Okay, you’re all packed for the big vacation except for one small detail. What shoes do you bring? It’s not easy finding the best travel shoes for the journey. Let’s face it, locating shoes that provide comfort and support that can take you from daytime walking tours to dinner and an evening out isn’t easy. I assure you, I’m guilty of overpacking when it comes to shoes. I’ve often returned home with at least one pair I never wore the entire trip. That’s why I’ve always taken an interest in uncovering the best shoes for the itinerary. With the help of a couple of fellow travel bloggers, I’ve put together a look at some of today’s top travel shoes.
Ankle Boots
I’ve long been a fan of ankle boots. They’re comfortable, easy to slip on, and if your pants are long enough, you won’t have to worry if your socks match. Ankle boots are also very stylish and make a great “it” shoe. What’s an “it” shoe? It’s a shoe that can do it all – from daytime to casual evenings too, “it” works!
This is the Carlos by Carlos Santana Women’s Brie Ankle Bootie
Sturdy, comfy, and stylish – these Revel Chelsea V-Gore boots by Chaco are great for outdoor and urban adventures. Adding to their appeal, the boots have a soft fleece interior and excellent arch support.
Traveling to a damp climate? Arrive prepared for the elements with a cute pair of Asgard Women’s Ankle Rain Boots. Crafted from lightweight waterproof polyvinyl material, not only are these boots eye-catching, but they’re practical as well.
Sandals
Not every trip requires sandals, but if you do find yourself on a journey to a warm climate, finding a good pair of sandals is key. Sarah of Obligatory Traveler swears by her sandals from Keen.
The rubber sole and secure fit make these sandals fantastic for outdoor adventure and walking. They also offer arch support and are super comfy.
Another best seller is the Viakix Walking Sandals for Women. Comfortable and vacation-ready, these sandals are stylish and lightweight. Not only easy to pack into your suitcase, but this pair of sandals can double as a water shoe thanks to the quick-drying material.
If you’re looking for something a little more stylish but still comfortable for walking, the Skechers Women’s Desert Kiss-Adobe Princess Sandal is a chic choice. These sandals feature a canvas strappy design with frayed details and offer memory foam for enhanced comfort. Additionally, the hook-and-loop closure is fastened into place with velcro, making taking them on and off easy peasy. I have a pair of these that have lasted several seasons, and I love them. I’ve even put them in a garment bag and tossed them in the washing machine– they came out looking brand new!
Best White Sneakers
A great pair of white sneakers can be a cornerstone of your travel shoe wardrobe. Whether you’re wearing blue jeans, shorts, or a cute sundress, a pair of white sneakers is extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of looks.
A classic sneaker is the Adidas Stan Smith shoes. Made with genuine leather and a synthetic sole, these shoes are timeless and long-lasting. This is another one of my favorite travel shoes. I’ve been wearing my Stan Smiths for several years and multiple journeys– they’re a true go-to sneaker.
Blog reader Mandy tells us about one of her favorite looks – Lugz Women’s Clipper. This slip-on sneaker is a modern style that offers comfort and is reasonably priced. It comes in a variety of colors as well. You can’t go wrong with this classic look, and the slip-on style is super convenient for travel.
Keds Sneakers are a winning choice for staying in style while focusing on function. The traditional canvas sneakers are perfect for packing lightly and will go anywhere. Besides, you’ve known the Keds name since you were a kid!
“Packing cubes work great for keeping shoes separated from clothes and thus help clothes stay clean inside your suitcase.”
Anna Marie
Flats for Women
A good pair of flats is the utility player in any suitcase. Vicky from Buddy The Traveling Monkey tells me her favorite flat is Tom’s. She loves their comfortable soles and casual look. She also loves the philanthropic aspect of Tom’s. For every one pair of Tom’s shoes you purchase, they’ll give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Shoes with a purpose!
Similar to Tom’s, there’s Bob’s Plush Peace and Love. Made with a synthetic sole, this flat shoe features a memory foam footbed. I have these, and it’s seriously like walking on a cloud. The memory foam helps absorb the shock of walking on concrete and other hard surfaces.
Also with a mind towards altruism, Bob’s from Sketchers will donate to the Petco Foundation to help shelter animals nationwide with each purchase.
A classic round-toe ballerina flat is the consummate travel shoe. This one by Shoe 18 comes in a variety of colors and fabrics, and best of all, it’s affordably priced. Simple and classy!
For a classic look, there’s the Artisure Classic Genuine Penny Loafers Driving Moccasins. This pair of shoes features breathable leather and a cushioned insole. The laid-back slip-on design provides a casual look that can be dressed up too.
Foldable Flats
How cool are these flats? If you’re living the carry-on lifestyle, foldable flats are the perfect shoes for packing light. Easy to slip on and super comfortable, these shoes come with a matching zipper pouch, making them completely portable. They also come in many colors, and they’re inexpensive.
Hiking Shoes
Another favorite of Sarah’s from Obligatory Traveler is the Merrell Waterproof Hiking Shoe. These hiking shoes are both lightweight and waterproof. They’re also constructed well and offer comfort and support whether hiking or just walking, and keep feet warm on cool hikes and cool on warm hikes.
Looking for a minimalist hiking shoe? The Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes is a popular choice. Its rubber sole and lightweight durability are suitable for a variety of terrains. Removable insoles furnish extra support.
Not exactly a hiking shoe, but still a great option. The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Running Shoe is a go-to choice for a multi-purpose shoe.
Although it’s a running shoe, it’s perfect for light hiking as well as walking and jogging. Highly cushioned and constructed of lightweight breathable synthetic fabric, Brooks Ghost 16 is extremely comfortable and won’t make your feet hot. These shoes have a great feel. I’ve had a pair of Brooks Ghost Running Shoes for several years, and they never let me down.
Shoes with Arch Support
As an Irish dancer, I truly appreciate a shoe that gives extra support. Dansko is a company famous for shoes that provide the ultimate in foot support.
Their Kristen Flat is a best-selling shoe that’s ideal for traveling. The removable EVA footbed with Dansko Natural Arch technology and Memory foam cushioning keeps walkers going for miles. Thus, these are the perfect shoes for keeping travelers moving to their next destination.
Slip-on Penny Lofers feature a memory foam insole with arch support. They’re also a fashionable shoe. Made of high-quality microsuede, the cute moccasin has a sturdy rubber sole and looks great with slacks, jeans, or a skirt. Comfort and versatility make this a favorite travel shoe.
Not a shoe, but a unique way to add arch support to your footwear. These Dr. Scholl’s Flats & Sandals Arch Inserts cushion the arch invisibly. Made with cushioning gel that conforms to the shape of your arch, they come with three pairs in a package and are discreetly designed to stay firmly in place while adding support.
Your Top Travel Shoes
While booking tickets, creating an itinerary, and researching a destination are important, packing for the journey is equally significant. It’s especially crucial to bring proper footwear to ensure you’ll be comfortable while you’re enjoying your trip. And with so many varieties and choices, it would seem to find the top travel shoes is a never-ending quest. But isn’t that what makes the search fun?
Tell me in the comments below, what travel shoes have you fallen in love with?
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