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You have packed, repacked, organized your outfits and collected what you think are the best shoes for travel…to the point of exhaustion.
You suddenly realize your four-inch heels may look cute and give your butt a little extra lift, but you can’t walk around in them for more than five minutes. All is not lost! Here are some tips to save your soles and choose the best travel shoes.
The Importance of Packing the Best Shoes for Travel
Table Of Contents
The main idea is to bring proper footwear and not overpack shoes that you simply don’t need. Here’s a hot tip: for travel shoes, three is the magic number. Learn more about how to create a travel capsule wardrobe with just three pairs of shoes!
When deciding how to choose the best shoes for travel, there are 6 things to consider:
- Support
- Comfort
- Weight
- Durability
- Functionality
- Style
Start by reading choosing the best travel shoes for any trip!
Walking Shoes
Skechers Performance Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe
Skechers Go Walks 3
First, you need a quality, comfortable pair of walking shoes with solid support. This is the pair of shoes you’ll be wearing the majority of the time, so it needs to be comfortable. If you’re doing lots of sightseeing, you don’t want to putter out because you twisted your ankle in the cracks of the Great Wall!
Skechers is known for creating comfortable walking shoes, and the memory foam footbed in the Go Walk slip-ons makes them the most popular walking shoes among women for travel. These have a ton of cushioning to keep your feet happy when sightseeing. As a bonus, they’re easy on the wallet, too.
Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes. Take a look at other shoe bag ideas here!
Jambu Blossom Encore Flat
If you’re hitting the city streets, check out these fun tennis shoe styles or stick to a classic pair of TOMS.
If you want to go the mary jane style route, check out the Jambu Blossom Encore which is a huge hit with our readers!
Check out the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel according to our readers!
Ecco Footwear Flash T-Strap Gladiator Sandal
Ecco T-Strap Gladiator Sandal
The best shoes for travel are the ones you can wear with a variety of different outfits and that you also enjoy wearing.
Ecco has a fantastic assortment of walking sandals for travel like the Flash T-strap, all of which provide great support and are perfect for the style-conscious traveler that seeks a balance of comfort and fashion.
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie
For visiting destinations in the shoulder season or with unpredictable weather, a pair of ankle booties like the ones shown above from Blondo are the best walking shoes. Read my full review here!
These ankle boots are waterproof, so it serves as both a stylish shoe and a rain boot. You can wear them in different weather conditions, and you can easily dress them up or down. And because they’re a comfort shoe, you can wear them all day long.
Dress Shoe: Flats
Bandolino Edition Leather Ballet Flat
Bandolino Leather Ballet Flat
Your second pair of shoes is where you can add a little more style, like something dressier to dress up your outfits. It’s a bonus if they’re comfortable and can alternate with your walking shoes to add variety!
Make sure they are travel friendly: packable and able to withstand wear, versatile with several travel outfits, and durable–you want them to last the duration of your trip.
The ballet flats like the Bandolino shown above are NOT the best walking shoes for a full day of sightseeing. They’re the perfect option for a dressy, chic shoe on light travel days or evenings. However, we don’t recommend you spend eight hours walking in them.
Teva Ysidro Stitch Sandal
If you are going on an active trip in tropical climates, you may decide to pack travel sandals like the ones mentioned in this article as your walking shoe, but you may want to consider a pair of flip flops as well.
The Ysidro stitch from Teva has a sleek look that will enhance any casual or sporty look. It has soft leather footbed offers luxurious comfort. Universal strapping system offers an excellent secure fit and multiple points of adjustment for easy adjustability.
Dress Shoe: Sandals
Vionic Rest Nala Thong Sandal
The Vionic Nala Thong gives you the practicality of a flip flop with a stylish twist–perfect for transitioning from beach to evening wear, which also replaces the need to pack an additional dressy shoe!
FitFlop Women’s The Skinny Flip Flop
FitFlop The Skinny Flip Flop
In the heat, sandals are great because they are comfortable, allow your feet to breathe, and can give your skirts and dresses a little flair.
FitFlops have been quite fashionable in recent years and are very popular amongst our readers. These are by far one of THE best and most comfortable sandals in the summer.
Keen Dauntless Posted Sandal
Keen is another brand that specializes in making good walking sandals that are all about functionality. Ranging from trendy straps to sleek, modern silhouettes, these are definitely a step up from utilitarian travel shoe styles and and a step in the right direction!
These sandals are often equipped with features such as shock absorption, non-marking rubber outsoles, adjustability and a comfortable footbed. These selections will easily get you through the day in comfort!
Check out our round-up of comfortable walking sandals that don’t sacrifice style!
Activity Shoe
Clarks Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal
Clarks Annadel Eirwyn Wedge
If you prefer wearing heels over flat shoes, here are the most practical, comfy heels for travel and this is the most versatile color.
Wedges are not only a great heel option for female travelers and are an ideal choice for the cobblestone streets but they’re also ultra fashionable and offered in a variety of cute styles. As well as being perfect for if you need something dressier.
