Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. If you are planning a trip there, you most likely know how hot and humid it gets and that you will be doing plenty of walking.
For this reason, there are a few factors to consider when picking the right footwear for your trip.
In this article, I have the best available and most suitable shoe types for all occasions in Thailand.
Table of Contents
- What Type of Shoes to Wear in Thailand
- Shoes to Avoid in Thailand
- Features of a Good Shoe for Thailand
- Reviews: The Best Shoes for Thailand
- Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Thailand
What Type of Shoes to Wear in Thailand
When packing for your trip to Thailand, consider footwear suitable for various activities such as temple visits, outdoor markets, and beach outings, especially given the hot, humid climate and frequent rain. Having a range of shoes ensures you’re prepared for each situation and can enjoy your trip comfortably.
Given the extensive walking you’ll be doing in Thailand, it’s crucial to prioritize comfort and cooling features when choosing your shoes. This will ensure you stay comfortable and cool, even in the hottest conditions.
- Flip Flops – Thailand is extremely hot, so your feet will swell and sweat. A stretchy, comfortable Flip-Flop is perfect and also fits in with traditional footwear in Thailand. Look for comfortable and supportive flip-flops, not just basic flip-flops, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Slip-on sandals or flip-flops are quick and easy to remove, making you feel relaxed and prepared for Thailand’s cultural norms.
- Slip-On Walking Shoes – Slip-On Walking shoes are ideal for excursions around town when you do plenty of walking. They are easy to put on and take off, cool and breathable, and should provide comfortable underfoot support and cushioning.
- Slip-Resistant Shoes – For athletic endeavors involving water and slippery outdoor surfaces, I recommend a good Slip-resistant Sports or Hiking sandal or open-design shoe, such as a Fisherman’s style sandal.
- For events requiring dressing up, select shoes that balance style and practicality, such as cool, comfortable low-heel pumps or flats for women, and loafers or lace-up leather sneakers for men. This ensures you look appropriate while staying comfortable in Thailand’s climate.
- Rain Shoes – If you are heading to Thailand during its rainy season, you will need a shoe with some water resistance or that dries quickly, and an SLIP-RESISTANT OUTSOLE.
Shoes to Avoid in Thailand
Remembering that heavy, uncomfortable shoes can cause discomfort reassures travelers that avoiding them will make their trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Limiting yourself to up to three pairs of shoes can help you feel more organized and confident, ensuring you pack only what’s necessary for a comfortable trip.
Features of a Good Shoe for Thailand
- Dress Shoe – A dress shoe should have a flat sole or low heel with comfort features such as a cushioned insole and a durable rubber outsole. Look for an elegant, comfortable design that keeps you cool in hot, humid conditions.
- Sandals – Flip-flops and Slide sandals are ideal for keeping cool and comfortable, and should have a rubber sole and a foamy, cushioned footbed with water-resistant materials.
- Water Shoes – A water shoe that drains well and dries quickly with mesh and textile uppers and a comfortable footbed is ideal. Also, look for a slip-resistant and thick rubber outsole for outdoor use.
- Slip-Ons – Comfortable slip-on loafers with leather or canvas uppers that are light and cool with a cushioned footbed and rubber sole for traction are perfect for casual wear.
- Sneakers – Look for a low-cut and lightweight sneaker with breathable and lightweight uppers like mesh and canvas. The footbed needs some cushioning for comfort, and a thick and durable rubber outsole should be provided.
Reviews: The Best Shoes for Thailand
These are some of the best available shoes that you can wear on a trip to Thailand.
1
Comfortable Walking Shoe for Thailand
The Sanuk O’Dice and Vagabond are two very comfortable, light, and breathable slip-on loafers that make the perfect shoes for Thailand.
- The Vagabond is available in a few neutral color options, while the O’Dice is available in many colors and prints.
- Both shoes feature soft, breathable Canvas uppers that keep feet cool and comfortable in hot, humid weather.
