21 Best Travel Shoes

Let’s be real: The wrong shoes can absolutely ruin a vacation. I’ve been there—the blisters in Barcelona, the aching arches in Rome. You need a shoe that can handle a 20,000-step day, look cute in your dinner pics, and not take up half your carry-on. It’s a tall order.

So, I made it my personal mission to find the absolute best travel shoes for 2026. I’m talking about the pairs that I, a professional shopper and over-packer, personally packed for my own trips. I walked, I ran through airports, and I stood in a lot of museum lines to find the ones that are actually worth your money.

These are the travel shoes that won’t let you down. Trust me.

 

 

Best Sneakers for Travel

From city sidewalks to light trails, a good sneaker is your travel BFF. These are the ones that blend supreme comfort with the kind of style that doesn’t scream “tourist.”

 

 

Lululemon Cityverse Sneaker

At $138, this is the perfect white sneaker if your travel vibe is polished athleisure. I wore these all over London and they looked just as good with leggings for my flight as they did with a casual dress for exploring Shoreditch.

Podiatrists and my fellow editors are obsessed for a reason. The cushioning is bouncy and responsive, so my feet felt supported even after hours of walking. Plus, the canvas is super breathable, which is a lifesaver on warmer days.

The Downside: My only note is that if you have wider feet, you’ll want to give them a day or two to break in before you hit the road.

 

 

Adidas Samba OG Shoes

For just $100, you can get the shoe that’s literally everywhere right now, and for good reason. Sambas are the ultimate cool-girl travel sneaker because they go with absolutely everything. Jeans, dresses, wide-leg trousers—you name it.

The sleek, low-profile fit means they never look bulky, and the soft leather is surprisingly comfortable. I love the timeless vibe and how they instantly make any travel outfit look more intentional. They’re my go-to for urban trips where I’m doing a mix of sightseeing and hitting cute cafes.

The Downside: While they’re comfy for a normal day, the cushioning is pretty minimal. I wouldn’t pick them for a day I knew I was walking 10+ miles.

 

 

Hoka Bondi 9

Okay, hear me out. For $175, the Hoka Bondi 9 is the shoe you pack when comfort is your number one, two, and three priority. Think of it as a plush mattress for your feet. If your itinerary involves a theme park or a walking tour that lasts all day, this is your shoe.

The amount of cushioning is almost comical, but you’ll be thanking me when you’re the only one in your group not complaining about sore feet. That thick EVA midsole absorbs every single step, making cobblestones feel like clouds.

The Downside: Let’s be honest, they’re bulky. The chunky look isn’t for everyone and they don’t exactly scream “chic dinner spot.”

 

 

New Balance 1906R Sneakers

These $155 sneakers are for the adventurer who might go from exploring city streets to a light hike in the same day. They have that cool, retro-runner aesthetic but are packed with tech to keep your feet happy.

The mesh upper is incredibly breathable (no sweaty feet here) and the combo of cushioning in the midsole and heel provides amazing shock absorption and stability. I felt totally secure walking on uneven pavement and dirt paths.

The Downside: They’re definitely on the pricier side for a travel sneaker.

 

 

Asics GT-2160 Sneakers

At $140, these Asics are my pick for when you want that trendy, athletic look without sacrificing comfort. They have a cool, early 2000s vibe that feels very current but are built for serious walking.

The FlyteFoam cushioning is legit, providing a springy, supportive feel that’s perfect for long distances. I love how they look with a pair of baggy jeans or cargo pants for a laid-back, stylish travel uniform.

The Downside: The sizing can be a little tricky. I found they run a bit narrow, so you might want to size up a half-size.

 

 

Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker

An absolute steal at $60! If you’re looking for a comfortable travel shoe that won’t break the bank, this is it. I was so impressed with the memory foam insole—it genuinely feels like it moves with your foot.

They are unbelievably lightweight, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to avoid overweight baggage fees. It’s a simple, no-fuss sneaker that delivers pain-free comfort for days with a high step count.

The Downside: For this price, you’re not getting top-tier materials. They might not hold up to really rough, long-term use.

 

 

Vionic Walk Quest Walking Sneaker

If you need serious arch support, look no further. These $120 Vionic sneakers have a built-in orthotic that makes a world of difference on long travel days. My feet felt so stable and aligned, which helped reduce overall fatigue.

The mesh upper keeps things airy and the shock-absorbing midsole is fantastic for pounding the pavement. This is the shoe I recommend to friends who complain about foot pain after a day of sightseeing.

