25 Best Walking Shoes for Travel: Comfort and Style for Every Trip
Discover 2024's best walking shoes for travel: comfort, durability, and style to take you anywhere—from cobblestone streets to airport terminals.
25 Best Walking Shoes for Travel: 2024 Guide
Traveling places your feet through long days of exploring, airport sprints, and city strolls, so having the right walking shoes is crucial. In 2024, the quest for the best walking shoes for travel covers more than just comfort—it includes style, versatility, all-day support, and the ability to slip on and go. This guide breaks down the top 25 travel shoes in every category: from supportive sneakers and stylish flats to summer-ready sandals and versatile boots. Whether your next destination is cobblestoned Europe or a tropical boardwalk, these picks have you covered.
Best Sneakers for Travel
Sneakers are the cornerstone of any travel shoe collection, beloved for their comfort, shock absorption, and ability to match nearly every outfit in your suitcase.
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Time Off Sneaker
- Pros: No break-in time; Elastic laces for easy on and off
- Cons: Tendency to get dirty quickly
- Details: Water-resistant faux leather, cushioned footbed, 1.5″ platform
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 9.5
- Widths: Medium, some wide options
- Customer Review: “Averaged 18k steps a day through Spain and Italy and my feet, calves, hips, back, and knees all felt great. No break-in needed, held up very well!”
New Balance 574 Core Sneaker
- Pros: Easy-to-clean suede detailing
- Cons: Tends to run small (consider sizing up)
- Details: Classic mesh and suede upper, foam midsole for enhanced comfort
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 11.5; Widths: Medium, Wide
- Customer Review: “Wore these across Europe; 15,000+ steps daily and no soreness. So comfortable for all-day adventure!”
Best Loafers and Flats for Walking
Flats and loafers have evolved with shock-absorbing soles and contoured insoles, eliminating the painful break-in period and offering elevated style with real substance.
Vivaia Samantha Walker Loafers
- Pros: Water-repellent upper; Enhanced arch support
- Cons: Slightly sportier look due to shock-absorbing outsole
- Details: Square toe, .59″ shock-absorbing outsole
- Size range: 5-11, half sizes to 10.5
- Customer Review: “Material stretches and footbed is very soft. Great for long walks and chic enough for going out!”
Best Sandals for Travel
When your travels take you to warmer climates, supportive sandals become essential. Today’s best pairs feel as good as they look, with premium straps, footbeds and secure fits for trekking city streets.
Everlane The City Crossover Sandal
- Pros: Soft leather; Adjustable ankle strap; Zero break-in
- Cons: Not suited for rugged terrain
- Details: Secure fit, elevated chic design
- Size range: 5-11
- Customer Review: “So soft, so easy to wear, and they go with everything. One of my favorite shoe buys ever.”
Best Boots for All-Day Walking
Sturdy boots are ideal for travel during colder months or when extra support is necessary. Look for cushioning, grippy soles, and styles that pair well with jeans or dresses alike.
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Boot
- Pros: Waterproof suede; Slip-resistant sole
- Cons: Slightly narrow fit
- Features: Cushioned insole, low heel, classic silhouette
- Best For: Rainy city days, fall/winter travel
Sorel Emelie Chelsea Boot
- Pros: Durable yet ultra-light; Weather-resistant
- Cons: Break-in period for some
- Features: Grippy rubber sole, supportive midsole
- Best For: Cooler city breaks, unpredictable weather
Best Slip-Ons for Effortless Style
Slip-on shoes are the ultimate airport essential and excel at quick transitions from plane to pavement. Both practical and easy to style, their design means no fiddling with laces mid-security line.
Rothy’s The Point
- Pros: Washable knit; Comfortable for long days
- Cons: Narrow fit may not suit all foot shapes
- Best For: City exploring, straight from flight to dinner
Allbirds Wool Loungers
- Pros: Made from merino wool; Breathable and temperature-regulating
- Cons: Not waterproof
- Best For: Airplane days, casual sightseeing
Best Fashion-Forward Sneakers for Sightseeing
Travelers who want their footwear to make a statement will love the latest eye-catching, comfort-focused sneakers. With vibrant palettes and standout silhouettes, these sneakers turn any global sidewalk into a runway.
