Happy Feet, Happy Travels: The Ultimate Guide to 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. Consideration of weight might have led you to eliminate certain shoes in the past. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most important factors to consider when selecting the perfect pair of travel shoes and provide examples of 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 preferences.
Best Shoes for Your Next Trip
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.
Ecco Yucatan
With its high-end design and plush, comfortable materials, the Yucatan is a top pick for a comfortable travel sandal. A contoured EVA footbed cradles the foot, and neoprene-lined straps help eliminate rubbing and chafing. Ideal for hikers, adventurers, or casual users looking for the ultimate in all-day comfort and support in a sandal, these kicks have all the necessary features that will keep your feet cozy during a long day on the go. Available for men & women.
Vionic Amber
Vionic’s Orthaheel Technology is biomechanically designed to hug the arches and hold your feet in comfort. Vionic sandals’ built-in orthotic is shown to be effective in helping to treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Lightweight, flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles, and knees. A durable rubber outsole with a patterned tread provides traction on a variety of surfaces. And Vionics are cute enough to transition from daytime sightseeing to evening. Shown in Black Crocodile.
Aetrex Jillian
Aetrex aims is to create the healthiest shoes on the market, keeping your feet healthy when you travel. The Jillian sandal feature the Aetrex orthotic footbed for support, balance, and alignment. Memory form cushions your feet while anti-microbial technology keeps your feet healthy and clean, but also comfortable. With Aetrex, you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. Shown in gunmetal. Several colors available.
Ziera Urban
Ready for everything you have planned on your trip, Ziera Urbans combine fashion with engineering for a personalized fit. Equipped with removable Active Comfort footbed with a TPU heel cradle and PU gel pads for shock-absorbing support. Inserts can be swapped out for personalized orthotics or mix and match options for a perfect fit from narrow to wide. Lightweight and made from vegan friendly materials, your feet will thank you. Available for women, shown in navy camo.
Taos Star Khaki
The star looks like a casual shoe but is actually a well-built walker ready for long strolls anywhere from the beach to cobbled streets. Flexible and durable rubber outsole provides traction while inside, a removable foot bed offers arch support. Shown here in khaki canvas, also available in wide widths.
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.
Travel Tip: Bring supportive footwear, like Haflinger Clogs or Birkenstocks, for the hotel room. Nobody wants to wear the same shoes all day and night, and 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.
Oofos Ooahh Slide
The Oofos Ooahh slide pampers feet with superior comfort in an extremely lightweight alternative to a classic flip-flop. Designed for recovery after a long day of activity. For added cushion and stability, Oomade with proprietary OOfoam™ technology, absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear. Made with closed cell foam so they will not absorb perspiration & odor. The curved footbed and midsole design cradles the heel and reduces stress on knees, ankles, and other joints, keeping feet happy all day. Waterproof & even floats.Available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Hoka Bondi 8
In an update on previous styles, the Hoka Bondi 8 is now lighter and more comfortable making it a great shoe for everything from touring to a beach run. Hoka’s unique shape rocks your feet through each step from heel strike to your toes. Equipped Ortholite® hybrid sockliner is 100% breathable keeping your feet cooler. Available for men and women in medium & wide widths.
Keen Astoria West
Pack these trekker sandals for any trip, on any terrain. This KEEN Astoria West sandal gives you both comfort and traction in one. The breathable, lightweight EVA footbed cushions every step while the foam midsole offers needed flexibility and support as well as shock absorption. Rubber outsole makes sure you won’t slip even if it rains. Fully waterproof for all your outdoor adventures. Available for women.
Keen Newport
The comfort sandal with a grip of a hiking boot, the Keen Newport supports your feet on any travel excursion. Inside, EVA insoles for arch support and pesticide free Eco Anti-Odor supports foot health. Razor siping on the footbed makes it safe for docks or boating with added scuff free traction. Classic KEEN styling in closed toe protection, Polyester webbing uppers and quick-dry linings. Fully waterproof. Available for men and women.
Keen Targhee III
The Targhee III is a solid hiking boot offering from Keen that is as comfortable as a sneaker. The mid-level rise ensures your ankle will never roll and multi-directional lugs keep your grip on the terrain secure. This boot is good for active travel, hiking, and sight-seeing alike. Full waterproof construction with a breathable membrane to keep feet cool. Shown here in Women’s Weiss/boysenberry colorway. Available in Men’s and Women’s.
Dunham Cloud Plus
For more rugged travel, the Dunham Cloud Plus is our favorite men’s travel boot. No achy feet here with removable EVA memory foam cushion for extra cushioning all day. Plus, arch support and stability built throughout the reinforced midsole with synthetic lining and added slip resistant sole in wet or dry conditions. Available for men in medium to extra wide, shown here in brown.
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!
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.
Shop Travel Shoes and Sandals
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.