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If you’re wondering what the perfect shoes are to pack for your trip to Southeast Asia, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at this roundup of the best shoe styles to keep your feet cool and comfy as you explore!
Best Shoes for Traveling Southeast Asia
Table Of Contents
As you round out your packing list for Southeast Asia, having the right shoes is crucial. With a tropical climate that’s generally hot and humid year-round, you’ll want airy, lightweight picks. Plus, you’ll be walking a LOT, so readers always suggest making sure your shoes are comfy and supportive.
And with SE Asia’s shoes-off culture, be sure that your shoes are easy to slip on and off when entering temples, homes, and certain businesses.
One TFG reader gives her ideal shoe combo: “Definitely bring a lightweight pair of sneakers, a pair of flip-flops, and a cute pair of sandals that you could also wear with a little dress or for dinner out.”
Without further ado, take a look at this roundup of the best sandals, flip flops, and sneakers for your exciting trip to SE Asia!
To help simplify your packing process, we’ve created this 10 step packing guide for a trip to SE Asia!
Best Sandals for Southeast Asia
Sandals are the go-to footwear in Southeast Asia, so you’ll definitely want to pack at least one pair. Aside from your trusty flip flops, readers suggest a sturdier, more supportive pair that you can comfortably walk around in for long periods of time. These picks are all ultra-comfy, work great in the heat, and look super stylish!
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos
Naot Sabrina
The Naot Sabrina sandals give mega support as they fit around my ankle, but they also have an adjustable ankle strap that has an easy slip-on/slip-off strap. So you can remove them with no problem, especially going to destinations such as Southeast Asia, where you’re visiting temples and need to remove your shoes as is customary before entering.
In addition, it has a really supportive footbed. There’s definitely arch support here which is key for a lot of travelers, especially those that need additional support.
Vionic Kirra (Wide Sizes Available)
These Vionic Kirra sandals are always a top pick with readers, loved for their supremely comfortable fit and super cute design — the best of both worlds!
With a podiatrist-designed footbed, these cuties offer incredible support, stability, and cushioning; readers say you can walk in them for miles and miles. Another plus is that they’re elevated and stylish and can easily be dressed up for dinner and a night out!
One reader says, “These Vionic sandals are fantastic. Super comfy and very cute with anything you wear, from shorts to skirts and dresses!” You can get these in wide sizes, too!
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | Kohl’s | Walmart
Skechers On-the-Go Brilliancy Sport (Wide Sizes Available)
If hiking around Chiang Mai or exploring ancient ruins is on your itinerary, these Skechers On-the-Go Brilliancy Sport sandals are the perfect pair for your adventures. They have great arch support and comfy cushioning to keep feet stable and can handle rough and wet terrain with ease.
Sporty but cute, readers say this pair is super versatile, always comfy, and long-lasting. These are some of the best shoes for backpacking Southeast Asia, especially if you’re going to be exploring waterfalls or heading on a slow boat excursion.
A reader shares, “These Skechers shoes sandals are so great! Adorable-looking, plus foot support adds up to a great outdoor and travel shoe!” Select colors come in wide sizes, too!
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | REI | DSW | Dick’s Sporting Goods
Birkenstock Mayari
Supportive, durable, and timeless, Birkenstock Mayari’s are always a highly recommended pick for travels to SE Asia. They have great arch and heel support and a supportive footbed that’ll mold to your feet over time. It comes with adjustable straps for a perfect fit, plus they’re easy to slip off and on, which definitely comes in handy in that part of the world.
While stylish and versatile, this is a highly robust sandal that’ll hold up beautifully to years and years of rigorous travel!
Readers say they’re great Thailand sandals. One TFG gives a stellar review, “They last forever and mold to your foot. If you have any foot problem, you won’t even notice it with these shoes. And they’re so fashionable.”
Check out these top womens wide width sandals that make your feet feel heavenly but are also darn cute-looking!
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | Crocs | DSW
Crocs Tulum
Lightweight, supportive, and waterproof, these Crocs Tulum sandals are a great option if you’re traveling to SE Asia in the rainy season or if you just want a cute pair that you can splash around the ocean in!
