I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: why does it seem to be so hard to find great shoes for travel … comfortable travel shoes that are also cute? Well, it’s not because I’ve done the work for you!
Click the photo to go straight to the website of some of the shoes featured in this post.
Read more: The Most Comfortable Shoes I Own and my review of 20 shoes from one of my favorite brands, Everlane, here. Note that this post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.
1) Allbirds, the most comfortable shoes for travel, period.
Allbirds are, in my opinion, the best shoes for travel because they are extremely comfortable and look good, too. They’re not the most beautiful shoes I own, but the style is streamlined enough that I feel comfortable wearing them every day while traveling.
They’re my favorite shoes for travel because they are made of very soft, natural material. That means that they never pinch my toes or heels! The soles are also supportive, which is great for lots of walking! And they’re machine washable for easy care.
Allbirds has several different styles, all comfortable (no pinching!), supportive, and made from soft natural materials. I wear two styles:
classic Wool Runners, made of merino wool so they’re warm in the cooler months yet cool and breathable in the summer
Tree Runners, which are on sale. Made with eucalyptus fiber for breathability, great ankle support, and easy slip on comfort. Check out the new Allbirds runners for more styles and colors.
Of the two shoes, I prefer the tree runners because they have more support and structure than the wool runners.
Besides all of that, Allbirds is a great company to support: a certified B Corporation with free 2-day shipping, easy returns, quality products made from natural materials, and strong sustainability commitments.
Shop for Allbirds:
Read more in my review: The Most Comfortable Shoes I Own
2) New Balance: cute and comfortable sneakers for travel
On my last trip to Europe, I saw women everywhere wearing…sneakers! This surprised me because I usually think of Americans as the ones who wear tennis shoes, but these women wore cute sneakers with everything! With skirts, dresses, pants, and jeans.
This was especially true in Paris! The key is to find a pair of sneakers that have a slightly retro style — neutral colors, basic design, and comfortable fit.
In my search for the most comfortable sneakers for travel, I finally decided on New Balance. They have plenty of streamlined, classic styles, they’re sold on fashionable websites like Madewell, and they’re very comfortable and supportive. My son’s podiatrist even recommended them!
I have the above colorway, but this one sold on J Crew is also really cute and would match almost anything:
Other stylish sneakers for travel:
Joseph Seibel makes a smart European-style sneaker which is great for travel. Check out how cute these stylish sneakers from TOMS are:
3) Problem feet? The most comfortable travel shoes for walking/hiking:
Besides New Balance, which can be worn for walking all day, I highly recommend Hokas for lots of walking while traveling. Their styles are not always cute, but hear me out…
If you have even the slightest issues with your feet, walking a lot while traveling is apt to aggravate them, or you can get a new foot problem from wearing the wrong shoes. Hokas are a dream for people with foot issues or people who just want a really comfortable, supportive shoe.
While you probably won’t want to wear these everywhere you go, they’re a great pair of shoes for when your feet hurt and you just need the most comfortable shoes possible.
I have and love Hokas Clifton in white. The soft outer means there’s never any pinching or rubbing, and the ultra-supportive sole means that my feet and legs feel amazing after even the longest walks. They cured the tendonitis in my ankle!
Some of their styles look quite bulky but the Clifton and Mach styles are more streamlined. I tend to prefer the plainer light-colored ones, but the black and white Hokas are a good basic.
4) Comfortable flats for travel:
I don’t think flats are a good choice for travel, but if you need nice shoes for events or meetings while traveling, a comfortable pair of flats is good choice.
I’m always on the lookout for flats that look good and are comfortable. I’m happy to say that I found the perfect pair of flats in these Day Glove flats from Everlane. I can wear them all day without pain or blisters.
If this is your first purchase at Everlane, you can get free shipping with my invite link.
But the Allbirds flats are the most comfortable flats I’ve ever worn. The sole is cushy and the natural, breathable materials are soft on the feet, meaning there’s no pinching or risk of blisters. I have the Tree Breezers in black and love them for work and travel.
And this honest Tieks review makes me want to splurge on a pair of these cute and comfortable flats.
5) Best sandals for travel: Birks, Naot & Chacos
Many sandals don’t have sufficient support for the walking that comes with travel. To make matters worse, people who live anywhere that’s warm enough to wear sandals are probably used to seeing only flip-flops or cute, thin sandals, which are OK if you’re going to the beach but don’t suffice for days of travel.
