“The best shoes for traveling are shoes that you can walk and stand in for long distances and periods of time,” says Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Central Park Sole, a practice in NYC. “I always say: Our feet are our body’s shock absorbers and need to be taken care of, with cushioning, support, and stabilization.”
As the star of the popular TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me, Dr. Bradley is the expert when it comes to the best travel shoes that are stylish, practical, and kind to your feet. Read ahead for his top recommendations for shoes you can comfortably jet-set in.
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Best White Sneaker For Travel
Lululemon Cityverse Sneaker
While we simply adore the timelessness and versatility of the white sneaker, it can be tricky to keep a pair spotless while you're on the road. Thankfully, the latest sneaker drop from Lululemon — a solely athleisure sneaker— is just what the doctor prescribed. The Citiverse sneaker is specifically designed for casual strolls around a city with all the cushion, support, and style that you'd ever want in footwear for whatever new ground you're walking. Our very own Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa tried out these kicks and praised them as perfect to "go with just about anything in your suitcase."
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Cityverse Women's Sneaker, $, available at Lululemon
Best Athleisure Shoes For Travel
Asics GT-2160 Sneakers
Clunky dad sneakers may have been a thing of the early 2010s but they have made a resurgence and these are as comfy and stylish. Complete with Ortholite insoles and cushioning for comfort, these athleisure sneakers complete any outfit abroad — the multi-use makes them perfect for keeping an efficiently packed suitcase.
Shop Asics at Shopbop
ASICS GT-2160 Sneakers, $, available at Shopbop
Best Sustainable Sandals For Walking
Teva Hurricane XLT Ampsole Sandals
One of the most important parts of a good travel shoe is comfort and support for lots of walking, both of which the Teva Hurricane sandals have. These functional bubblegum pink sandals look like all fun and games but wait till you take them to the streets. Made in part from recycled materials, Teva's lightweight sandals have plenty of support with velcro straps, padded heels for added comfort, and a lightweight design — not to mention a grippy rubber sole. Make a statement without tripping no matter what terrain you're tackling. If pink is too bold for you, the shoe also comes in three other more neutral colors: sesame, eucalyptus, and oyster.
Shop Teva at FP Movement
Teva Hurricane XLT Ampsole Sandals, $, available at FP Movement
Best Chelsea Boots For Travel
Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot
Even though sneakers might seem like the default travel shoe, there are plenty of other travel-friendly shoes out there as well. Dr. Bradley explains it’s all about the cushioning: “Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage,” he says. “The length and width of the shoe, especially the toe box room, matters because you don’t want your heel or foot slipping around, your toes jamming into the front of the shoe, or the sides of your feet rubbing.”
This trendy take on the classic Chelsea boot is a perfect example of a shoe that does it all while keeping your dogs cozy as heck with a padded footbed and space for toes. The lug-sole rainboot is a personal favorite of mine for its comfort. I've taken these on vacation for their versatility and they do not disappoint!
Shop Sam Edelman
Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot, $, available at Sam Edelman
Best Travel Shoes That Are Also Fashionable
Adidas Gazelle Shoes
Natural leather, such as suede is a breathable material that's great for shoes. We love a new take on this classic from footwear brand Adidas. The brand has reissued new colorways for an upgraded version of the 1991 Gazelle, with true-to-style materials and aesthetics, and a more eye-catching take on its iconic triple stripes. These soccer sneakers are sure to keep your feet stylish and comfortable while exploring a new city.
Shop Adidas
Adidas Gazelle Shoes, $, available at Adidas
Best Travel Shoes With Comfortable Cushioning
Hoka Clifton 9
“The cause of most pain and irritation comes from repeated tearing and stretching when standing a lot, walking, or running,” says Dr. Bradley. “Arch support is one of the most important things to look for when buying any shoe, but especially for strenuous or long-range activities. It affects comfort and can help prevent a myriad of issues.”
The award-winning sneaker brand Hoka is his top pick. This bestselling Clifton style features a compression-molded midsole — made from recycled foam — and an extended heel crash pad, both of which make a huge difference in protecting your arches by absorbing friction.
Shop Hoka
Hoka Clifton 9, $, available at Hoka
Best Ballet Flats For Travel
Vivaia Margot Square-Toe V-Cut Flats
Ballet flats are popular choices for flying, but unfortunately, they are not the most naturally supportive. “If you are locked in on ballet flats, look for a pair that has appropriate arch support built in and some proper cushioning, or put in new insoles,” says Dr. Bradley. These machine-washable flats have a spongey, moisture-wicking foam insole that's been likened to yoga mats. Generous padding is added to the heels to prevent blisters.