They have great cushioning, soft, flexible straps, and an adorable design that can be dressed up or down. Readers love these sandals for the beach, nature treks, and streetside dinners, proving them to be ultra-versatile sandals that you’ll be wearing in all kinds of scenarios!
One TFG reader shares, “I don’t usually like Crocs but decided to give these a try. They are super cute, fit perfectly, and are comfy! I plan to take these on a trip to dress up or down and wear them at the beach since they’re waterproof!”
Blowfish Malibu
This strappy pair is chic with a bohemian edge, perfectly suited for galavanting around Southeast Asia! The Blowfish Malibu Granola sandals can be styled up or down, with pretty faux leather straps that are comfy, adjustable, and stylish.
The footbed is soft and lightly padded, and readers who don’t need a ton of arch support say that they’re still able to comfortably walk all day in them!
One traveler gushes, “These are the best! I wore these every single day on a trip to Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia, doing a ton of walking, and had no issues – they were comfortable and stylish. They were versatile, too. I only packed these and had no problem wearing them with shorts when hiking during the day and pairing them with a nice dress when going to dinner at night!”
Best Flip Flops for Southeast Asia
When shoes for Southeast Asia are a topic of discussion among TFG readers, flip flops are always the must-pack item! They’re perfect for days spent at the beach or kicking around town, and because you can expect to take your shoes on and off a LOT throughout the day, they’ll be very comfy and convenient.
These sandals will let your feet breathe in the heat, and they’re all really comfortable, too!
Shop: Amazon | Macy’s | Zappos | Dillard’s | Reef
Reef Cushion Breeze
Reef’s Cushion Breeze flip flops are adored by readers for their fantastic comfort, offering a highly cushioned and soft footbed that feels so comfy to walk around in all day!
Adding to their comfort is a soft webbing liner and toe-post and a spongy, flexible outsole. They’re durable, have excellent traction, and are super cute.
A wearer says, “They’re adorable! I’ve gotten compliments on them, and they’re comfy too! They tie outfits together very well, and I can walk in them for hours, and my feet don’t hurt!”
Shop: Amazon | Kohl’s | Walmart | Zappos | Clarks
Clarks Sea Breeze
A stylish and practical flip flop, the Clarks Sea Breeze sandals are functional for a day spent at the beach and stylish enough for a night on the town.
The footbed is nice and cushy, and their rubber construction is robust yet lightweight—perfect to walk around as you contend with sand, dust, and humidity. Wearers speak highly of their amazing versatility but also how supportive they are.
One wearer sums it up, “These Breeze flip flops by Clarks are true to fit, extremely comfortable, well made, and beautiful to boot! You can wear them just about anywhere!”
We’ve rounded up a list of the best travel flip flops offering support and comfort on your next beachside vacation!
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | REI | Dick’s Sporting Goods
OluKai Ohana
Aside from their adorably beachy yet elevated look, these Olukai Ohana sandals are about as comfortable as it gets, with a smooth and supportive anatomical footbed.
Readers say they’re great for beach days but are super comfy for walking around in, too. Not to mention the water-resistant straps, quick-drying lining, and enhanced traction.
A TFG shares, “I lived in Thailand for 7 months and wore these Olukai sandals all the time. They had the comfort of flip flops, but are a little dressier. I wore them hiking too!”
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | DSW | Vionic
Vionic Dillon
Hidden in these snazzy Vionic Dillon flip flops is a comfy orthotic footbed with arch support, a deep heel cup, and microfiber lining.
With such incredible comfort, readers say they double as sightseeing shoes, and many have logged tons of miles in theirs. Its leather straps are sleek and allow you to pair them with dressier outfits, too!
A wearer, “The Rest Dillon sandals are the BOMB! So comfortable and supportive as well as pretty! I like the slightly thicker straps — these feel much more snug and stable on my feet when I walk. I just bought my 3rd pair.”
