re just as comfortable as wearing your favorite slippers. The slip-on design makes them a great travel shoe for carrying in a tote bag to switch out to throughout the day.
12. Nike Pegasus
Where to buy: Nike (Men’s) | Nike (Women’s)
If you have narrow feet, finding comfortable travel shoes isn’t always easy. The Pegasus sneaker is Nike’s best-selling shoe for narrow feet, especially those whose feet aren’t narrow enough to comfortably fit into other styles sold as narrow fits. Most people with narrow feet will find the standard fit of these shoes to be the perfect choice.
Photo: nike.com
The Pegasus is an all-round performer and a popular choice for workout shoes, as they’re marketed as a running shoe. The extra cushioning gives you a slight bounce to your step, making it easy to walk for hours without a break. You’ll find these athleisure sneakers available in several specialist designs, including the Pegasus Trail 5, Pegasus Plus, and Pegasus EasyOn styles.
13. Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker
Where to buy: Superga | Superga
Superga is a rival brand to Veja (featured at the start of our list) and sits at a slightly more accessible price point. The “Cotu Classic” sneaker is an all-around style and a basic white sneaker that’s a no-brainer for travel. These shoes have a low profile and can be styled with any outfit, from jeans to a skirt or a maxi dress.
The rubber outsole and cushioned insole give these shoes extra durability and stability. Although the Superga shoes don’t have built-in arch support, you can make them even more comfortable by adding a gel insole or removable arch support to suit your footwear needs. Like any white sneaker, you’ll want to clean these travel shoes regularly by throwing them into your washing machine and air drying.
Photo: superga.co.uk
One thing to consider is that the Superga sneakers are heavier than you might expect. They’re best worn while traveling to reduce the weight of your suitcase, but the weight isn’t enough to throw these shoes off balance. Not a fan of white sneakers? You’re in luck! The 2750 Cotu classic, although most iconic in its white colorway, is available in a rainbow of colors and seasonal prints for both men and women.
14. Brooks Ghost 16
Where to buy: Brooks (Women’s) | Brooks (Men’s)
If you’re serious about clocking up your steps while traveling, you’ll want to invest in the Brooks Ghost 16 shoes. This style is available in a standard, wide, and narrow fit with over 30 color options to choose from. These shoes are ones you can wear all day long, whether you’re planning on hiking or just walking around the city.
We love these travel shoes for their extra cushioning that doesn’t reduce the shoe’s stability or shock absorption. These award-running shoes are marketed as road running sneakers but are surprisingly versatile with a grippy outsole that’s great for uneven surfaces and terrain.
Photo: brooksrunning.com
The curved insole of the shoe helps reduce arch stress, ideal if you’re flat-footed or struggle with sore tendons. It’s designed to help hold your foot in place with a firm heel counter that stops ankle rolling. The Ghost 16 is the latest iteration of the style following the best-selling Ghost 14 and Ghost 15.
These walking shoes have a sporty, athletic style, so you’ll want to make sure to pack a dressier shoe to transition from day to night. The 12mm heel drop almost makes these sneakers taller than your average running sneaker, something that’s worth considering if you’re planning on packing them into your suitcase.
15. Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle
Where to buy: Amazon
Our final recommendation for travel shoes is a suggestion for those who want a walking shoe, rather than a style for serious exercise or running. This style is great for anyone shopping for a travel shoe to accommodate bunions or wider feet. They sit at an ideal price point that doesn’t break the bank without sacrificing comfort.
These casual mesh sneakers have a synthetic overlay and are available in over 20 color options. You’ll usually find this style on sale at up to 50%. Make sure to bookmark the link above if you’re planning ahead for your next vacation.
Photo: amazon.co.uk
The main selling point for these shoes is that they give you all-day comfort without adding unnecessary weight. The 4.75cm heel stack is designed for those with Achilles tendon issues or if you walk heel-first. It’s got a mid-range weight but doesn’t feel chunky due to its soft sock liner.
They’re more understated than most athleisure shoes on this list, making them ideal for wearing as casual sneakers or as an alternative to slip-on styles. These are sneakers you can wear to any destination, while staying chic at the airport and comfy on your guided tours.
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