Looking for the best travel shoes for your trip? Our top picks include supportive walking shoes, lightweight sneakers, hiking sandals, waterproof hikers, and end of day recovery footwear. The best travel shoe depends on how you’ll be traveling, not just where you’re going.
Our Recommendations for the Best Shoes for Travel
Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be physically demanding. Whether you’re walking on cobblestone streets in Europe, hiking through national parks, or simply exploring a new city, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment.
Choosing the best shoes for travel can be a daunting task, as you want to balance style with practicality and comfort with durability. Travel weight considerations might have led you to eliminate certain shoes in the past, leaving you without a pair you needed. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most important factors to consider when selecting the perfect travel shoes and provide our recommendations for some of the best travel shoe styles available. From comfortable sneakers to versatile sandals, there’s a travel shoe out there that will fit your unique needs and itinerary.
Best Shoes for Your Next Trip
When traveling, packing space is at a premium. We often hear from customers who de-prioritized shoe options for lack of space, who then suffered sore feet or injury as a result. Your itinerary will inform what selections make it into your suitcase, but don’t skimp on a comfortable, supportive walking shoe and a recovery sandal or slipper. If you are likely to hike or have an active schedule, an additional athletic or trail pair should be included.
Here are our favorites and top recommendations for shoes that go the distance, no matter where your travels take you.
Best Walking Shoe
New Balance 928
Our bestselling walking shoe for both men and women, the New Balance® 928v3 is perfect for any travel excursion. This travel friendly walker features motion control, ROLLBAR stability technologies, and ABZORB cushioning for long wear comfort. Smooth leather upper, padded tongue and seamless fabric Phantom Liner, treated for a healthy foot environment, all work to surround and support your foot for long hours sightseeing or shopping. Available in white or black, in wide widths up to a women’s 4E and men’s 6E!
Hoka Bondi 9
An update on the Bondi 8, the latest iteration was redesigned for additional comfort and support. The Bondi 9, has more cushion made from a different EVA foam bounce with less total shoe weight. The 9 also has a slightly broader toe box, giving your toes more room as you step. Overall, we think a thoughtful update at a similar price point to it’s predecessor.
Taos Z Soul
Our new Z Soul Lux is crafted from beautiful premium full grain leather. They have an outside zipper for easy on/off wear and laces for a custom fit feel. The Z Soul Lux sneaker is equipped with innovative Curves & Pods® premium removable footbed. Because this shoe is built ‘foot first’, you get needed metatarsal and arch support, making this a great travel option without the look of a traditional orthopedic walker. We also love the style versatility of this shoe. We recommend it for a cruise, or site seeing trips that include both city and rural trekking.
Dansko Paisley
Enjoy the outdoors rain or shine, in the women’s Dansko® Paisley, featuring a waterproof 3M Scotchgard™ treated leather upper. The removable EVA footbed accommodates a custom orthotic while the durable Vibram® rubber outsole absorbs shock and delivers maximum traction and stability on varied terrain. These walking shoes also provide recommended support for plantar fasciitis. Available in medium and wide widths in a variety of neutrals this walking shoe stands up to wet conditions with unmatched durability.
Remonte Bea
Remonte is an excellent option for travel with variable weather, long days and a lot of walking. Superior construction meets a cozy lining and remonteTEX technology, your feet stay warm and dry. This is a light weight, water proof travel walker with a roomy toebox and flexible outer sole. Your feet can move freely as you walk, but are still cushioned and supported
Easy on Style Favs
Merrell Jungle Moc
The Jungle Moc from Merrill is not new to the step-in shoe trend. This easy-on has captured hearts (and feet) as an iconic, low-maintenance shoe with an easy slip-on-and-go fit for years. We love the comfort, convenience, and traction provided in a no-lace walker, all wrapped in a suede leather upper for ultimate durability. This shoe is a workhorse, perfect for trails, uneven pavement, or long days on your feet. Available in Men’s styles.
