A few weeks back, I polled you all on your favorite comfy walking shoes for traveling! Summer is always the most popular time for big trips–whether you’re planning a fun adventure abroad that involves a lot of mileage, a domestic vacation, or just making a point to explore your own city more, one thing you definitely need are a comfy pair of walking shoes! I’m sharing my favorites below, but also lots of options added at the end that are approved by you all, too!
One tip: as always, before any trip, leave time for breaking-in your shoes and consider your destination before making your final choices! (I.E. will you be encountering slippery cobblestones and need traction? Do you need something that slips on and off? How much support? Open or closed toe?) You can find tips for breaking in your new shoes here.
Most of all, shoes for travel should be comfortable, durable, and versatile! You’ll find the best of all the above below–from sneakers to loafers to sandals.
Best Walking Shoes for Traveling
Madewell Court Sneakers and Everlane Court Sneakers (both reviewed here!)
Court sneakers have a classic but subtle tomboy look that can go with any athleisure or casual outfits you have in your luggage—from dresses to denim, sweats, leggings, bike shorts, and more. I can vouch that both the Madewell and Everlane pairs are great. They’re VERY comfortable and I’d say medium support. I wear these sneakers year round and in all types of weather! If I were going to bring ONE pair of shoes on any trip, any time of year, it would be these.
They’re made of leather, which makes them sturdy, naturally water-resistant, and easy to clean. (You can find specifics about cleaning white leather HERE.) I’d say both are true to size, but Madewell says they’re slightly narrow and recommends going up half a size. You might want to consider that if you have wider feet.
Rothy’s Cap-Toe Ballet Flats
My Rothy’s “The Square” flats are probably my most worn pair of ballet flats. I LOVE the way they look and they’re super comfortable for flats. They come in several colors (though I think these Chanel-inspired cap-toes are the best and make every outfit look so stylish). You could easily stick 1-3 pairs in your luggage when traveling because they take up virtually no space! Though they’re not particularly supportive, I’ve walked miles and miles in these anywhere from San Francisco to Paris, and I was comfortable all day. (You could also remove the insoles and add your own more supportive ones as long as they were thin!)
Another thing to love about these cap-toe ballet flats is the fact that they’re washable! They even dry pretty quickly. Rothy’s are also made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean plastic, so you can feel good about your purchase in multiple ways. (You can read more in this post about why I love Rothy’s and their mission.) The one downside is the bottoms of the flats can be slippery until you break them in, but you can also have a cobbler fix that for you!
Rothy’s Driving Moccasins
If you’re worried about the grip issue but like the style of a Rothy’s shoe, “The Driver” moccasins are a great alternative. The rubber outsole has a raised texture to prevent any slippage, which makes them really functional especially for places that may have slippery cobblestones. I also think they’re very comfortable. I wouldn’t say these have a “break in” period (as they’re fabric, it’s not like they “break in” like leather would) but your feet may need some time to adjust to them. I wore them all around Napa and they were great!
Beyond the functionality, I love the style as an alternative to sneakers. The moccasins are preppy and chic, and you may find they’re easier to wear than lace-up shoes, strappy sandals, or whatever else you’ve got in your bag. This alone will probably have you reaching for these again and again no matter where you’re exploring! (“The Driver” also comes in over a dozen colors to fit your personal style.) Note: You can remove the insoles and add your own if you need more support!
Freda Salvador Eda
These are my investment sneakers, but I have worn them so much that I think my cost per is about 50 cents at this point. These are my warm weather sneakers–with the d’Orsay design, they’re like a sneaker-sandal-flat? I love that they have an elevated feminine style and they’re quick to slip on!
They’re definitely more than I’d spend on a sneaker and I mulled over the purchase for about a year before finally pulling the trigger, but I’m so glad I did. They go great with dresses, jumpsuits, shorts, swimsuits—pretty much anything you can think of. (I should note I’d only recommend these on warmer climate destinations because of the cut-out.)
The Freda Salvador Eda sneakers are also great travel shoes because they’re easy to pack (again, the shape is more like a flat than a sneaker!) They’re pretty much the whole package when it comes to comfortable travel shoes.
Make sure to read the reviews for sizing, because while I found them TTS, some of you who are usually 1/2 sizes felt differently!
