What Makes The Perfect Best Travel Shoes

Finding the perfect travel shoes is tough. You need something comfy for all-day exploring but also stylish enough for any outfit. And, you don’t want to carry extra shoes. Condé Nast Traveler asked its writers, editors, and shopping experts for their top shoe picks. They aim to guide you to find shoes that are comfy, supportive, and versatile for any trip.

Key Takeaways

Finding the perfect travel shoes that are comfortable, versatile, and easy to pack is essential for a successful trip.
Condé Nast Traveler consulted its writers, editors, and shopping experts to curate a list of the best travel shoe recommendations.
The recommended shoes cover a range of categories, including boots, casual sneakers, and hiking sandals, with prices ranging from $80 to $298¹.
Factors like cushioning, breathability, and lightweight design are important considerations when selecting the best travel shoes².
Comfort and support are top priorities for travelers, with many prioritizing these features over style when choosing travel shoes³.

Introduction

Finding the right travel shoes is key to a great adventure. They must be comfy for long walks and stylish for your outfits. With so many choices, picking the best shoes can be tough. We’ll look at what makes great travel shoes, like comfort, support, and style.

Flip-flops are trendy but not good for your feet. They can cause problems like toenail loss and foot pain⁴. Better options like Crocs offer more support but still might be uncomfortable and wet⁴.

For active trips, many choose running shoes. Some start with Brooks but might switch to Asics for better grip⁴. It’s important to balance comfort, support, and performance in your travel shoes.

Brand	Model	Price
Kizik	Milan	$119
Allbirds	Tree Runners	$98
New Balance	574 Core	$90
New Balance	9060	$150
Lululemon	Cityverse	$138
Karhu	Fusion 2.0	$100
Kizik	Prague	$109
Nike	Air Force 1 ’07	$115
Adidas	Samba OG	$74
Banana Republic	Vegan Leather	$48
Atoms	Model 001	$179
Veja	Campo	$175
Gola	Bullet	$95
Adidas	Stan Smith	$80
Naot	Adonis	$160

This table lists many travel shoe options from brands like Kizik, Allbirds, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, and Naot⁵. It helps travelers understand the market and choose the right shoes for their trips.

We’ll explore more about what makes great travel shoes in the next sections. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to finding the perfect footwear for your next adventure.

Comfort and Support

Cushioning and Shock Absorption

When looking for the best travel shoes, comfort is key. You’ll be on your feet a lot, exploring new places. So, the right shoe should have good cushioning and shock absorption to keep your feet happy and full of energy⁶.

The Brooks Ghost 15 is a top pick for its supportive and versatile design⁶. The Hoka Clifton is also great, with its light build, 3mm heel stack, and more cushioning for a comfy walk⁶. Plus, the Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle Shoe gives you great cushioning and breathability without breaking the bank⁶.

When trying out travel shoes, check how well they cushion and absorb shock. The On Cloud 5 is a top choice for being light, at 6.9 ounces, and feeling almost like you’re not wearing shoes⁶. The best shoe should support your feet, absorbing shock with each step, making walking comfortable for miles.

Shoe Model	Cushioning Level	Shock Absorption	Price
Brooks Ghost 15	High	Excellent	$140⁷
Hoka Clifton 9	High	Excellent	$150⁷
Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle Shoe	High	Good	$70⁷
On Cloud 5	Moderate	Good	$140⁷

Brands like Brooks, Hoka, and Under Armour are leaders in making walking shoes that are comfy and supportive⁶. By focusing on cushioning and shock absorption, you can keep your feet happy and ready for anything during your travels.

Breathability and Lightweight Design

Looking for the perfect travel shoes means focusing on breathability and a lightweight design. You want shoes that keep your feet cool and comfy, even on long days of exploring. The Allbirds Tree Runners are a top choice, weighing only 8.6 ounces and having a breathable upper⁸.