Comfortable sandals for travel:
Birkenstocks are very comfortable for traveling, especially if you need a shoe with sole support. My favorite day-to-day sandals are these Giza Birkenstock sandals for travel and these more modern Birkenstocks, but make sure to break them in a bit before traveling.
Cute sandals for travel:
These Naot sandals are some of the most comfortable shoes I own! The soles, made of natural latex and cork, are designed to replicate the shape of your foot, so they almost instantly feel like something I’ve worn a million times, something that just feels right.
Besides Naot shoes’ flexibility, durability, shock absorption, and arch support, the most important quality to me is the elevated footbed center, which releases pressure in the joints of the center of the foot. I believe that this is what makes my feet feel so great in these. I have plantar fasciitis in one foot but cannot tell when I’m wearing these.
Sturdy sandals for hiking:
Another quality option is Chacos sandals for traveling. The good news is that they are amazingly comfortable and durable–I can walk all day in them with zero pain. And I’ve had mine for 10 years, and they’re still in excellent condition. They’re also adjustable, which is handy in case your feet need a little more room along the way.
I love my Chacos for long walks and hikes, but they’re bulky and not at all cute. Try their other styles of cute and supportive sandals, like these.
6) Boots for travel
Boots can be an important item for travel to places like Italy where people dress up, but they’re a mixed bag while traveling. The good news about boots is that they are great in rain and cold weather, and they can dress up an outfit.
And if you shop carefully, they can be comfortable — I’ve found that boots a half size up are best because they don’t pinch and allow room for socks and/or inserts for extra cushioning.
Try these beautiful yet comfortable boots from Everlane. Seriously, they are so worth it! They are SO comfortable right out of the box and have plenty of support for all day wear. No pinching due to the soft leather.
In Europe, women wear stylish low boots, especially in the colder months, and they’ll help you feel like one of the locals.
Boots for outdoors and hiking:
We fell in love with Blundstones after buying them for our trip to Scotland. We wanted a boot we could wear for hiking and walking that could also be used to other places, like restaurants or museums. My kids love them, too! See my detailed review about how to choose Blundstones.
For lots of walking, I always add good insoles.
What are your favorite comfortable travel shoes and why?
I asked this question over on Facebook and got many answers from readers. Here are some of their picks for great travel shoes:
Clark’s (so comfortable!), Tieks flats (worth every penny!), Vasque lightweight hiking boots, Josef Siebel sneakers (totally European!), & Cole Haan’s weekender shoes.
Click the photo to go straight to the website of some of the shoes featured in this post:
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Very fashionable. I am a one pair of shoes traveler. If I go to the mountains – one pair of hiking boots, hot weather – one pair of sandals, mixed wether – one pair of trek shoes. I must be the one European who is not in love with fashion lol.
I like your idea of one pair…this would simplify packing! And as you mention, some trek shoes can be worn in rain, too.
As a Healthy Foot Practitioner™ I give a lot of thought to shoes. I love my Vibram Five Fingers. I didn’t think they would work for me but I am now up to 15 km a day in them on concrete sidewalks of Toronto. They are odd looking but the comfort won me over. Now that it is colder, I’m back in my Altra shoes. Both of these shoes are “zero drop” ie, the heel is no higher than the ball of the foot. Altra are more cushioned but nice and wide in the toe box.
If you are doing a lot of walking in your travels, I’d suggest a zero drop shoe, either minimal or with cushion and support, as any kind of positive heel results in a chronically bent knee/hip and a posterior pelvis, compressed lumbar spine. Save the heels for dinner!
Another option for Mary Janes are Soft Star shoes, which are pretty and roll up for packing.
For a really great resource for shoe selection (not travel related, but this is about getting shoes that are best for your feet so it’s the same thing right?) read this blog post (with company links) from Biomechanics Scientist Katy Bowman: http://www.katysays.com/shoes-the-list/
Thanks for all the tips. My husband has those 5 finger shoes and the zero drop shoes. I haven’t felt the need for them but can see that taking good care of your feet, especially when walking a lot, is important, and that foot alignment is related to alignment of the whole body. Thanks for the insights…you’ve given me something to think about!
I had a pair of red campers sandals that saw me through a month of solo travel in Europe. Best travel shoes ever. I’m taking my keens to the Caribbean this winter for rainforest hiking and water activities and my Havianas for the beach!
That’s the good thing about Keens–they are good for hiking and water.