Shop Vivaia
Vivaia Margot Square-Toe V-Cut Flats, $, available at Vivaia
Best Travel Shoes For The Airport
Kizik Prague Sneakers
Anyone who's ever struggled to remove their shoes quickly at the TSA checkpoint will know the importance of wearing something that slides off easily. These cleverly designed canvas sneakers are just the ticket to breezy airport travels, thanks to back panels that can be quickly folded down at the heel, making it a lot easier for the foot to slide in and out. The footwear startup’s patented Rabbit Foam outsoles are so soft and enveloping, you’ll feel like these shoes have been broken into forever ago. The insoles are machine-washable, too. If these aren't your style, Kizik has a plethora of easy on/off shoes available on their website.
Shop Kizik
Kizik Prague Sneakers, $, available at Kizik
Best Leather Loafers For Travel
Everlane The Modern Loafer
When it comes comfy travel footwear that's also dressy enough for more formal occasions, you can’t go wrong with a quality pair of loafers. These well-made leather slides are cushy enough for all-day exploring; many reviewers have even mentioned how no break-in period was necessary to walk comfortably. The higher tongue (the front piece of the shoes) means that your feet won't slip out by accident. Fans of the brand have also commented on how much they love the cloud-like padding.
Shop Everlane
Everlane The Modern Loafer, $, available at Everlane
Best Knee High Boots For Travel
DuoBoots Haltham Knee High Boots
Sure, knee-high boots probably wouldn't be top of mind when it comes to a travel-ready shoe, but hear us out: If you manage to land on a comfy pair that comes in a low heel and durable leather upper, they will jazz up your travel outfit. These riding boots — made in gorgeous Portuguese leather, soft nylon lining, and memory foam padding — offer exactly that, and they come in a wide variety of calf sizes and shaft heights to accommodate any body type. I recently wore my DuoBoots Halthams for a day of walking 20,000 steps all around London and didn't feel a thing.
Shop DuoBoots
DuoBoots Haltham Knee High Boots, $, available at DuoBoots
Best Formal Shoes For Travel
Naot Bentu Loafers
Naot is a brand that should be on your radar if you are looking for dressier shoes that don't kill your feet. Thanks to a patented footbed design made from foamy cork and latex, these shoes are way more comfortable and supportive than your average horse bit loafer. I have a pair of these in brown leather, and it is by far my favorite shoe to channel uniform-chic with pleated skirts or dress up with power suits. I really appreciate how the front of the shoe sits taller than other loafers, which prevents my foot from sliding out.
Shop Noat
Naot Bentu Loafers In Acorn Suede, $, available at Naot
Best Running Shoes For Travel
Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
Lululemon is one of our favorite places to shop for travel outfits, and the brand really delivers in the shoe department, too. This running shoe has won top points from Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa for its stretchy textile upper and thick, weightless padding. According to her review of the shoe, the wide array of color combos along with the understated, logo-free look make this pair a perfect choice for trips where you have to prep for both casual and active outings.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe, $, available at Lululemon
Best Walking Shoes For Travel
New Balance Women's 928v3 Shoes
These sneakers are the real deal when it comes to putting your best foot forward during an arduous journey. There is a unique midsole design with extra-strong cushioning that absorbs impact, resists pressure, and stabilizes your foot. The price point is an investment, but the spring in your step will be so worth it.
Shop New Balance
New Balance Women's 928v3 Shoes, $, available at New Balance
Best Machine-Washable Travel Shoes
Vionic Beach Pismo Casual Sneaker
Vionic is a shoe brand that has won top marks from Dr. Bradley, and the podiatrist gives a special shoutout to its nonslip insoles that come with arch support aplenty. These canvas slip-ons are made from sustainable materials and with a footbed designed for orthotic comfort. The best part? You can throw them into the washer — just make sure that you take the insoles out first.
Shop Vionic
Vionic Beach Pismo Casual Sneaker, $, available at Vionic
Best Beach Sandals
Reef Water Vista Sandal
Having fun on the beach requires some seriously sturdy footwear that can flop around in the sand while being easy to rinse clean. These plastic sandals from Reef, which come in an array of colors, score high on both fronts and are seriously comfy for a waterproof sandal. During travel, comfort and ease are the name of the game and the velcro attachment at the back of these sandals means you can quickly pop them on and off. In addition to the beach, these are great shoes for a casual outfit to go stroll around town in.