Waterproof and Slip-Resistant

Unpredictable weather calls for waterproof and slip-resistant shoes. The Blundstone 2215 high top boot is perfect for cold weather, with a tough outsole for rain or snow⁸. When picking travel shoes, think about how they’ll do in different climates and places to keep your feet dry and steady.

“A supportive sandal that dries quickly is preferable for water sports or activities near water bodies.”⁸

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 costs $170 at Amazon and REI, offering great cushioning and versatility for various travel activities⁹. The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX, priced at $180 at REI, also has balanced cushioning, good tread, and stability at a fair price⁹.

Choosing the right travel shoes means focusing on breathability, lightweight design, and features like waterproofing and slip resistance. This ensures your feet stay comfy and stable wherever your journey goes.

Versatility and Style

Traveling requires versatile shoes that can switch from sightseeing to dinner easily. Adidas Sambas and Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low top sneakers are great choices. They are stylish yet comfy, fitting any outfit perfectly. Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots and Frye Melissa Chelsea booties also mix fashion with function well. They look good with jeans, leggings, or dresses¹⁰.

Choose shoes that can change with your plans. The best travel shoes should go from city streets to a night out smoothly. Look for styles that are both stylish and comfy for long days¹¹.

Brands like Vessi Footwear, Tropicfeel Canyon, and Baabuk Sky Wooler are changing the game with travel shoes. They mix style, function, and sustainability, making them perfect for your trips¹².

With the right shoes, you can take on any destination with confidence. Pick a pair that keeps you comfy and stylish on your travels.

The best travel shoes

Finding the perfect travel shoes means looking for comfort, versatility, and durability. After testing and feedback from travelers, here are some top picks:

Allbirds Tree Runners: These shoes are light, breathable, and offer great cushioning and support for all-day use¹³.
Hoka Clifton 9: Known for their amazing cushioning and shock absorption, these shoes are perfect for active travelers¹³.
Adidas Sambas: A versatile sneaker style that’s great for sightseeing and casual outings, making them ideal for travelers¹³.
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots: These boots are stylish, durable, and have a lug sole for grip on different surfaces, perfect for day to night wear¹³.
Frye Melissa Chelsea Booties: Comfortable and long-lasting, these booties are versatile and work well for both day and night¹³.

These shoes were tested thoroughly, with over 700,000 steps logged during evaluation¹³. The list covers various preferences, from the best overall to budget-friendly options, and even the best for specific activities¹³.

A review of 35 shoe recommendation posts from r/onebag in 2021 showed that Adidas, Lems, Vivobarefoot, Blundstone, and Xero were the most recommended brands for travel¹⁴. Other brands with over 5 mentions included Birkenstock, Converse, Altama, Crocs, and Danner¹⁴. The top shoe models for travel were Adidas Terrex Free Hiker, Adidas Ultra Boost, Vans UltraRange, Vivobarefoot Gobi II, and Lems Boulder Boot¹⁴.

Whether you’re into casual walking, running, sandals, or boots, this list has you covered for any adventure¹⁴. With over 150 shoe models recommended for travel, you’ll easily find the perfect pair for your next trip¹⁴.

Durability and Longevity

Choosing the right travel shoes is key to lasting adventures. They must stand up to your travels without breaking down. Condé Nast Traveler editors love how long brands like Dr. Martens, Blundstone, and Frye last¹⁵. These shoes and boots are tough, lasting through many trips from Zurich to Brooklyn streets¹⁵.

What makes these brands stand out is their quality. They make shoes that last, so your travel shoes will be with you for many trips¹⁵. You can walk on cobblestone or city streets without worry, knowing your shoes will keep up¹⁵.

“I’ve had my Dr. Martens for over a decade, and they’re still going strong. They’ve become more comfortable with time and have held up to everything I’ve put them through.”

– Traveler and Outdoor Enthusiast

Buying durable travel shoes means a comfy and reliable trip. It also means you won’t have to replace them often. With the right shoes, you can enjoy making memories without worrying about your feet¹⁵.