Birkenstock Bend
The Bend is the only sneaker built on a Birkenstock footbed for full foot support. The contoured footbed grounds each pair in custom comfort, shaping to your feet as you wear them. We recommend this shoe for all the reasons we love Birkenstock, plus an easy-on style. We carry both men’s and women’s styles.
Cloud Plus Slip-on
Our Cloud Plus men’s slip-on has a down-to-earth vibe from winery to trail and beyond. Waterproof and slip-resistant, this rugged men’s shoe has a memory foam footbed and breathable fabric lining for comfort, traction and stability. We recommend this for men that need a versatile step-in option that doesn’t slack on foot support. Available in Men’s sizes only.
Must Have Recovery Shoe or Room Shoe
Our secret travel hack is to bring supportive footwear, like Haflinger Clogs or Birkenstocks, for the hotel or Airbnb. Nobody wants to wear the same shoes all day and night, or go barefoot in an unfamiliar place. Haflinger clogs are perfect in-room comfort footwear. Not only are they comfortable, Haflingers offer added support, keeping your feet happy and are suitable for walking to the pool, gym or just to grab the morning paper.
Haflinger Clog
Haflingers are one of our best selling shoes, not only for travel but for at home wear and all day support. Made with natural wool uppers and a cork-latex midsole, this is a clog designed for comfort and real support. Read more on the Benefits of Haflinger Clogs in this previous post.
Birkenstock Arizona
Birkenstocks are a classic go-to travel sandal, and for good reason. Each element of the anatomically shaped cork footbed provides maximum support and even weight distribution for proper posture. The deep heel cup cradles the heel while the footbed and strap design allows the toes to move naturally, promoting balance and foot alignment. Natural materials of this comfort sandal such as jute and suede wick away moisture, keeping your feet comfortable and dry even in temperate zones. Allow a few weeks of break-in for the cork footbed to mold to your foot. Available in Men’s and Women’s sizes, shown here in iron.
Oofos Ooahh Slide
The Oofos Ooahh slide pampers feet with superior comfort in an extremely lightweight alternative to a classic flip-flop. We recommend this slide, because it was designed for recovery after a long day of activity, and delivers. For added cushion and stability, their proprietary OOfoam™ technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear. Oofos are made with closed cell foam so it won’t absorb perspiration and odor and is easy to rinse off. The curved footbed and midsole design cradles the heel and reduces stress on knees, ankles, and other joints, keeping feet happy all day or giving you a break at the end of the day. Waterproof and floats. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Recommendations for Hiking or Trail Footwear
While more bulky than walking or everyday shoes, if your travel includes gravel pathways, hiking or natural site seeing, a hiker offers the best support for your feet, ankles and legs. Because they take up more space, people often wear them on travel days, and pack their everyday in their suitcase.
Keen Targhee IV
The last hiking shoe you’ll need to buy. Our most durable Targhee yet, now with a glue-free, fused construction that won’t delaminate (we guarantee it), plus cushioning that resists compression. We recommend this for travel for it’s superior construction and long-life and it’s waterproof! You will not be caught in need of a replacement with the Targhee IV.
Dansko Paisley
Enjoy the outdoors rain or shine, in the women’s Dansko® Paisley, featuring a waterproof 3M Scotchgard™ treated leather upper. The removable EVA footbed accommodates a custom orthotic while the durable Vibram® rubber outsole absorbs shock and delivers maximum traction and stability on varied terrain. These walking shoes also provide recommended support for plantar fasciitis. Available in medium and wide widths in a variety of neutrals this walking shoe stands up to wet conditions with unmatched durability.
Read more on the Best Walking Shoes for a Summer Outdoors and our top Supportive Sandals for more ideas on footwear that packs well, comforts and supports your feet while you’re out seeing the sights.
Peterson Shoes is a family-owned shoe store and shoe repair shop serving the Andover, Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Minneapolis areas. We specialize in orthotic shoe inserts, shoes for plantar fasciitis and shoes for tendinitis. Come check out our selection of Women’s shoes, apparel and accessories, and Men’s shoes at 209 E Main Street, Anoka, MN. Or shop our selection online now.