The Best Travel Shoes – Editors’ Choice

When you travel, packing a few shoes in your suitcase is always a challenge, so basically, you need to make a wise decision, taking 1-2 pairs of shoes at the most.

The activities you’d like to be involved in while traveling abroad will determine your choice of the best travel shoes.

For example, if you are planning on a mountain vacation in Europe during the winter, it would be wise to go for some warm hiking boots and to wear the heaviest shoes before boarding the airplane, and not carry them in your luggage to free space in your suitcase for other clothing as well as to reduce the weight of your luggage.

We have compiled and explained some of the best travel shoes of various types that will be ideal for packing.



Why You Need the Best Travel Shoes

It may be one of the last things that cross your mind, but you will need the right travel shoes for any trip.

Many aspects will affect your choice, such as the weather, where you are going, if you will be walking, what the walking surfaces are like, and whether it will be formal or casual.

All these things can make choosing the right shoes quite confusing, and what you most definitely need is more than half of your luggage consisting of shoes.

Therefore, it is important to choose more multifunctional and lightweight shoes in general and carefully consider your options.


Factors to Consider When Choosing Travel Shoes

Here are a few thoughts to help you pack the right shoes for your travel;

  • Is It a Business Trip Or Vacation – You can already consider your choices in shoes. You may need different shoes for a vacation, depending on your destination. Whereas for work it will be your work shoes and something extra for leisurewear.
  • Weather Conditions – Ensure you know the weather and where you will take appropriate footwear and accessories.
  • Activities – What activities will you perform on your trip? You will need comfortable walking shoes if you are walking and sightseeing. If you go to the beach, you will need beach shoes, so the list goes on.
  • Formal Shoes? – I would pack one pair if you go out for an evening or two or need professional attire for a business trip. You can mostly get away with semi-formal style shoes for vacations, as they should be acceptable for an evening out or even a day trip.
  • Leisure Wear – Slippers or comfortable leisure shoes to wear at your accommodation may also be needed after a long day.
  • Walking Surfaces – If you are sightseeing, hiking, or doing plenty of walking, you must also consider the ear and walking surfaces. If there will be plenty of outdoors and trails, then take a trail shoe, and if it will be urban areas and roads mostly, opt for a more cushioning road shoe.

Features of Good Travel Shoe

  • Uppers – Consider shoes with comfortable and breathable uppers such as leather, mesh, or synthetic materials.
  • Supporta and Comfort Features – You will need some cushioning, a good supportive design, and a cushioning midsole, especially if you are doing plenty of walking.
  • Weathre Ideal – Opt for sandals and more breathable shoes for hot weather and waterproof and insulated shoes for very cold weather.
  • Outsole – Look for shoes with a durable slip-resistant rubber outsole, especially for walking. Otherwise, one could have blisters and other such problems.
  • Fit – Make sure the shoes are comfortable and properly worn before you take them on a trip.

Reviews: The Best Travel Shoes

Let us now try and look at the best brands of shoes available in the market. Though there could be many, we look at five models for their unique features and specialties.

1

Slip-On Traveler Walking Shoes

Clarks has ensured that this shoe’s wearer has a great walking experience.
  • It is a great shoe for all urban travelers.
  • It also securely fits with a unique slip-on and stretch gores that provide a snug fit.
  • This shoe comes with an excellent OrthoLite insole for extra cushioning.
  • Included – EVA midsole with full-grain leather upper and visible fashionable stitching.
  • This shoe has a great look that goes with formal and casual/party wear.
  • Enjoy long walks without foot sweating due to the wool lining with moisture control that will keep your feet dry.

2

Travel Walking Shoes

A good-looking shoe that mixes performance with comfort and style while traveling.
  • The sole is human-made and extremely comfortable while being durable and long-lasting.
  • The cushioning ensures that it is shock absorbing and has the New Balance feature ABZORB behind it.
  • It has unique midfoot support for better stability and ease of walking.
  • It also comes with a quality midsole and a high-quality rubber outsole.
  • It is a great buy because it mixes quality with comfort and durability.

3

Walking Shoe for Travel

This Shoe is one of the better shoes available in the market at the price it is being sold.
  • It comes with the best of San Crispino construction in the Eureka.
  • Therefore, customers can be sure about superb stability and comfort in walking while traveling.
  • This shoe is stylish, contemporary, and has a modern design.
  • It has the best tongue padding, a removable footbed, and a supple leather upper.
  • The outsole is made from high-quality rubber and is very flexible.

4

Travel Hiking and Trail Shoe

It is considered one of the most versatile known hiking and walking shoes.
  • Amongst other features, it is antibacterial, highly breathable, and deodorant.
  • This shoe comes with some of the best color combinations.
  • The uppers are high-quality leather, and the inners have a quality moisture-absorbent lining.
  • It is a very light shoe but very rugged, especially when used in tough terrains.
  • It is made entirely from leather with a Vibram sole for maximum grip.
  • A Lycra neoprene stretch collar makes wearing and taking off the shoes a breeze.