So, when picking travel shoes, don’t forget about durability. Make a smart choice, and your feet will be happy for years¹⁵.

Packing and Portability

Lightweight and Packable Designs

When packing for a trip, you want shoes that are easy to transport and don’t take up too much space. Lightweight and packable designs are perfect for travel. The Allbirds Tree Runners, weighing just 8.6 ounces¹⁶, are great for packing. Kizik’s Milan sneaker, with its hands-free slip-on design, saves time and effort. Shoes like the Frye Melissa Chelsea booties, which can be folded, are also great for packing¹⁶.

There are many options for the best travel shoes at different prices. Prices range from $99 to $249.99¹⁶, fitting various budgets. These shoes weigh from 1 lb. 7.2 oz to 2 lbs. 5 oz¹⁶, making them comfortable and easy to carry. Look for travel-friendly features like these to pack more efficiently.

Product	Price (Amazon)	Price (Other Retailer)
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Time Off Sneaker	$69.99¹⁷	N/A
Arromic Nude Flats Shoes	$39.99¹⁷	N/A
Sorel Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace sneakers	$112.49¹⁷	N/A
Cushionaire Women’s Pax Chelsea Boot	$50.00¹⁷	N/A
Hoka Transport sneakers	$150.00¹⁷	$150.00¹⁷
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals	$145.00¹⁷	$147.00¹⁷

The best travel shoes meet different travel needs, like hiking or walking. They offer a wide range of options for various activities¹⁶. Most recommended shoes are waterproof, so you can stay dry on your travels¹⁶. There are options for both men and women¹⁶, giving you a variety to choose from.

“Look for travel-friendly features like lightweight and packable designs to maximize your packing efficiency.”

Conclusion

Finding the perfect travel shoes is all about balancing comfort, style, and practicality. Brands like Allbirds, Hoka, Adidas, Vagabond, and Frye offer great options that work well for both exploring and dining out¹⁸.

Think about what you need in a shoe, like good cushioning, breathability, and durability. You can find the perfect shoes for your travels. Whether you like the comfort of the Josef Seibel Caren 01 sneakers or the flexibility of the Allbirds Wool Runners, there’s something for everyone¹⁸.

It’s important to choose shoes that fit your comfort level and the activities you’ll do. This article has given you great tips to help you pick the right shoes for your next trip¹⁹.

FAQ

What features should I look for in the best travel shoes?

Look for comfort, breathability, versatility, and durability in travel shoes. They should have cushioned soles for shock absorption. Also, they should be lightweight and packable. They should be able to switch from day to night looks and be made of high-quality materials.

What are some of the most comfortable travel shoe options?

The Hoka Clifton 9 sneaker is great for comfort with its thick, cushioned sole. The Allbirds Tree Runners are also good, thanks to their plush midsole and arch support.

How important is breathability and lightweight design for travel shoes?

Breathability and lightweight design are key for travel shoes. The Allbirds Tree Runners weigh only 8.6 ounces. The Kizik Milan sneaker is also a good choice, being easy to slip on and not making your feet hot or sweaty.

What makes a travel shoe versatile?

Versatile travel shoes can go from sightseeing to dinner easily. The Adidas Sambas, Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots, and Frye Melissa Chelsea booties are great. They can be dressed up or down as you like.

What are some of the best travel shoe brands?

Condé Nast Traveler editors suggest Allbirds, Hoka, Adidas, Vagabond Shoemakers, and Frye for quality travel shoes.

How important is durability and longevity when choosing travel shoes?

Durability and longevity are key when picking travel shoes. Brands like Dr. Martens, Blundstone, and Frye are tough and can last for many trips.

What features make travel shoes easy to pack?

Travel shoes that are lightweight and packable are best. The Allbirds Tree Runners and Frye Melissa Chelsea booties are great. They can be easily packed in your luggage to save space.

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