Nisolo Huarache Sandals
Whether I’m at home or abroad, I wear these ALL summer. I love the classic throwback style and the woven construction makes them super breathable while providing the benefits of being a closed-toe. They’re breezy enough for the hottest days from Mexico to Mallorca. I love wearing them with dresses, shorts, and jeans. Another plus: they are flat and take up very little space in your bag!
Important to note that my pair is many years old. The color I got was raw leather (not dyed) and they were a huge pain to break in, but I don’t think they sell that color anymore and none of the recent reviews mention them being tough to break in so I think they’ve updated that! You can also buy direct from their website. Make sure to read sizing reviews as I think it’ll vary based on how your feet run.
New Balance Sneakers
I’m pretty happy that the New Balance trend is back. (Remember when everyone had these in high school!?)
These sneakers make super comfortable walking shoes since they’re lightweight and have a good amount of support! I love the neutral colors and wear them year-round with everything from jeans to athleisure. I wore these straight out of the box, no break-in necessary, no rubbing–like walking on clouds! These run TTS.
Kizik Athens Sneakers
(not sure if my code is still live, but if it is, it’s JESSKEYS for 15% off!)
I love a lot of things about Kizik sneakers. I’m sure you’ve seen them online—they’re the sneakers with a spring-back heel that lets you slide your foot right inside, no bending over or unlacing necessary. (Where were these when I was pregnant!?) The style is modern and simple, and honestly just works with a lot of casual looks–they look really cute with any athletic/athleisure option and are so cushy to wear all day! (No break in!) These run big, go down 1/2 size!
Birkenstocks:
When I polled you all on your favorite walking sandals to log tons of miles in–so many of you replied BIRKENSTOCKS.
I can also attest that last time I was in NYC (walking capital of the world IMO) I saw girls in Birkenstocks EVERYWHERE. Though they’re sandals, they’re surprisingly supportive, because the cork footbed sort of molds to your feet for ideal support. This makes them comfortable to wear all day!
The break-in period will really vary from person to person, but I recommend wearing them around inside (wearing with socks helps too!) so your feet get used to them and then gradually wearing them for longer periods outside! I particularly LOVE the big gold buckle version because they feel a bit more elevated, but I also own the classic Arizona’s in gold, and the waterproof version, too! I ordered my regular size.
Madewell Charley Slides:
If you want a slip on sandal that is supportive like a Birkenstock, but a little bit more minimalistic–you will love this sandal! It’s neutral, goes with everything and is very comfortable! The lug sole makes them a fun trendy option, too!
More reader favorite comfy sandals for traveling:
So many requests for supportive sandals with ankle straps! I don’t have any favorites that are currently in stock, so I asked you all on stories and this is what you answered!
Alohas Harper Black Leather Sandal
I have seen ads for these on Instagram and you all seem to love them! Definitely a trendy, chunky look, but very cute and they make a statement–they’ll make even a black tee and shorts look chic!
Alohas Beige Suede Espadrilles
A few of you mentioned wearing these all over Europe which is about the best testimonial I can think of. I love the espadrille touch to the classic sandal style. So pretty.
Cole Haan Flynn Flat Sandal
Many submissions for the Flynn sandal! I love that it’s minimalistic and not too chunky of a sole if you don’t love that chunky look! A classic looking sandal that will always be in style.
If you need a bit more support than the Flynn, check out the Freya, which a few of you really love!
Also a popular submission–you all love your Nisolo flatform sandals! They come in multiple colors and you love how cushy they are and how they go with everything from shorts to jeans to dresses.
Birkenstock Glenda by Papillio
I had no idea Birks made sandals that looked like this! How cute! I love the platform–they look comfy enough to wear for a day of exploring but cute enough to pair with the most feminine dress! Very much considering investing in this pair!
A cute option if you want a bit of a wedge! Many of you recommended various pairs of Sorel sandals. Zappos has a great selection and fast free shipping!
Alright, last but not least, if you need the MOST support, many of you feel VERY passionate about Chaco sandals. Their Townes style (also comes in a higher, trendy platform) is the most minimalistic leather style and ensures no matter how much support you need, you can stay on your feet all day with no issues! I will admit I was not a fan of these when I saw the product page, but when you see them styled on the model they actually look cute!?!
I am SO intrigued by this brand–invented by a podiatrist and every pair they make has HIDDEN support–so they don’t look like supportive chunky sandals at all, they’re sleek and minimal and so chic–they have tons of styles (not just sandals) so worth checking out their whole website if you’re looking for more support out of your shoes!