Check out the Fly London line–in particular the styles that begin with “Y” (Yala, Ylva, Yava, etc.). I have VERY fussy feet, and these are the only shoes I can wear all day. And I get compliments every time I wear them.
They can be hard to find in stores, but several online retailers, including Amazon, carry them.
Thanks for the tip! I will check them out.
I have about four pairs of Easy Spirit Travel Time slip-on sneakers, fine with bare feet and great for getting through airport security fast. The best travel shoes, bar none, though are Blundstone boots from New Zealand. Originally made for working on 19th-century sheep stations. The slip-on ankle boots are a favorite of Toronto hipsters but I prefer the ones that are lower cut, like shoes. Completely smooth outside and in, no rubbing whatsoever, Slip on, weatherproof leather and wear like iron. I cannot recommend Blundstones enough for all types of terrain, city or country!
I haven’t used either of these, so thank you for the tips. I will check out Blundstones now!
I have foot problems, so for me there is no comfortable shoe except the highest end Asics runners. When traveling, I bring two pairs – the runners (in a colour, preferably – the current ones are bright pink and happen to be kinda in style) and the waterproof goretex ones. In the summer, the latter is substituted by birkenstocks, which i find i can wear with a skirt but only for a few hours. This makes me look totally out of style, and can only be combined with pants, and even then there are limits. I try not to look like an American because I am not one, and so speak loudly in an Italian accent. 🙂
lol. And I like the idea of pink Asics.
What a quest! Packing shoes for travel is so tough–it’s always the thing I agonize about the most, because I like to get away with bringing as few shoes as possible. If you want to try a more comfortable and supportive flat, check out those from Dr. Scholls…I have a black pair with a cute buckle that I love, but you are right–don’t really work well in cold weather.
Have you tried Danskos? Very comfortable, and so many styles to choose from, and the heel makes you feel more dressed up…also have a pair that are Dansko(ish) shoes by “Born” that I love even more because they don’t scream clog! Good luck!
I haven’t tried either of your suggestions but will look into them. I need something more comfortable options.
Summer I always go for gold sandals and winter I always go for black boots. On the plane I usually wear ballet flats.
I like black boots in the winter, too. I’d love to know what kind of ballet flats you wear on the plane.
During the summer, I always pack a pair of silver and gold sandals. In the winter it’s a pair of brown or black riding boots. I’ll bring both if it’s a long trip. For walking around, I’ll bring a pair of plain Adidas that remind me of the classic K-Swiss shoes. I’ll also take a pair of Toms. They’re surprisingly comfortable and easy to pack.
I have thought about the plain Adidas because my son used to have a pair like that. Looking into them and the Toms as a comfortable walking shoe. Thanks, Leah!
For my 11-month trip around the world with my family, I was really happy with the shoes I took. Just before leaving I found a pair of Chacos clog-type shoes, with a covered front part and a heel strap. I wore them with black socks and long pants in the cold weather with no problem. They gave such great support that I didn’t feel my plantar fasciitis pain at all during the trip. And when they started to look really dingy by the end of our trip in Colombia, my crafty husband sliced off the toe covering to make them into a passable sandal.
I also had a cute(ish) pair of short boots made by Arcopedico, which I loved for their lightness and flexibility. I did need to use an insert with them for long walking days. Arche makes a similar pair. Neither of these is cheap, but they held up very well!
Good to know about the Chacos shoes. I didn’t know they made anything besides sandals. I also don’t know about the other brands you mentioned. Thanks for the tips!
My Keen sports sandals are my go-to shoe for traveling. However, I’m mostly headed to casual, tropical destinations. On our trip to Paris last summer, I’m afraid that I looked like the stereotypical tourist with my Merrell Sports Shoes, even if the above-ankle part of me was dressed nicely.
🙂 Well, at least your feet felt good, and the Merrells are actually pretty nice looking, I think!
I wear Dansko clogs, Mary Janes AND sandals. They are a teacher’s best friend. They even make boots. I know they aren’t the most fashion forward shoes, but they sure are comfortable!
Another brand to look into. Thank you!
OMG, I can 100% relate. While travelling,shoes have been a massive pain in the arse.I generally wear pretty smart clothes while backpacking (collared shirts etc) and I never wear trainers at home. Finding a balance between a shoe you can do lots of walking in, that can survive monsoon seasons, and that look nice is virtually impossible 🙁
Um, yeah, if you’re trying to survive monsoon season with your shoes, it would get complicated. I guess your best bet would be a not-too-big outdoor shoe with Goretex.