Our readers rated Clarks as the best brand with the most comfortable wedge sandals. Not only does Clarks specialize in creating travel-friendly footwear but their comfy wedges like this Annadel Eirwyn are particularly stylish.
Wedges are back and more travel friendly than ever! Check out what’s on our list!
Merrell Siren Hex Q2 E-Mesh Hiking Boot
Merrell Siren Hiking Boot
Your activity shoe is what you choose to pack for the special activity you will do on your trip. Whether it’s hiking, dancing, working out, or whatever–this category is for that shoe that you can’t wear all the time but need for your special activity.
If you’re planning to go hiking, a pair of hybrid trainer/hiking shoes would work well, like the Merrell Siren Sport. Go to an outdoors store before you leave and try on different styles and colors.
If you are traveling for business or a wedding, a pair of nice thong sandals or cute flats make great replacements for heels.
UGG Women’s Blayre Ii Winter Boot
UGG Blayre Ii Winter Boot
UGG Women’s Blayre Ii Winter Boot is a warm and comfy option if your travel plans include a hike in a colder climate. TFG readers love UGG boots, and this cozy, lined boot is a great activity shoe when you have an all-day hike planned, and you need something more durable with a sturdy heel.
To learn more on how to choose your activity shoes, read this post!
Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles
Additional Things to Consider
Make sure to break in all travel shoes before you leave! Wear them around your town at least a couple times. Take them out for a hike or two if that’s what you’re into. The last thing you want is for your comfortable shoes to give you blisters!
When traveling, taking care of your feet is essential; they literally take you everywhere! You must be good to those toes–you will enjoy yourself much more by not worrying about blisters and pain.
It also pays to spend a little extra money to ensure the quality of your footwear when you’re trying to decide on the best shoes for travel.
If all fails, and your footwear isn’t working out, you can buy shoes anywhere in the world. Just pick up a new pair if you didn’t make the best choices–it happened to me!
A sample of travel shoe combinations for tropical climates
What do you think are the best shoes for travel? Share in the comments below!
For more on the best shoes for travel, please read:
- 10 Steps to Packing the Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
- Comfortable and Cute Walking Shoes for Travel
- Comfortable and Cute Walking Sandals
- The Best Sandals for Travel
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I hope you enjoyed this post on how to choose the best shoes for travel. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Tara is a native Californian and newbie world traveler, having just backpacked through Europe and continuing throughout Southeast Asia. An enthusiast of all things organic, she also loves to read, write, and bake in her spare time and currently keeps her own travel blog, Traveling Days.
I just bought my third pair of Fit Flops. They are so comfortable! I highly recommend them and so does my ortho doc.
Hi Linda, thank you for sharing your recommendation for comfy shoes with us, always love hearing about our readers favourite products!! Happy travels!
Great post! My husband and I went to Europe last April and I had purchased a pair of Skechers for walking around in (not the sneaker type but like a dressier flat shoe, so the shoes would go with everything). I normally love Skechers but this purchase was a big mistake! The shoes were ok for walking small distances or going out in the evening but not all day. I managed to get through the London part of the trip and when we arrived in York, I immediately tossed the Skechers in the trash and bought an emergency pair of Toms Avalon shoes in a neutral/greyish color (and paid more for them in UK pounds than US dollars!) BUT it was the best purchase of the entire trip!! 🙂 Those shoes saved my feet and were so comfortable that I wore them for the remainder of the trip … and I would say that we did more walking on the second half of our trip (esp in Paris) so it was worth it!
Yay, so pleased you enjoyed the article Lacey! Thank you for sharing your story about your travel shoes with me, despite your shoe disaster, I hope you still had an awesome trip!! Experience is the best teacher! 🙂
Going to semi formal wedding… Heals or flats? May rain a day and want to take walk in woods.. Sneakers. Want dangles or flip flops .. Birks or rainbows? I don’t wear sneakers unless I work out , so debating on those….
Hi Elizabeth, for options for comfortable heels, have a look at this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/comfy-heels/ For ideas for an alternative to heels, take a look at this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/wedges-are-back-and-more-travel-friendly-than-ever/ You may also find this post helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/20-comfortable-and-cute-walking-shoes-for-travel/ Hope this helps! Have a fantastic time!
I have always been a boot lover. Wranglers are my travel companions and I always wear boots while I am travelling.
Another important addition that you can do in this list is of boots. Comfortable boots are just ideal for traveling specially in cold weather conditions, and if some style is topped on them, it will make a great combination of style and comfort. https://www.otbtshoes.com/collections/boots, these are some stylish travel shoes that can be perfect for any traveler.
Good suggestion, thanks Emma!
I love Wolky shoes for travel, the “Jewel” sandal in particular. Nice thick sole, lots of support, adjustable straps. Can even accommodate orthotics. Can be worn with socks without looking silly. Because of the thick soles these usually dont get packed. I wear them when changing locations. Alternate with Toms, Bernie Mev, or other supportive flat (all very packable).
