Whether you’re running up mountains, sitting on a beach or pounding the city streets, your travel shoes may be the most important item you pack on your holiday. Get it right and you’ll be able to walk “ten thousand miles”. Get it wrong and your entire trip could be ruined.
If you don’t want to spend your well-deserved days off in agony, then you need to choose your travel shoes wisely. But where do you start, and how can you ensure that you choose a stylish and functional shoe?
Dr. Monara Dini DPM, a podiatrist at the Bay Area Foot Care/UCSF, says the most important thing for a travel shoe is support with no flexibility. “You should not be able to flex or bend your shoe. It should also have plenty of cushioning, especially in the front of the shoe.”
She explains, “When we travel, we typically do twice as much walking as we do at home. This means we average about 20,000 steps per day. So, it’s important that the shoes support your foot to avoid injury.”
Dr. Dini recommends that you bring three shoes on your trip: 1) a sneaker (she loves Asics and Hokas), 2) a supportive sandal — as you should always avoid going barefoot in the showers, pool, etc. at the hotels, (she fancies Oofos) and 3) a shoe you love for all occasions (she never travels without her Birdies.).
However, Dr. Dini warns that the final shoe should never be a high heel or ballet flat. “I recently had a patient who broke her foot while on vacation in Paris because her high heel got stuck in a grate. Also, ballet flats are just a recipe for disaster. I regularly see patients who come back from their holidays early due to fractures, tendonitis and more. All of these injuries can easily be avoided by wearing appropriate shoes when traveling.”
Another important factor to consider is bringing tried, tested and worn shoes. You don’t want to bring old shoes that may have lost their traction, but you also don’t want to bring brand new shoes with no give, either.
“You don’t want to be abroad when you discover you have issues. At best you’ll need to buy new shoes. At worst, you can be laid up in bed or even have to return home early. Most shoes require a break-in period of approximately 1-2 weeks depending on the amount of usage,” says Dini. “You know you’ve broken your shoes in when you can walk a normal amount of steps (approximately 10,000 per day) without any discomfort.”
If you do develop blisters, Dr. Dini recommends a topical antibiotic ointment, a Band-Aid and some rest. Obviously, the best solution is prevention. That’s why our favorite travel shoes include features that are perfect for almost any getaway. We’ve not only considered support but also insoles, cushioning, durability, materials and activities.
Here’s our list of the most comfortable travel shoes for 2024 and 2025!
Best unisex travel shoes
These sneakers are the ideal travel companion — not only are they stylish, but they also feature a discreet side pocket, which is perfect for stashing money or small essentials while you're on the go. Stay hands-free and travel with ease in your Kangaroos!
Best travel shoes for women
I’m a loyal ASICS follower. All of my running shoes for the past 20 years have been Asics, and as long as they keep creating these fabulous shoes, I’ll continue being a loyal fan for life. I’m especially in love with the GT-2000s which are not only super comfortable but super supportive. You feel like you’re walking on air with these amazing shoes.
These loafers are crafted with unparalleled Italian craftsmanship. Available in various stunning colors, their soft suede construction exudes luxury and comfort. Slip into them, and channel the glamour of a 1940s Hollywood star. And like any high-quality shoe, they only improve with time and mold your feet to become uniquely yours.
Dr. Dini loves that these shoes provide support for both your feet and ankles while being lightweight and perfect for all-day wear. The advanced underfoot system offers cushioning, stability and wet-dry traction to keep you comfortable and safe. With fun color options, they’re stylish, sporty and great for all terrains — from hiking trails to cobblestone streets.
I love dancing and often take classes while traveling. The Tom’s Alpargata collection is the go-to shoe for dancing and beach walks. They’re incredibly comfortable by molding to your feet like custom shoes. Plus, Tom’s donates one-third of profits and over 100 million pairs of shoes to those in need. Slip on your Tom’s dance shoes and hit the floor!
These fabulous flats are so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing shoes, and they're machine washable to keep them fresh! While they may not be ideal for all-day wear, they're perfect for the beach or special occasions.
