Best Shoes For Travel: Sneakers, Sandals, Flats And More

Are you looking for a great pair of travel shoes? Then you are just in the right place. In this review, I will show you the best shoes for travel you can get – and in loads of different categories.

Whether you’re looking for flats, sneakers, hiking boots, or sandals, I’ve got you covered. And you will get several options in each category, so hopefully, you will find at least one pair that’s to your taste.

And of course, I’ve found great travel shoes for both women, so that there’s something for everyone.

OUR TOP PICKS

Best Shoes For Travel – Men And Women

Best Casual Sneakers

Casual sneakers will always be one of the best types of footwear to travel in. They are super comfortable shoes to walk in, and you can wear them with pretty much anything. Plus, you can wear them everywhere, from the city streets to the woods.

Depending on where you are going and what you plan to be doing, there are several pairs of sneakers you should consider buying. So, make sure that you’re getting a pair that is suitable for you.

Best Casual Sneakers For Women

If you’re heading somewhere warm, your best shoes for travel would be canvas sneakers. And nobody does canvas sneakers like Converse. I’ve worn them to the beach and I’ve worn them into the woods. However, I only recommend classic All Stars if you don’t plan to do much walking since we all know how uncomfortable they can get after long periods of time. These are not really walking shoes.

In that case, you are probably better off with the New Balance sneakers. They are sportier than the Converse option, but they are also a lot more comfortable. If you plan to do a lot of walking, they are the pair to get.

Adidas Sleek sneakers are another excellent option for walking shoes. I actually walked about 12,000 steps in a day in them, and I did not feel a thing. Plus, they are a newer model, so you’ll be trendy and stylish in them. These are just a pair of shoes you want to break in properly since they are really stiff out of the box.

The Saucony sneakers are another excellent choice for lots of walking. They are padded throughout, so they really super comfortable on your feet. However, all that padding tends to make them really hot, so I would not recommend them if you’re traveling somewhere really warm. But otherwise, they are a great choice.

Best Casual Sneakers For Men

Some people hate them and some love them. But I think we can all agree that these are insanely comfortable walking shoes. The break-in time is virtually not existent, then are supportive everywhere, and they feel like you’re walking on clouds. If you plan to do a lot of walking around, the Nike Air Max sneakers are probably your top option.

And of course, who can forget about the classic Adidas Superstars? They are equally popular with men and women of all ages, and you really can’t go wrong with those. Especially because they’re remarkably comfortable. I would recommend getting your own insole though because they don’t offer too much arch support.

Dress shoes that are actually sneakers exist, and they are an awesome option when it comes to versatility. They are comfortable stylish travel shoes for walking around and they are also really stylish. In fact, they are stylish enough that trendsetters these days are wearing them with suits. Just don’t wear the Jousen sneakers off the beaten path, since their outsoles are designed only for city streets.

If you need really supportive footwear, I recommend the Ecco sneakers. They are made with an anatomical last, which results in a comfortable and supportive shoe. Plus, they have a pretty good outsole, so you will be fine even if you wear them on rugged terrain. Their insoles are removable, so you can also swap them for something less (or even more) supportive.

Best Running Shoes

Running shoes are another comfortable option for travel shoes. They are designed to be supportive, lightweight, and soft all around – if they’re comfortable enough for running, they are sure as hell comfortable enough for walking around.

Most of these sneakers have great outsoles, which will perform exceptionally well both on dry and wet concrete. And I will throw in a pair of trail runners, for those of you that want good and comfortable footwear for some light hikes.

Best Running Shoes For Women

Nike Flex sneakers are excellent travel shoes and they would work really well for walking around city streets. They are super comfortable shoes, and also supportive because they have an outsole that bends along with your foot. However, the sole is not really grippy, so I don’t really recommend them for anything other than concrete sidewalks.

The same goes for Adidas Cloudfoam Pure sneakers. They feature pillow-soft cushioning all around, and they are remarkably comfortable. You could walk around in these for ten hours and not feel a thing.