Prada Cloudbust Thunder Sneakers
- Pros: Futuristic design; Responsive cushioning; Durable tread
- Cons: Pricey
- Best For: Travelers seeking style and substance
Veja Campo Sneakers
- Pros: Sustainable; Minimalist and versatile
- Cons: Require care to keep clean
- Best For: Eco-conscious style, day-to-night wear
What others are reading
Best Luxury Picks
Elevate your travel wardrobe with shoes crafted from the finest materials, blending timeless style with superior comfort and durability.
Loro Piana Summer Walk Loafers
- Pros: Refined Italian leather; Lightweight sole; Excellent arch support
- Cons: Higher price point
- Best For: Luxury travel, business trips, special occasions
Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bow Flats
- Pros: Iconic ballet silhouette; Cushioned and flexible sole
- Cons: Limited size width options
- Best For: Elegant city travel, day-to-evening transitions
How to Choose the Right Walking Shoes for Travel
- Prioritize Versatility: Choose shoes that can be dressed up or down, serving multiple purposes to save suitcase space.
- Break-In Matters: Look for shoes with zero or minimal break-in time so you’re comfortable from day one of your trip.
- Support & Cushioning: Long travel days demand solid arch support and a cushioned footbed to keep you comfortable through 15,000+ steps.
- Weather Adaptability: Choose water-resistant or waterproof styles for rainy destinations, and lightweight breathable options for warm climates.
- Slip-On Function: Elastic laces or slip-on construction mean you breeze through airport security and minimize hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the most comfortable shoes for all-day walking while traveling?
A: Cushioned sneakers like the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off and New Balance 574 are ideal—they provide shock absorption and arch support with minimal break-in required.
Q: Can I wear sandals for extensive sightseeing?
A: Yes, but choose pairs with supportive footbeds and secure straps like the Everlane City Crossover Sandal, which combine style with walkability.
Q: Are slip-on shoes better for airport travel?
A: Slip-ons, as well as sneakers with elastic laces, save time and hassle in security lines and are comfortable for hours of wear on flights and layovers.
Q: What should I look for in a good travel boot?
A: Waterproofing, cushioned soles, and versatile design are key. Boots like Blondo Villa or Sorel Emelie Chelsea keep your feet dry and supported.
Q: How can I keep my travel shoes clean on the go?
A: Bring shoe wipes, avoid deep mud, and select pairs (such as New Balance 574) with materials that are easy to spot-clean.
Travel Shoe Comparison Table
| Shoe | Best For | Features | Sizes | Customer Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scholl’s Time Off | All day walking, travel days | Slip-on elastic laces, cushioned, platform | 5-12, some wide | No break-in, “18k steps a day with ease” |
| New Balance 574 | Casual travel, city exploration | Foam midsole, mesh & suede | 5-12, wide | “15,000+ steps/day, no soreness” |
| Everlane City Crossover Sandal | Warm weather, summer trips | Soft leather, secure ankle strap | 5-11 | “No break-in, super soft” |
| Blondo Villa Boot | Rainy seasons | Waterproof, cushioned sole | Varied | Comfortable in wet weather |
| Prada Cloudbust Thunder | Statement sneaker, city walks | Futuristic style, responsive cushioning | Varied | Style and standout comfort |
Packing Tips: How to Travel Light with Shoes
- Limit to Three Pairs: A sneaker for walking, a dressier option for evenings, and a sandal or boot for weather versatility.
- Wear Bulkiest Shoes in Transit: Save suitcase space by wearing boots or chunky sneakers on the plane.
- Choose Neutral Colors: Whites, blacks, and neutrals maximize mix-and-match potential with your travel wardrobe.
Editor & Traveler Favorites
- Dr. Scholl’s Time Off: Praised for all-day comfort on extended walking tours and multi-city trips.
- New Balance 574: Known for running true (but some recommend sizing up), easily cleaned, and supportive for high-step days.
- Everlane City Sandal: Loved for style and the rare no-break-in experience.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right pair of walking shoes for travel ensures you can focus on enjoying your adventures—not worrying about tired feet. With these 2024 picks spanning sneakers, sandals, loafers, slip-ons, and weatherproof boots, you’ll be ready to tackle any itinerary in comfort and style.
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