Crocs Kadie
The Crocs Kadie flip flops are ready for adventure — they’re durable, lightweight, water-friendly, and buoyant. These no-frills sandals are sleek and sporty-looking, beyond easy to style with your travel wardrobe!
They offer plenty of comfortable features like a soft toe post, a Croslite foam footbed, and interior grips to prevent slipping.
A traveler raves, “The BEST travel sandals! I was in SE Asia for two months and was so happy I bought these sandals. They’re cheap and super comfortable! I think I’ll stock up for the summer!”
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Macy’s | FitFlop
FitFlop iQushion
Frequently recommended for their comfort, these FitFlop iQushion sandals look like your traditional flip flop but are biomechanically engineered for ultimate comfort.
Wearers can’t get enough of their ergonomic footbed, which is made from soft, micro-bubble foam, and love that they’re slip-resistant and great for walking around in. They have a clean yet stylish look and come in a wide range of fun colors!
One traveler shares why they’re the best shoes for Thailand, “These are honestly the best flip-flops I have ever had! They fit really well, were super comfy, and didn’t give me any blisters. I wore them 24/7 on a month-long trip to Thailand, where I was walking all the time, and they still have so much life left in them. 100% recommend.”
Best Sneakers for Southeast Asia
Readers recommend bringing a pair of lightweight sneakers along on your SE Asia adventure, as they’re great for travel days and for sightseeing days in cities.
They’ll offer that extra support when the day’s itinerary involves a lot of walking and will keep your feet protected from a long day of exploring tough or rugged terrain. Keep it light and functional with these cute TFG faves!
Shop: Amazon | Macy’s | Walmart
Skechers Go Walk (Narrow and Wide Sizes Available)
These are the #1 bestselling sneakers on the blog and just so happen to be a super popular SE Asia pick! The Skechers Go Walks are ultra-light and breathable with a flexible upper, so they’re amazing for hot weather and situations where your feet may swell.
They have a supportive and amply cushioned sole, and beyond their cozy feel, they have a clean, sleek look that’ll pair well with shorts, flowy pants, and dresses!
One reader says, “Skechers are wonderful. Very light, and the cushioned sole is great when you’re going to be on hard surfaces all day.” They come in narrow and wide sizes, too!
Shop: Allbirds | Nordstrom | REI | Dick’s Sporting Goods
Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
These Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles will make the perfect shoe for trekking around in the rainy season, as they’re comfy, supportive, and fully waterproof.
While the wool may seem counterintuitive for a hot destination like SE Asia, merino wool is thermoregulating, highly breathable, and moisture-wicking, so your feet will feel fresh and comfy throughout the day. They’re sporty-chic, high quality, and sustainably made, too!
A TFG shares, “I can dress them up or down. But the best part is how incredibly comfortable they are and water-resistant to boot. I will never wear anything else to travel!”
Don’t get caught in the rain without a pair of these best waterproof sneakers for women!
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | Dillard’s
Blondo Karen
Chic, comfy, and waterproof, the Blondo Karen slip ons do it all! Their cushioned footbed is both supportive and flexible, and readers love them for long bouts of walking.
They’re non-slip, hold up amazingly well over time, and are super easy to get on and off, which is a plus when you’ll be taking your shoes on and off all day.
One review says, “I LOVE these shoes. Super comfortable, and I can wear them all day long! They look great.”
Shop: Amazon | Crocs | Kohl’s | DSW
Crocs Literide 360 Pacer
The Crocs Literide 360 Pacers have a perforated upper to maximize air flow, so they’re a super popular option for a tropical vacay.
They’re lightweight and flexible yet tough enough to handle rough terrain and plenty of mileage, and their foam insole feels cushy and super supportive. And while they’re definitely an athletic shoe, they’re pretty cute, too!
One reader says, “They are so comfortable and perfect for me! And they wash and dry quickly!”
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | REI | Dick’s Sporting Goods
Olukai Pehuea Li’ili
These Olukai Pehuea Li’ili sneakers have such a pretty and classic look, made of high-quality leather that’s lightweight and totally functional for a hot climate.