And what makes this pair of shoes even better is that their outsole is much more rugged than the one on Nikes, so you could actually wear them outside city streets. It has multidirectional lugs for great traction, but they are not too deep so you are compromising on grip.

The Camel Crown running shoes are a great option for warmer places. They are very breathable, so your feet won’t sweat too much and they will stay dry.

These travel shoes are also insanely lightweight, and they won’t weigh you down one bit. I love everything about them, from the supportive and padded interior to the rugged non-slip rubber outsole. And they are under $30, so they are also budget-friendly.

Here’s a great pair of trail runners for all of you that need a comfortable pair of sneakers for hiking. The Salomon Speedcross trail runners are water-resistant and feature a rubber outsole with seriously deep lugs.

This pair of shoes offer amazing grip and traction, and they protect your feet from any debris on the trail. They are somewhat supportive, so consider different insoles if you usually need more support from your footwear.

Best Running Shoes For Men

The Nike Revolution 4s are a very comfortable pair of shoes. The mesh uppers mean they are breathable, and the foam midsole means you will stay comfortable no matter how many hours you spend walking around.

But, their outsole was designed to provide you with impact resistance while running, so it’s not really grippy. I don’t recommend these for any adventures in nature, because you won’t have enough traction for rugged terrain.

A somewhat more versatile option is the New Balance 520v5. They feature injection-molded EVA midsoles for lots of comfort and support. And their outsole is rubber, with a decent number of lugs. Maybe not the best option for rugged terrain, but something you could easily wear on some light hikes as well as city streets.

Another pair of travel shoes to consider is the Asics GEL Venture 5. They are a cross between classic running shoes and trail runners, meaning that you get the best of both worlds. Their outsole is trail-specific, meaning you get lots of grip and traction. And with rearfoot GEL cushioning, your feet will be comfortable no matter how many miles you walk in them.

Adidas Terrex trail runners are an all-time best seller. They feature EVA padding on the inside and a high traction rubber outsole on the outsole. These are very comfortable shoes, with synthetic and abrasion-resistant uppers that will protect you from debris on the trails. In addition to that, their exterior is also breathable, which makes a great choice for different weather conditions.

Best Hiking Shoes/Boots

If your idea of traveling includes exploring nature and hiking on all kinds of trails, then you will need a good pair of hiking boots. Or hiking shoes, depending on where you’re traveling.

For more difficult trails and colder areas, I recommend boots. They are sturdier, usually waterproof, and provide you with lots of ankle support.

But for hiking in humid and hot weather, shoes are your best option. They will be comfortable, and they will not weigh you down at all.

Best Hiking Shoes/Boots For Women

The MOAB 2 shoes by Merrell are a very popular option. These hiking boots here have superb ventilation, which makes them an excellent choice for hiking in hot areas. Their Vibram outsoles are very rugged, so you can expect lots of grip and traction on all terrain types.

These also feature Merrell’s Air Cushion technology in the heel, for superb comfort after hours of hiking. But they are not waterproof – those would be the Merrell MOAB 2 Waterproof option.

The Keen Targhee II is another widely popular choice. They have a waterproof exterior with hydrophobic mesh lining, so they’re great for all kinds of weather conditions. In addition to that, the outsole of these walking shoes has 4mm deep lugs, for excellent grip and traction. And the ESS shank provides you with lots of stability. And you can always put in new insoles, should you need more support.

If you want real hiking boots, then you can’t go wrong with Columbia Newton Ridge. They are completely waterproof, which makes them perfectly suitable for ankle-deep snow. And the Omni-Grip outsoles allow these to perform equally well on all terrain types. The breathability of these is fairly good, but I still would not recommend them for double-digit temperatures.

The North Face Storm Iii hiking boots are an excellent choice for demanding trails in hot weather. They are very breathable, and they feature a really rugged Vibram outsole that has lots of grip and traction. These shoes also have an Ortho-Lite insole, which, in combination with the compression-molded EVA midsole, provides you with a lot of support.