The Downside: The style is very… practical. It’s a great walking shoe, but it’s not going to win any fashion awards.

 

 

Clarks Pace Walking Sneaker

For $110, this sneaker offers insane comfort right out of the box. There is zero break-in period needed, which is amazing for last-minute packers. The memory foam and extra heel pillow feel like a hug for your feet.

I was really impressed by the C360 foam midsole that gives you a little propulsion in your step, making airport power-walking feel effortless. They’re also made with vegan materials, which is a nice touch.

The Downside: The color selection is pretty limited and basic.

 

 

Toteme Leather Sneakers

Yes, they’re $450. But if you’re looking for a luxury sneaker that can truly go from day to night, this is it. The leather is buttery soft and the minimalist design is so sophisticated.

These are the shoes you wear exploring a Parisian arrondissement and then keep on for dinner at a chic bistro. The quality is obvious, and they’re built to last through many, many adventures.

The Downside: The price is obviously a major factor. It’s an investment piece, for sure.

 

 

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage

At $85, the Club C is a timeless classic for a reason. It has this effortless retro vibe that looks good with everything, and the durable leather upper means they can take a beating on the road.

This is my go-to when I want a reliable, comfortable, and stylish sneaker that I don’t have to think twice about. I’ve gotten so many compliments on them, and they just get better with a little wear and tear.

The Downside: Similar to the Sambas, the cushioning is on the minimal side, so they’re best for moderate walking days.

 

 

Brooks Glycerin 21

This $160 running shoe is my secret weapon for trips that involve a ton of walking or even some light hiking. The DNA Loft cushioning is incredibly soft and supportive, making it perfect for high-mileage days.

I know it’s a running shoe, but the support system is amazing for just walking, too. It kept my feet feeling fresh whether I was exploring trails or just bar crawling through a new city. It’s a true multi-tasker.

The Downside: They are a bit heavier and bulkier than a standard lifestyle sneaker.

 

 

Sorel Kinetic Impact II Sneaker

If you want a sneaker that makes a statement, this $150 Sorel is for you. The silhouette is so cool and unique, but it’s not just about looks. It’s also seriously comfortable.

The mesh material is super breathable, which I really appreciated on a hot and humid trip to Miami. The cushioning is designed for impact, so my feet felt protected and comfy all day long.

The Downside: You’ll definitely need a day or two to break them in, as they can feel a little stiff at first.

 

 

Best Sandals and Flats for Travel

Sometimes you need to let your toes breathe or just want something a little more dressed up than a sneaker. These are the packable, walkable, and totally chic alternatives.

 

 

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

An icon for $140. Birkenstocks are my favorite for warm-weather trips because that contoured cork footbed molds to your feet over time, providing custom support. They’re also so easy to slip on and off for flights or at the beach.

And yes, I am firmly on Team Socks-with-Sandals for the plane. It’s all about comfort! They look equally good with shorts, linen pants, or a flowy sundress.

The Downside: The cork footbed and suede lining are not your friends in the rain. Avoid puddles.

 

 

Allbirds Tree Breezers

These $100 flats are a dream for daily walking. The knit upper is made from eucalyptus tree fiber, so it’s soft, flexible, and I’ve never gotten a single blister from them. Not one.

They are also ridiculously lightweight and can be thrown in the washing machine when they get a little grimy from your travels. It’s the perfect, easy-to-pack flat for multi-day wear.

The Downside: If you need a lot of arch support, these might not be enough for all-day wear.

 

 

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

For $130, you get a ballet flat with a little bit of edge. The squared-off toe and Mary Jane strap are very on-trend, but the real star is the Cloudlift padding inside. It makes navigating airports and city streets surprisingly comfortable.

I love that the strap keeps your foot secure, so there’s no slipping or sliding around. It’s a great option when you want something more polished than a sneaker but still need to be able to walk.

The Downside: Being a leather flat, they aren’t the most breathable choice for super hot and humid weather.

 

 

What We Look for in Travel Shoes

Okay, so how did I land on these specific pairs? My testing process is pretty intense. First and foremost is comfort. I track my steps on every trip, and a shoe doesn’t make the cut unless it can handle at least 15,000 steps without making me want to cry.

Next up is versatility. The best travel shoes have to work with multiple outfits. I need something I can wear with jeans during the day and a dress at night, because I am not checking a bag just for shoes. They have to be packable—lightweight and not too bulky.

And finally, durability. Travel is tough on shoes. They get squished in bags, scuffed on cobblestones, and worn in all kinds of weather. Every shoe on this list has proven it can handle the chaos of travel and still look good doing it.