Thanks for your feedback Kathleen!
Great tips! I’m always on the hunt for perfect travel shoes–the kind that can serve a dual purpose, like looking cute with a summer dress while also working for a long day of walking. Toms are some of my favorites–I think I have five pairs and another on the way! Yosi Samra fold-up flats are another favorite.
Thanks for your feedback Heather! Loving Yosi Samras!
Love all the great topics for traveling, especially on shoes. Will be traveling to Italy & Greece this May for the first time and do not want my aging feet to be an issue.
Just bought a pair of the pointed toe Rothy shoes- they look both comfortable and stylish. Planning to wear for trip to Paris and on river cruise!!!
Sound perfect! Have fun Candace 🙂
The iPanema Maya Thong has been the perfect travel shoe! I’ve traveled all over the world, and it has proven to be a sturdy, versatile sandal. Thank you!!
When travelling I try to wear my bulkiest shoe (usually the running shoe, also for walking and touring around), and pack flip flops and one nicer pair. I really hate walking thru airport security barefoot, so I wear socks and shoes when I fly.
You have an awesome choice in shoes! Love your collection!! Keep in touch!!
Thanks Reena!! Glad you like them! There were some perks to being in the fashion industry 😉
Good shoes are so important on a vacation. Thanks for the informative post!
Happy to help 🙂
Jambu Dune sandals! They come in leather or vegan upper, have excellent tread, and the toe is rubber enclosed, but not as huge as Keen. The footbed also comes out for easy washing. If the weather cools a bit, you can wear a similar-colored sock under them and it’s not obvious that you’re wearing socks and sandals! I have two pair – black and brown. They’re my favorite feminine, yet functional, flat.
I need good travel shoe for someone that has plantar fasciitis, we are hiking Machu Picchu and then touring Peru. I need arch support, any thoughts.
Great web site, so full of great information.
thank you,
C
Hi Cathy- thanks for your comment! You might find this article helpful: https://travelfashiongirl.com/inca-trail-and-machu-picchu-tours-packing-list/.
Because you have a specific shoe needs, I’ll also post your question on TFG’s Facebook page to get more feedback from other travelers: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl
Thanks again for reading 🙂
I don’t think I have seen these. However, I am down ( usually) to one pair of all-purpose shoes!! Luckily bought the TEVA version in several colors several years ago! But Abeo has some good ones too!! I just wear two pairs of wools socks if it’s cold, so the luggage weight is far less than it used to be!!! Trips are rather casual, so I just have 2 pants ( packed, but wear the third), and appropriate tops, including the lace. Silk scarf and light bead necklace for dress up! Layers of light wool sweaters, goretex jacket, primaloft vest and I am set!!! Two weeks in ten pounds max weight! Hope you like the Kuhl Jeans I told you about!!!
Abeo’s have the best arch support I have ever found!!! Walking Co. carries them….. good luck!
I’ve been trying to limit myself to the three shoes yet I just can’t be happy with I pick! 🙁 I’m going on a working holiday in New Zealand soon and I just don’t know what to limit myself to for the year. My docs will be fine for most all fall, winter and spring, but I’ll need sandals or such for summer, and I’ll also need hiking boots, flip flops for hostel showers when I do stay in them, heels for going out clubbing… It’s all so confusing for me. Maybe if I want going to be staying in several cities for several months with travelling in between it would be easier?
Hi Amalie – thanks for your question!
When you are living and working somewhere you are allowed some room for additional items as I’d imagine you wouldn’t be moving around non-stop. You have a couple of choices:
You can either buy things as needed when you DO find work and stay in one place for an extended period of time (then leave them behind or send them home when you’re ready to travel again).
Or plan shoes that can be worn in different settings:
1. Instead of packing heels and flats, pack one pair of rocking flats that are so stylish that you can wear them out to a club, wear them to work, or to dress up your outfit any time of the year.
2. Next, instead of packing cute sandals and flip flops back my favorite hybrid sandals by Ipanema that can be worn in a hostel shower: https://travelfashiongirl.com/travel-shoes-for-women-travel-accessory-must-haves/
3. Pack your Docs for Fall and Winter (although your 3rd pair of shoes can also be trainers or slip-ons like TOMS if you don’t plan on trekking)
4. Instead of hiking boots pack hybrid hiking trainers such as these travelfashiongirl.com/rtw-packing-list-your-ultimate-guide-to-packing-for-around-the-world-travel/
You can cut this number of shoes down to 3 by either going barefoot in the hostel showers and wearing the flats as your summer shoes; choosing your hiking trainers over your Docs as winter shoes; skipping hiking trainers if you are not hiking; or packing the Ipanema Maya sandal and skip cute flats.
You also might find this article helpful: travelfashiongirl.com/backpacking-new-zealand-packin-list/
Thanks again for reading 🙂
So girly! I love this website. Fashion and travel never work for me, it’s always either fashion or travel 😉 Am glad I’ve found your website 🙂
Thank you!