Best Hiking Shoes/Boots For Men

The MOAB 2 boots are equally popular with men and women, both in the shoe and boot versions. This particular pair of shoes is waterproof, meaning it is great for cold and wet weather.

The Vibram outsole will give you all the grip and traction you need, while the EVA midsole and Merrell M Select EVA footbed will take care of your comfort. And the nylon arch shank keeps you stable on all terrain types. Just don’t wear them in the summer, since the ventilation in these is not best.

Timberland White Ledge boots are a popular choice both for hiking and every day. They are really stylish, in addition to being extremely functional. The mid-length means tonnes of ankle support, while the rugged rubber outsole gives you all the grip and traction you need on different terrain types. And you can use your own insoles if you usually need a lot of arch support.

If you’re in need of some lighter hiking shoes, I recommend the Columbia Redmond. Their uppers are made from mesh and synthetic, which makes them very breathable and a great option for hot weather. These walking shoes also feature a non-marking Omni-Grip rubber outsole that performs really well on all terrain types. And the Techlite cushioning inside the shoes guarantees comfort.

Another excellent option is the Kwong Wah hiking shoes. These are a rare pair of low-cut hiking shoes that are actually waterproof, which certainly makes them worth mentioning. And they are also very breathable, thanks to the mesh lining inside the shoes.

Their outsole features deep, multidirectional lugs, for lots of grip and traction on all terrain types. The only downside is that they are not too supportive, and you might need to put in different insoles

If you’re looking for a pair of travel shoes that you can also pass as dress shoes, flats are a good choice – and loafers or moccasins for men. They go well with jeans, dresses, shirts, khakis, and pretty much everything in your closet.

However, they are not usually the comfiest footwear. They tend to have rather thin soles, which makes them uncomfortable for really long walks. And they are only suitable for city streets.

I did manage to find several pairs that are orthopedic and actually offer some arch support. So, you will only see comfortable flats for travel.

Best Flats For Women

Vionic is a brand known for comfortable footwear. Their travel shoes are supportive and orthotic, and the Caroll ballet flats are no exception. They have an EVA footbed that will actually give you arch and heel support, which is something you don’t see in a lot of ballet flats.

And they have an elastic toe strap so that women with high arches can wear them without the shoes cutting into their feet. The classic black flat is always a great choice and something you can wear with nearly everything in your closet.

The VenusCalia loafers are probably the comfiest flats you can get. I know they look weird with that massage function outsole, but they look really great when you put them on your feet. And they will feel comfortable, thanks to the memory foam footbed. Oh, and they are super affordable – you can pick up a pair for some $20, which is honestly a steal.

If you usually like to make a statement with your shoes, I think you’ll love the UIN slip-on. They are adorable, and they are available in a variety of colorful designs. Their uppers are canvas, so the shoes are lightweight and airy. Plus, they feature thick inner cushioning, for lots of comfort and support. If you have wide feet, you should go half a size up, since they can be a bit narrow.

Clarks is another brand known for soft and comfortable footwear. The Danely Adira flats feature perforated leather uppers, for great breathability. It also helps that the cushion soft insoles of the shoes are perforated as well – this allows for excellent ventilation all around, and really minimizes sweating.

The only downside to these comfy flats is the outsole – it is minimally patterned and works only for city streets.

Best Flats (Loafers) For Men

The Sanuk loafers are a good choice if you need something dressy with lots of support. Their midsoles are very soft and comfortable, and you will be able to stay on your feet for hours at a time without feeling tired.

With uppers made of textile, these shoes are lightweight and airy, but not suitable for rainy weather. And with barely patterned outsoles, I would not recommend these for anything other than walking around the town.

Toms is a great lightweight option for those of you that hate wearing sandals and slides. They are made from canvas so they are pretty airy, and they will stretch. You will need to break these in, as they are very narrow out of the box.