I wear the Hamptons by Sole Bliss nearly every day. Their subtle platform conceals cushioning that feels like walking on air, so they're even more comfortable than regular sneakers. With three layers of memory foam, Sole Bliss designs luxurious, stylish shoes for women with bunions, wide feet or sensitive soles, but they're great for anyone.
Birdies aims to blend chic design with sneaker support and slipper softness in a versatile flat for every woman, and they’ve succeeded! I love the quilted insole and extra heel padding of the Starling shoe — it feels soft and luxurious and makes you want to keep touching it!
I love Calla shoes, especially the Star collection. They’re incredibly comfortable and combine style and quality, designed by women for women. I never travel without them! These timeless white sneakers go with everything, and the rose gold accents add elegance. Don’t miss out — everyone should have Calla in their collection!
If you dislike the discomfort of flip-flop prongs, you’ll love Reef Cushion Vista sandals. Their small platform elongates your legs and offers amazing cushioning, making you feel like you're walking on clouds. Stylish for the beach and perfect with shorts or sundresses, you can wear them anywhere in sunny weather!
Finding shoes for wide calves can be challenging, but Lane Bryant offers a great selection of wide-calf boots and shoes that keep you stylish while traveling. With various calf size options, you can easily find the perfect fit. I usually wear my bulky boots on the plane to save suitcase space!
Looking for the perfect Chelsea Boot to go the distance? Then look no further than Dr. Scholl’s Block Heel Bootie. The classic faux leather looks and feels like the real thing and matches everything in your wardrobe. The two-inch block heal, arch support and insoles give you the lift you need to stand tall with confidence.
If you love showing off your toes, Keen's Elle Backstrap Sandals are for you! They’re lightweight, stretchy and comfy, plus they dry quickly without damage. Made from recycled plastic bottles, these sandals also feature an anti-microbial solution to prevent odor and bacteria.
Short on space? Tieks has you covered! These split-sole ballet flats fold up easily to fit into your suitcase or even your handbag. Perfect as emergency shoes for when your feet hurt or for a stroll by the beach or pool, you won't want to be without them!
Best travel shoes for men
Let’s face it, no one likes soggy sneaks. Whether you’re male or female, having some weather-repellant shoes is always a good idea to bring when you’re traveling the world. Allbirds have these great wool dashers that will not only keep your tootsies feeling warm and snuggly. They will also keep them dry from the elements.
Skechers Moreno Canvas Oxford Shoes are the perfect shoe to make you look like an English gentleman in any climate. Their two-toned uppers and leather-lined outsoles are stylish with any look. In fact, these shoes are so popular that many customers buy additional pairs in alternative colors. Sketchers is well known for its memory foam soles, which make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud.
For a rugged look, try Blundstone’s low-cut shoe in rustic brown. With shock absorption, removable footbeds and water-resistant leather, these shoes are among the most durable travel options. Legendary for their longevity, they’re perfect for everything from museums to mountains.
If you prefer comfort without the formality, try the Sanuk Hi Bro Lite Hemp shoe. Stylish yet casual, the IMEVA sole cushions and protects your feet all day. Plus, they’re slip-ons, which makes airport security a breeze.
If you like to push the limits of travel and adventure, look no further than these Ecco shoes. These versatile boots are part boot, part sneaker and part dress shoe. They are made with leather and Gore-Tex giving you the perfect balance between ventilation and water resistance so whether you’re chopping logs or fishing in the lakes, you’re ready for any situation.
CNN Underscored travel editor Kyle Olsen swears by his Xero shoes. Having seen him in them, I can confirm that he, and the shoes, are the very definition of cool. The lightweight mesh uppers, wide toe boxes, and flexible FeelTrue soles offer both style and comfort. Plus, the zero-drop design promotes proper posture and enhances comfort.
The Vilocy's sleek and polished design helps you look like you’re ready to board your yacht. The breathable knitted uppers and lightweight design offer all-day versatility for all occasions. The memory foam insoles will allow you to walk 20,000 steps without pain!
When you're heading to the beach, slip into Oofos sandals, a favorite among podiatrists for their support. I love the light natural tone, which stays cool in the sun, unlike darker sandals that absorb heat.
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