5

Therapeutic Travel Diabetic Shoes

In case you have Diabetes – This is the right shoe for you to travel with. These shoes by Dr. Comfort are stretchable shoes of excellent quality.
  • They will accommodate and protect your diabetic foot while traveling.
  • They have excellent orthopedic design and soft, buttery leather that will not create friction with your feet.
  • These shoes come with Gel Insoles that will provide extra support and cushion on top of great comfort.
  • You can choose them in two colors, black or chestnut.

6

Traveler Walking Shoe

This shoe will well and truly redefine comfort and good looks in the most uncertain terms.
  • It is also available in black, white, or gray colors.
  • Assembled in the USA – this shoe is extremely lightweight and has a cushioned collar.
  • New Balance is known for making the best shoes for sports activities and leisure time, such as travel.
  • The 928 model is a true walking shoe for travelers as it comes with a Walking Strike Path outsole, making walking easy all day long.
  • An added advantage comes from the ABZORB midfoot cushioning and Stabilizing ROLLBAR technology.
  • The inside of this shoe is just as great as the exterior look and design as it comes with Seamless Phantom Liner, which is odor-resistant.
  • This shoe comes with a rubber sole and is made of leather, making it a tough and durable shoe perfect for travelers.
  • The leather upper is of the best quality and has a polyurethane midsole.
  • Overall, it is a great shoe offering the best value for money.

7

Slip-On Walking Travel Shoes

This slip-on lightweight walking shoe is made of mesh fabric.
  • It features full-length cushioned footbed insoles with Goga Mat® technology for maximum travel comfort.
  • This shoe utilizes a Memory foam cushioned heel and vamp.
  • It is packed with technologies such as ‘Go.Pillars’ that make it very flexible to enhance your walking experience.
  • We have featured this shoe here as one of the best shoes for bad knees.

8

Walking Sandal for Travelling

For those summer days of walking when you still need a fashionable style and protection, I have chosen the Fisherman-style walking shoes from Propet.
  • Leather and textile uppers are comfortable and offer an adjustable fit.
  • Closed and protective design with open slits for breathability.
  • A soft and cushioned footbed that is removable, allowing you’re the use of your own orthotics.
  • The durable rubber outsole is long-lasting and offers excellent traction.

9

Travel Walking Sneaker

One of the favorite casual walking shoes used for traveling all over is the Gel-Quantum, which features both rearfoot and forefoot Gel cushioning and protection from the Asics brand.
  • Available in plenty f color selections to suit your style and preference.
  • Synthetic and mesh uppers are lightweight and breathable with an easy lace-up system.
  • It is rearfoot and forefoot Gel cushioning to attenuate shock where you need it the most.
  • Seamless interior construction with an Ortholite sock liner that manages moisture and provides comfort.
  • The Solyte midsole is lightweight and offers excellent shock absorbency.
  • An AHAR high abrasion-resistant rubber outsole, ideal for walking outdoors on all terrains.

10

Travel Walking Shoe

Another favorite among many travelers is the extremely lightweight and breathable Skechers Go Walk range; I have chosen their slip-on model 5, which is the latest in the range with an easy slip-on and off the design.
  • The uppers consist of 100% lightweight and breathable mesh and are available in many color selections.
  • There is a lightweight dual-Density Ultra Go outsole that also features comfort Pillar technology.
  • Inside is a Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat cushioned insole for comfort and support.
  • This shoe is machine washable and quick drying.

Walking Shoes for Travel

The best type of shoe that you will find for traveling is a walking shoe. A walking shoe provides cushioned comfort, good shock absorption, breathability, and a durable and long-lasting outsole. With any form of traveling, you are going to be doing quite a bit of walking. Therefore, keep in mind that an attractive shoe is also necessary for traveling.


Index Table: Top Rated Traveler’s Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Clarks® - Slip-On Traveler Walking Shoes Cotrell Marigold
  • EVA Midsole
  • Moisture control
  • Slip On
Clarks96.8
2New Balance® - Travel Walking Shoes MW769BR MW669V2
  • Midfoot Support
  • ABZORB Cushioning
New Balance96
3Rockport® - Walking Shoe for Travel Eureka Trustride Ubal Sneaker
  • Stability
  • Flexible
  • Rubber Outsole
Rockport94
4Merrell® - Travel Hiking and Trail Shoe Chameleon 8 Chameleon
  • Vibram Outsole
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
Merrell96
5Dr. Comfort® - Therapeutic Travel Diabetic Shoes Stallion Annie
  • Orthopedic Design
  • Gel Insole
Dr. Comfort96
6New Balance® - Traveler Walking Shoe MW928v3 WW928v3
  • ABZORB Cushioning
  • Rollbar
  • Seamless Liner
New Balance97
7Skechers® - Slip-On Walking Travel Shoes Performance Go Walk 4 Performance Go Walk 4
  • GoGa mat technology
  • Cushioned Footbed
  • Flexible
Skechers98
8Propet® - Walking Sandal for Travelling Kona Jenna
  • Open Design
  • Removable Footbed
  • Cushioned
  • Adjustable
Propet98
9Asics® - Travel Walking Sneaker Gel Quantum 180 6 Gel Quantum 180 5
  • Solyte Midsole
  • Ortholite Footbed
  • Seamless Construction
  • AHAR Outsole
Asics96
10Skechers® - Travel Walking Shoe Go Walk 6 Go Walk 6
  • Lightweight
  • Cushioned
  • Breathable
Skechers97


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.