Shop Reef at Amazon
Reef Water Vista Sandal, $, available at Amazon
Best Sustainable Shoes For Travel
Coachtopia Strappy Sandals
We love a good chunky sandal, and this pair will be kind to your feet — and to planet Earth. Read through the specs and you will see that Coach's sustainable sub-brand is serious about reducing waste. The upper is made from 96% recycled polyester, while the outsole is derived from sugarcane. Even the velcro closure, thread, and ring hoops are made from post-consumer plastics or polyester.
Shop Coach
Coachtopia Strappy Sandal, $, available at Coach
Best Travel Shoes for Walking
Akk Walking Tennis Shoes
Dr. Bradley also recommends looking for shoes made with breathable fabrics, mainly woven materials like nylon and cotton. These slip-resistant shoes come in a breathable mesh upper, and reviews have sung many praises for the memory foam insoles that mold to your feet. The deep discount sweetens the deal.
Shop Amazon
AKK Walking Tennis Shoes, $, available at Amazon
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Travel
Forsake Cascade Peak Low WP
Forsake has one of the lightest shoes that you will ever feel, making it perfect for travel. But don't let their weight fool you — these bad boys are ready for action, whether you're hiking in the mountains or walking across a city. The Cascade Peak Low WP shoe has a whole host of features to prepare you for anything, including a waterproof exterior, recycled wicking mesh linings with anti-odor treatment, and a cushioned midsole with leather reinforcements on the toe.
Shop Forsake
Forsake Cascade Peak Low WP, $, available at Forsake
Best Short Rain Boots For Travel
Grundéns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots
While it'd be nice to have a pair of rain boots handy when you are going somewhere cold and wet (or if you know you'll be trekking through mud), it's not always practical given their weight and bulkiness. These ankle-length rain boots are a much more travel-friendly option. Thanks to a cropped shaft and thickly padded, shock-resistant insole, these babies give you much-needed space back in your luggage. The anti-odor lining means it will keep your feet bone dry and stench-free.
Shop Grundéns
Grundéns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots, $, available at Grundéns
Best Boots For Travel
Sole Bliss Roxy Boot In Black Leather
OUT OF STOCKEven though sneakers might seem like the default travel shoe, there are plenty of travel-friendly boots and more formal shoes out there as well. Dr. Bradley explains it’s all about the cushioning: “Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage,” he says. “The length and width of the shoe, especially the toe box room, matters because you don’t want your heel or foot slipping around, your toes jamming into the front of the shoe, or the sides of your feet rubbing”
These slick black boots will kick nasty blisters to the curb, thanks to their contoured footbed and ultra-spongy cushioning. There is extra room in the toe box to accommodate wearers suffering from bunions and swelling feet.
Shop Sole Bliss
Sole Bliss Roxy Boot In Black Leather, $, available at Sole Bliss
Best Strappy Sandals For Travel
FitFlop Gracie Leather Back-Strap Sandals
FitFlop never misses when it comes to making shoes that feel like a dream to walk in, and these strappy leather sandals are no exception. This writer has made several repeated purchases of this shoe style from FlipFlop over the years and can vouch for its high quality. These shoes weigh next to nothing, and the double straps are perfect for keeping my feet secure. The cushioning is also top-notch: I've done eight-plus hours of walking on city streets and didn't feel a thing. Thank goodness for comfortable and stylish travel shoes!
Shop FitFlop
FitFlop Gracie Leather Sandals, $, available at FitFlop
Best On-Sale Travel Shoes
Ryka Sky Walking Shoe
If you’re on a vacation that requires lots of walking around, keeping your feet stable is the key. “Look for shoes with a quality tread, so that you’re stable and balanced when coming in contact with the ground,” Dr. Bradley says. These lightweight shoes from Ryka are quite literally made for walking, with soft cushioning that molds to the shape of your foot and high-performance arch support. Most of the feedback is from reviewers who have to stand for long periods of time at work — and they all swear by the shoe.
Shop Amazon
Ryka Sky Walking Shoe, $, available at Amazon
Best Travel Shoes On Amazon
Hey Dude Wendy Lace-Up Loafers
According to Dr. Bradley, your shoes should also provide a good balance transfer for one’s gait — that’s the movement from when your heel strikes the ground until the toe lifts off, propelling forward at the end of one’s step. A heel that is too high or too flat will affect your gait and tire your feet, legs, knees, and even hips and back.