- The Yoga Mat Drop-in comfort and custom printed Canvas cover make these the ideal Thailand adventure shoes.
- There is a Soft high-rebound foam midsole and a comfortable, cushioned, antimicrobial-lined footbed to prevent odors, which in Thailand can be an issue.
- The sole is flexible, has a very durable cupsole design, and is made from high-density rubber.
2
Thailand Flip Flops
Flip-flops are an absolute must and a staple among Thai people. So why not opt for the most supportive and comfortable Flip-Flop, the FitFlop Iqushion?
- The Iqushion consists of durable rubber for the upper, soft and durable foam for the sole, and high-traction rubber for the outsole.
- For support, there is an anatomically contoured footbed with Arch support and Impact Pillows in the heel and forefoot.
- The Footbed has soft, airy cushioning and an average-width design for all foot types.
- The FitFlop Iqushion is also water-resistant and dries very quickly in wet conditions.
3
Water and Outdoor Shoe for Thailand
Both these sandals have a fisherman’s style and are outdoor sandals. I recommend them for outdoor excursions because they are water-friendly, highly slip-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable.
- The Mesh and Textile uppers are designed for optimal breathability, water drainage, and quick drying.
- The uppers are adjustable for a more comfortable fit, and a Bungee stretch lacing system exists.
- The footbed is cushioned with Luxe Foam and contoured for optimal support.
- The Rubber sole is flexible and durable, with a lug pattern for slip resistance on wet surfaces.
- You can also choose from a few color options in the ladies’ model.
4
Sneaker for Thailand
One of the best sneakers you can get in Thailand, suitable for all occasions, is the All-Star Converse Chuck Taylor in the cooler Low Cut design.
- The uppers are light and breathable with two air and drainage holes and light Canvas materials.
- There is a lace-up closure for a snug, comfortable fit.
- The Gum Rubber outsole is thick and supportive, absorbing shock with a lug slip-resistant tread.
- There is light padding in the sole for comfort and a canvas-lined footbed.
- The toe is reinforced with a rubber cap, the same color as the sole, for durability and toe protection.
- You can choose from a wide range of colors for men’s and women’s sizes.
5
Thailand Slide On Shoe
A slide sandal, such as the Adidas Adilette, is always helpful, especially in hot climates.
- The Adilette is ideal for use in the shower, pool, or on beaches for easy slip-on and off protection.
- The Adilette makes the perfect in-between shoe, offering comfort and protection.
- Because of the water-resistant and quick-drying materials, the Adilette is ideal for wet conditions.
- There is a cushioned footbed that is contoured for support and one strap uppers for easy wearing.
- The sole is also slip-resistant, made of durable, thick rubber.
6
Dress Shoe for Thailand
The Clarks Draper and Valarie are my choices for comfortable, elegant-looking dress shoes for formal occasions and excursions in Thailand.
- Valarie and Draper both feature a comfortable, moisture-wicking Ortholite Footbed. The footbed is also cushioned and has smooth textile linings to keep feet dry.
- The Valarie has a low-block style heel for sophistic.ationation and a closed-design toe, while the Draper is a closed Oxford-style shoe with light uppers.
- Both shoes have full-grain leather uppers and are available in a few neutral color selections from which you can choose.,
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Thailand
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanuk® - Comfortable Walking Shoe for Thailand |  |  |
| Sanuk | 98.2 |
| 2 | FitfFlop® - Thailand Flip Flops |  |  |
| FitfFlop | 98 |
| 3 | Skechers® - Water and Outdoor Shoe for Thailand |  |  |
| Skechers | 97.5 |
| 4 | All Star Converse® - Sneaker for Thailand |  |  |
| All Star Converse | 97 |
| 5 | Adidas® - Thailand Slide On Shoe |  |  |
| Adidas | 96.4 |
| 6 | Clarks® - Dress Shoe for Thailand |  |  |
| Clarks | 97 |