The cushioned, anatomical footbed will keep your feet happy and supported for hours on end, and the durable “Wet Grip” outsole will keep you grounded. Another standout feature is the drop-in heel design that turns them into cute, easygoing slides!
A traveler shares, “Incredibly comfortable, great arch support, stylish, and go with ANYTHING! Not to mention, they wipe down easily and stay nice and clean for a bright white pair of shoes.”
We’ve checked out the best womens orthopedic shoes that not only look stylish but will have your feet thanking you!
Vessi Weekend
Readers have been loving Vessi for their travels, and the Weekend Waterproof sneakers have been getting tons of praise for their cute look and functional design.
These sneakers have a flexible knit upper that’s breathable and temperature-regulating, making them perfect for all kinds of weather conditions and temps. You can easily slip in and out of these cuties and wear them with all of your sightseeing outfits!
A happy wearer says, “I absolutely love them. I was looking for great travel shoes, and Vessi provided comfort and wearability, and of course, they’re ready for any and all weather! My new best travel shoes!”
Shop: Rothy’s
Rothy’s The Slip On
These Rothy’s slip ons are uber chic, functional, and high quality. You can wear them from a long sightseeing day straight to a nice dinner, and your feet will feel comfy, supported, and fresh all the while.
Sustainably made from recycled water bottles, these reader faves are flexible, highly breathable, water-friendly, and easy to keep clean, and they feature an extra-cushy footbed that readers speak highly about!
A reader says, “I rocked my Rothys all over Thailand – it was super comfy and versatile.”
What are your best shoes for travel in Southeast Asia? Share with us in the comments below!
For more Southeast Asia packing tips, please read:
- Southeast Asia Packing Guide
- Southeast Asia Packing List
- Thailand Packing List
- What to Pack for Cambodia
- What to Wear in Bali
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Croc wedges hae been my fav shoes for travel. Super comfy.
FitFlops are my go-to for all travel as they are comfortable, and they double as shower and beach shoes that take no time to dry. I’m eyeing those Crocs Tulums from this list now, and hope the try them for my upcoming trip to Indonesia.
I love Southeast Asia and did so much walking there. Good shoes are sooooo important for your trip 🙂
hi I’m heading to Malaysia in October and I’m a little worried about being caught in the rain with Birkenstocks – they are so comfy but I’m worried about ruining them/having wet sandals that won’t dry easily.
thanks
Hi Em, it hasn’t been a problem for me, but I usually just switch to flip flops if it’s raining as I think many other people in Southeast Asia do, too
So glad I stumbled upon your post! I’m traveling to SEA in a few months and I don’t own any long-lasting footwear except running shoes (and I’m not taking them with me!) so I just started looking for sandals with comfort, durability and style. BIrkenstocks seem to fit the bill! My only concern is re: the thong ones – do they rub between the toes after long wear? Style-wise I prefer thong sandals but would prioritize comfort, so I’m a little torn.
Hi Grace! I’m used to wearing thongs so they don’t bother me – in fact, it’s the only sandal style I like to wear 🙂 Here are some more ideas for you: https://travelfashiongirl.com/the-best-sandals-for-travel-this-summer/
Just plain old black rubber flip flops for me!
Theyre such comfy shoes aren’t they? I bought a pair of birks when I was in Belgium before, and while it took me a while to get used to them, I practically live in them now during the summer. Hoping they’ll be good to me when I’m in Spain next year!
I agree! They help keep my back pain to a minimum on long days on my feet.
It took me a little bit to get used to them too, but they form so well to your feet that it doesn’t last long!
DEFINITELY Birkenstocks! Haven’t worn much else for years! My favorite style is the Oahu with a platform sole (double thickness on the plastic sole) so they are super cushiony.
Birks now come in patent leather, gold, silver, other metalics, so they can dress up easily. Though I personally find red to be most useful for travel, since they add a pop of color to my mostly black wardrobe.
Naot is an Israeli version of Birks that tend to run slimmer, for people with slim feet.
It’s great to see so many new designs, colors, and prints available!
Ohhh fun! I’m definitely getting red ones next!