With a low heel that comes at a slight curve, these lace-up loafers have just the right type of rubber outsole for a uniform step. The elastic shoelaces also stretch out with the movement of the foot to allow more breathing room. Combined with the barely there weight of the shoe (at under 5 ounces), and you get why the product has nabbed over 56,000 and counting positive reviews. These can also be rolled up for easier packing.
Shop Amazon
Hey Dude Wendy Lace-Up Loafers, $, available at Amazon
Best Leather Shoes For Travel
Rakoh Leather Chelsea Boot
When it comes to a dressier shoe that also works for traveling around, ankle boots are a safe bet, but finding a pair that is truly comfortable is harder than you might think. These leather Chelsea boots have a flexible sole that makes being on the move all day much more tolerable, and the inside of the shoe is lined with soft, high-quality Tuscan leather, making the higher pricetag worth it. Wandering around a cobblestoned city will feel like a walk in the park.
Shop Rakoh
Rakoh Leather Chelsea Boot, $, available at Rakoh
Best Heels For Travel
UNHIDE WHEN BACK IN STOCKAlterre Black Sandal + Gold Elsie Strap
If you're dealing with limited space in a suitcase, Alterre's line of shapeshifting footwear — flats, sandals, and boots with interchangeable straps — feels like a true godsend. This AAPI-founded brand sells modular shoe parts in a wide variety of prints and colors that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. All you need to do is hook the interchangeable straps to the fixture at the bottom. Our favorite is the classic black sandal, which can be worn as a mule on its own or with black suede, snakeskin print, or gold ankle straps. The stacked heel is sturdy enough to handle all matters of activities, while the bottom of the heel is capped with recycled plastic to prevent wear and tear.
Shop Alterre
Alterre Black Sandal + Gold Elsie Strap, $, available at Alterre
Best Walking Sandals
Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal
With a latex and foam footbed that adapts to the contour of your foot, these strappy leather sandals should be your footwear of choice for walking around all day. The shoe itself is also remarkably lightweight, especially for how much height the platform adds to your frame.
Shop Amazon
Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal, $, available at Amazon
Best Fashionable Sneakers For Travel
Ecco Biom 2.1 Low Tex
For those of you who prefer an athleisure approach to travel outfits, this shoe is for you. It's sporty-looking and has all the comfort you'd ever want. The Biom 2.1 has a flexible sole made of three layers for optimal comfort as well as a stabilizing outsole to keep you steady while rushing to your gate. The brand is currently offering a buy-one-get-one-25% off promotion.
Shop Ecco
Ecco Biom 2.1 Low Tex, $, available at Ecco
Best White Sneaker For Travel
Skechers x Doja Cat Doja'Lite Shine
While we simply adore the timelessness and versatility of the white sneaker, it can be tricky to keep a pair spotless while you're on the road. Thankfully, the latest sneaker drop from Skechers — a collab with Doja Cat, the brand's first artist in residence — is just the ticket. The singer's riff on the classic Skechers D’Lites style from the '80s is funkier, more modern, and perfect for rugged traveling. The cream patent leather is highly immune to scruffs and stains while the gray marble-effect bottoms will make any sort of wear and tear less visible. Throw in Skechers' breathable and cushiony memory foam insoles, and you've got a winning combo.
Shop Skechers
Skechers x Doja Cat Doja'Lite Shine, $, available at Skechers
Best Comfy Party Shoes For Travel
Coach C202 High-Top Sneaker
Hot tip: High-top sneakers offer extra protection for your ankles and greatly reduce the risk of sprains, making them an excellent choice of footwear to go dancing. Coach's version of this retro court shoe comes in a high-octane, party-ready metallic silver and will win you compliments on dance floors around the world.
Shop Coach
Coach C202 High Top Sneaker, $, available at Coach
Best Travel Shoes That Are Also Fashionable
Adidas Gazelle 85 Shoes
Natural leathers, such as suede and calf, are also breathable materials for shoes. Adidas has just reissued new colorways for its highly popular Gazelle 85 shoe range, with a modified toe design and a more eye-catching take on its iconic triple stripes. The suede upper and leather lining keep your feet cool and comfy, and the navy hue will put an extra spring in your step.
Shop Adidas
Adidas Gazelle 85 Shoes, $, available at Adidas
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