Jenna, great summary! I’ve struggled with this question for years. I’m looking for a good pair of low boots right now for this winter — I’ll have to swing by Old Navy! When traveling, I usually pack rugged hiking sneakers (if it’s an outdoorsy trip), stylish sneakers (pumas, etc.) for urban trips, and Tevas and/or flip flops for beachy trips, silver/fancy sandles for warm weater urban trips. My Crocs mary janes went to Paris with me this last time and I don’t feel they ever looked too out of place, but I wore them with jeans and I do tend to hang out in more ‘bohemian’ areas where shabbiness is standard — I rarely go anywhere that requires dressing up 🙂
The Old Navy ones weren’t comfy when I first got them, but the more I wore them, the better they got. They’re what I wear for half-day outings on the weekends. Low boots seemed very popular in Italy when I was there last year, too.
I’ve been eyeing those Crocs Mary Janes for a long time. Glad to know you liked them.
I love my Tieks (flats). Pricey, but absolutely worth it as I can walk for hours in them!
I’ve heard only great things about Tieks (and they look beautiful, too!). Maybe something I should splurge on as an X-mas to myself.
I love love love my Merrell sandals! They’re strappy, not quite as athletic-shoe looking as the Chacos here, and so so comfortable. I’ve worn them with shorts, dress pants, and skirts. But I agree, finding cute, versatile travel shoes is very difficult. But when in doubt, I always go with Merrell.
OK, I’m off to look for Merrell sandals. Thanks for the tip!
It depends on how much walking I’ll be doing and how warm it is. 🙂 If it’s warm, I take my Chacos or Keen sandals (the Keens are lighter). Last month, walking miles a day in England and Italy, I lived in New Balance walking shoes and Keen hiking shoes (for trails that were sometimes muddy). I don’t worry too much about fashion while traveling!
I like your Keen shoes. New Balance makes nice sneakers for kids, so I’ll have to check out ones for adults. I need a pair of shoes that would be super comfy for long walks while traveling.
I have troll feet and the shoes that work well for me are by Dansko. I also like Merrell if I want something a little more sporty. My foot doctor warned me against totally flat shoes like Keds.
I have some Orthaheel boots that are fantastic and cute, too.
Yeah, totally flat shoes don’t work for me, either. That’s why I can’t wear Converse. I also get pain in the sole of my right foot (left over from pregnancy) when I wear shoes that are too flat or don’t have enough cushion.
I love Born clogs for three reasons:
1) The thick soles make them super comfy for long walks.
2) They come in cute styles with buckles, studs, cool stitching, and stamped designs.
3) They’re easy to get off and on at the airport.
It sounds like you and Tami (who also left a comment) think the same way. Thanks for the tip, Glynnis!
Oooh, I went through this when preparing for a 3-week trip to Europe last year. I ordered dozens of shoes (thank you Zappos for free shipping and return!) and finally ended up with black Ecco sneakers (called Chase Tie). They were comfortable right from the start and even with tons and tons of walking, they were always comfortable. I only wished they looked better with a skirt. I still wore them with my skirts and tried to pull of a sporty vibe, but I’m not sure how successful I was.
I love getting all the tips from the comments and can’t wait to check some of these out for future trips.
That’s another one I’m not familiar with. I love that you tried so many (dozens?!) pairs and finally decided on those. Must be great shoes.
Aahhh, tough choices! I used to bring too many shoes, but learned the hard way to keep it simple and light. I do love boots on the road and because of their size I usually wear them on the plane. I have to say you’ve encouraged me to find nice low boots – I see them working well with both skinny and regular jeans. And heels – I always bring one pair for a night out. They’re definitely not for sightseeing. 🙂
Yes, I love my low boots with skinny jeans, usually folded up to show the top of the boot.
I’m reading the comments with interest because I’ve had plantar fasciitis for over two years. I need plenty of cushion and arch support in every shoe I wear, and alas, no high heels. I have a pair of Dansko leather sandals that are comfortable all summer. I also like my Chaco sandals and Merrell shoes. I keep an eye out for brands that combine comfort with style because if I have to choose, comfort keeps me traveling.
True. I have that same problem in my right foot (since my first pregnancy), but it acts up only sometimes. I have a small gel insert for the ball of the foot that helps a lot.
Try Jambu.com. They have several styles that are attractive (can be dressed up/down) but with sporty bases for walking. I’ve gotten the most shoe compliments ever while wearing them. I traveled with mine to Cambodia this summer; they stood up great to walking & dusty roads.