They are not the most comfortable or supportive shoes, but they are great as a pair that you can dress up, or just wear to the beach, and that will not take up too much space in your suitcase.

If you plan to do a lot of walking on your trip, then you should consider getting the Skechers Equalizer loafers. These are walking shoes, and they will keep you comfortable even after several hours. The memory foam insoles are soft and supportive, the outsoles are flexible and patterned.

Meaning that you could even stray off the beaten path in these, and you won’t even feel the terrain below you. What about loafers with an insanely rugged outsole?

Seriously, the Taigel slip ons have an outsole that could easily be one of a proper hiking boots. That makes them perfect for nearly all terrain types, and the memory foam insoles mean you will always be comfortable in them. Plus, they feature perforated uppers, for excellent breathability.

Best Walking/Hiking Sandals

If you plan to go hiking in the summer, then appropriate sandals are a must. Especially if you’re in some really hot and humid areas. And the good news is that there are plenty of those around.

The best hiking sandals have protective toe caps that ensure you won’t bump your toe on a rock and scream in pain.

And I’m a bit more lenient with plain walking sandals – the only standard I have for those is that they are soft, supportive, and comfortable.

Best Walking/Hiking Sandals For Women

ECCO Damara Gladiators are easily my favorite pair of walking sandals. They are super cute, and you can easily wear them with any outfit. And they are also really comfortable; the top strap is stretchy, so it will totally adjust to your feet and it won’t cut into your skin.

The EVA footbed is perforated and covered with microfiber so that you are always comfortable in it. And even the outsole is decent – I wouldn’t recommend it for hiking, but it’s totally fine for the beach and park.

The Viakix walking sandals are an excellent versatile pair. They are pretty stylish, so you can easily wear them with a cute outfit when you’re out and about. And they have uppers made from webbing, as well as rubber interior, meaning that they are also water friendly.

Additionally, these have a really rugged outsole, which would perform really well on hiking trails. I would not necessarily suggest them for rocky terrain, but only because they are open-toed. But they are super comfortable sandals!

The Rose sandals by Keen are a great option for hiking. They have a rubber toe cap that will protect your feet from any debris on the trail, and keep you from stubbing your toes. The EVA footbed is metatomical, for loads of comfort and support.

Their outsole is not the most rugged you will find, but it is perfectly okay for light hikes. It is made from non-marking rubber, and it features a multidirectional lug pattern for just enough grip and traction.

If you want a pair of sandals that perform well on some really difficult hiking trails, then consider the Teva Omnium. They are closed-toe sandals with several drainage ports, quick-drying mesh lining, and a comfortable and shock-absorbing footbed. Plus, the spider rubber outsole on these sandals is totally worthy of a proper hiking shoe.

Best Walking/Hiking Sandals For Men

The Newport H2 sandals are incredibly popular with both men and women. They are excellent hiking sandals, and they perform really well on all terrain types. Their uppers are made from polyester webbing and they are quick-drying, meaning that you can even wear them in water.

These sandals also have a metatomical EVA footbed, which is really comfortable. And their outsole is very rugged, and it’s suitable for even some really difficult hiking trails. Plus, the protective toe cap keeps your feet safe from any debris on the trails.

The Camel Crown sandals are an excellent affordable option. They have quick-drying uppers with a waterproof sole, as well as a non-slip footbed with a massaging texture. And they also feature a rubber toe cap, which keeps your toes safe on rocky trails. Their outsole is also great; it has deep, multidirectional lugs that give you all the grip and traction you need on all terrain types.

The Jousen outdoor sandals are another great option. I personally wouldn’t wear them on hikes, simply because they are open-toed. But if you don’t mind that, you will find that the rubber outsole on these is capable of getting you through most hiking trails. Their uppers are perforated and quick-drying, and they feature a very supportive footbed.

Yucatan sandals by ECCO are also worth considering. With a microfiber-covered and EVA molded footbed, these walking sandals will be very comfortable and supportive. And there are also lots of cushioning in the midsole, thanks to the direct-injected PU foam.