Thanks for the tip!
i’m stuck – i can only wear dansko professionals, since my ankle surgery. i love all your choices!
Love those mary janes! Yes, not practical in cold weather 🙁 I used to be a $150 for a pair of sandals girl. I discovered a pair of sandals that I LIVE in. I got them for €15 at Decathlon in Italy. I got three extra pair for when they finally blow out. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/arpenaz-50-womens-hiking-walking-sandals-grey-blue-id_8206190.html
They look really comfy, and you can’t beat the price! thanks for sharing, Laurel.
Love this! It’s so important (and so hard!) to find great travel shoes. Pinning!
Why is it so hard to find shoes that are comfortable AND cute??! The classic $3 Old Navy flip flops are still my go to but I’m sure my feet will pay the price of having zero support one day.
It is so hard! I wish I could find one or two go-to shoes for all travel.
I have 23 pairs of footwear… all kinds. But when it comes to travel I restrict myself to only 3 -4 of them depending on where and when I am going.
Nice post.
Will try to write a similar one on my blog as well. Before that I need to click pics of them. 🙂
3-4 is definitely enough when traveling! I try to take only 2 but often bring 3.
this article was certainly helpful, especially in re-assuring myself that it is okay to take more than 1 pair of shoes with me on vacation! I am going to China for a little over two weeks in May and have been trying to figure out what to bring. I work at a shoe store so I certainly have access to all of the information I need. As it will be hot while we are there I am bringing my Brooks, very supportive but light sneakers, Birkenstocks, g-r-e-a-t arch support and there are some cuter styles now (biggest downfall is most of them can’t get wet), my black canvas Toms, some arch support but mostly a nice light shoe for a hot day or to wear around the hotel, and my Toms wedges, these are the most comfortable heels I have found, they are about a 2 inch heel with some support and I can wear these all day, I love them. (I am a big Toms fan)
I have a pair of Toms wedges, and I love them except for the part that goes across the top of my foot. It cuts into my skin too much, making it hard for me to wear them all day. The sole of those shoes is amazing, though.
Birkenstocks! I’ve tried almost all of these brands and have never had more success with avoiding foot pain, Achilles pain, and foot fatigues as with Birkenstocks! They are have a fashion moment with lots of colors and styles so take advantage!
Joanne,
Yes! I love Birkenstocks and wear my Giza sandals all the time. I actually mention them somewhere on this blog as a favorite travel shoe, I think in my summer travel clothes post.
Love this post. Found it via Pinterest looking for comfy shoes for travel. My husband and I are Europe Bound in 2 weeks for our anniversary and I’m really struggling with finding a pair of shoes for the long walking tours we will be doing etc. Women really do have it hard. I am big on not looking like a tourist and try to have shoes that compliment my outfits but I am not willing to budge on comfort! Great suggestions and I am now on Amazon checking out these brands! Thanks!
http://www.onecraftymiss.com
Hi Taryn, It is hard to find the perfect one, but I have been using Birkenstocks and even the cute new styles of Crocs and Merrells more lately.
I can vouch for those Naot sandals! I can wear them all day walking and still have energized feet when I get home.
That is so good to hear! I love mine but my feet actually prefer the firmer support of Birkenstocks.
I find shoes are the most important thing you bring after a passport and money! If your feet hurt you will NOT enjoy the trip!! We usually bring low hikers and dress casually because we walk a LOT!! But, if I need to be dressier with dress pants I like to bring a Finn leather shoes. They are nice looking and really comfortable.
We make sure the kids have comfortable shoes, too – even ONE person in your travel party who has ouchy feet will ruin the day for all!! Good socks – we like smart wool, are really important, too. Planning for good shoes and socks really pay off in the long run!
Look at Merrell sandals shoes and boots. They have everything from around town to rugged and casual to shoes that can be worn out on the town. The footbed and arch and support will make you glad you spent a bit more. If you live near an outlet mall try to look there for a better price.
I purchased these at Skechers before my trip to England https://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Womens-Skechers-Parallel-Triple-Threat-Wedge-Bootie-Black/12690257/product.html Looks like they’re no longer available on the Skechers website, but they are the best shoes I’ve ever owned. I wore them every day of our week-long trip last May; easily dressed up or down, day or evening. Since I was determined to get through a week in London with nothing but a carry-on, one pair of shoes was a must.