The Yucatan sandals have a rugged rubber outsole that performs well on different terrain types, even cobblestone streets. But I still prefer them as walking sandals.

Best Water Friendly Sandals And Flip Flops

Need a pair of sandals that you can get wet, and which won’t fall apart? Something that will give you as much grip and traction underwater as you have on dry land?

No problem, I have just the right pairs in mind.

And I will also show you some more classic flip-flops and slides, which are comfortable, trendy, and perfect for the beach.

Best Water Friendly Sandals And Flip Flops For Women

Now, let’s talk about some proper water-friendly sandals. Keen Whisper is an insanely popular pair, and for all the good reasons. They have a protective toe cap, quick-drying uppers, and very grippy outsoles.

This means that you have plenty of grip and traction both underwater and on dry land. And their footbed is patterned, which helps keep you stable and ensures that you don’t twist your ankle in these. Plus, the EVA midsole keeps you comfortable in all your adventures.

Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve sandals are the shoes I would recommend to all women who are looking for something lightweight and breathable, but also really rugged. These sandals perform as well as proper hiking shoes – in fact, the only difference between them and proper shoes is that they have multiple drainage points.

These have a Vibram outsole with deep and multidirectional lugs, as well as a textured and contoured footbed for maximum comfort and support. And they’re also water-friendly, which is just the cherry on top of the cake.

The Adidas slides are probably the trendiest beach footwear you could buy. If you don’t already own a pair, then consider getting one – they are very comfortable to walk in, and much more comfortable than regular flip flops.

However, you might need a crash course on walking in slides without falling on your nose – I know I did. But once you’re over that, you’ll be able to see why these are excellent pairs of shoes to wear to the beach and the shop on the corner.

I know you don’t want to hear it, but the Crocs flip flops are among the comfiest flip flops money can buy. They are soft, with a decent outsole that ensures you have traction even underwater. And the footbed of the shoes is textured so that you don’t slip and twist your ankle. Just keep in mind that these are mostly made from rubber – if you leave them in the sun, they will shrink.

Best Water Friendly Sandals And Flip Flops For Men

The Swishwater Mesh Crocs are more like water-friendly shoes than sandals. They are mostly closed, with multiple drainage points on the sides, and they feature quick-drying textile uppers. The iconic Crocslite outsole gives you grip and traction both underwater and on dry land, while the footbed with massage pods keeps you comfortable in all your adventures.

If you prefer more open sandals, then I think you will like the Atika Maya. They feature nylon uppers that are quick-drying, as well as a contoured rubber footbed for lots of arch and heel support. And they have a rubber outsole with a multidirectional lug pattern, for plenty of grip and traction underwater. What makes this an excellent choice is the price tag – they can be yours for some $25.

Yes, the Adilette slides are so trendy this year that I had to include an option for men. And they even offer a decent amount of arch support, thanks to the contoured footbed – something that you will rarely find in flip-flops. The rubber interior makes them a good option for water since they dry off really fast. Just don’t leave them out in the sun, because they might shrink a few sizes.

The KIIU flip flops are an amazing versatile option. Their uppers are synthetic and water-friendly, meaning that you can swim in them if you want, and they won’t get damaged. But the thing I love the most about these is the outsole – it is flexible and very rugged, and honestly better than on some hiking shoes I’ve seen. Plus, their footbed is seriously comfortable as well.

It is contoured and patterned, so you get arch support, heel support and you won’t twist your ankle when you get them wet. But the price is definitely the best part since they will cost you some $27 at the most!

Buying The Best Travel Shoes: Things To Keep In Mind

Always Prioritize Comfort

If you have to make a choice between pretty shoes and a comfortable travel shoe, always go for the comfortable one. I allow myself to pack one pair of dress shoes when I’m traveling, in case I want to go out one night or dress up for a fancy dinner. But that’s it.

When you only pack comfortable shoes, you don’t really have a choice other than to wear your favorite sneakers. Otherwise, you might be tempted to put on shoes that aren’t that comfortable but go really well with your outfit. And that’s never a good idea if you’re planning on walking around for hours.

So, leave the high heels and tight dress shoes at home, and pack your favorite sneakers, hiking sandals, running shoes, etc.

Break In The Shoes

Once in a blue moon, you will buy shoes that are comfortable straight out the box. And other times you will need to break them. This is essential for ensuring that you are actually comfortable, and not dealing with feet full of blisters when traveling.

So, if you’re planning to get a new pair of shoes for your next trip, make sure to break them in first. That’s the most you can do to avoid getting blisters while you’re traveling and actually enjoy walking around new cities all day. Otherwise, the exploration could be really painful.

If you don’t have time to break in your new shoes, there are a couple of things you could do. Some people recommend stuffing a water bottle (or a sealed plastic bag full of water) inside the shoes and then stuffing them in the freezer overnight.

Or you can buy a shoe expander on Amazon for some $15-20. This is also a good alternative, but it’s not going to be the same as actually breaking them in. But, it is better than not doing anything at all.

If you didn’t have time to properly break in your shoes before your trip, put a backup in your backpack when you decide to wear them. That way, if they get too uncomfortable, you can just put on the other pair before you get blisters. And you will break them in a little bit at a time.

Get New Insoles

You’d be surprised how many people compromise on the fit and comfort of their footwear. Maybe you do it too – if your travel shoes usually fit ok but not perfectly, then you are compromising. Chances you need more support, and a new insole would completely change the fit of the shoes.

So, if you want to make any of the shoes that you already own comfier, just buy new insoles. There are loads of different ones – insoles for people with flat feet, insoles for high arches, plantar fasciitis, etc. This is the easiest way to make your footwear comfortable, and you’d be surprised how many people just don’t think of doing it.

Match The Shoes To The Destination

Think about where you are traveling, and what you plan on doing. If you’re going to Madrid and plan on just walking around the city, then you don’t need that pair of hiking boots. And if you’re going on a trekking expedition, then you really shouldn’t bring those flip-flops.

Overall, it is sometimes good to be prepared. But you also don’t want to pack too many items, especially if you’re going on an adventurous trip and you’re carrying everything in a backpack. In that case, less is actually more, so really think about what you’re packing.

And, in case you wind up needing a pair of flip-flops, you can always buy a pair while you’re traveling.

Our Top Shoe Choices

First, let me say that all of the shoes I’ve talked about in this review are rated very highly, and perform really well.

With that out of the way, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have any favorites. And those include a versatile pair for exploring the cities and a classic summer sandal that you can wear both in water and on dry land.

The best versatile travel shoe for the ladies would be Salomon Speedcross Trail Runners. Think about it – they are comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and have an outsole that will perform equally well on concrete and rocky terrain. If you want one pair of shoes that you can wear nearly everywhere, the trail runners will be your best friend.

The same goes for the gents actually; the Adidas Terrex Tracerocker sneakers are an amazing all-terrain choice. With EVA padding on the inside and a high-traction outsole on the outside, these babies will take you straight from the airport into the wilderness. And you won’t even feel a thing!

What about some proper summer sandals? Ladies, I have to recommend the Teva Omnium sandal as the most versatile option. These are a pair of sandals that you can wear anywhere you want, and you will be comfortable regardless of the terrain below you. They are comfortable, grippy, and waterproof, so they’re perfect for both water and dry land.

And for men, I would have to go with Keen Newport H2. These sandals are waterproof, comfortable, have a metatomical footbed and an insanely rugged outsole. You can wear them to the beach, to the forest, to the mountain, or just when you want to go out doing touristy things and exploring new cities.

Those are my favorites. I know that the list is very short compared to the number of shoes I showed you, but keep in mind that these four pairs are the most versatile options for summer. Head over to Amazon to see the prices of any travel shoes you like, and hopefully find a pair in your size.

You can also check out some of our other posts, for other must-have travel gear!

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