10 best travel shoes for walking all day long

Travel shoes need to check a lot of boxes. Comfort is, of course, the number-one factor. No one wants to suffer from sore feet or painful blisters while touring Europe, exploring the wonders of U.S. national parks, or riding rollercoasters at a theme park. But even the most comfortable travel shoes also need to be versatile, lightweight, and take up as little suitcase space as possible. And if they look good? Well, that makes them even better.

Whether you’re looking for women’s or men’s travel shoes, it’s a good idea turn to trusted brands and shoes with lots of glowing customer reviews. Here are our picks for the best travel shoes for men and women.

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1. Birkenstock Arizona

Best unisex travel shoes

There’s a reason why these unisex, two-strap sandals are a classic. They’ve got the original Birkenstock cork footbed that offers good arch support and molds to the shape of your foot. And they’re available in a slew of colors and materials, like breathable leather, suede, and even a waterproof version modeled after the classic. 

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They can be worn with everything from shorts to dresses and are a must-have vacation item for many travelers. What’s not to love about a shoe that can go from strolling the streets of Europe to wandering a theme park (and everywhere in between)?

Where to Buy: Birkenstock | Zappos | Amazon

2. Toms Alpargata

Best easy-to-pack travel shoes

Folks on the go love this oft-purchased slip-on from the philanthropic shoe company. (It donates a third of its net profits to grassroots causes.) The men’s and women’s Heritage Canvas Alpargata takes the original design—with an elastic V in the upper to make the on-and-off process a breeze—and makes it more earth-friendly with an insole made with 50 percent eco-content and an upper made primarily of jute. 

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Versions crafted from other materials are also available, from recycled cotton to denim. Alpargatas are a dependable classic shoe that’s lightweight and easily stashed in a suitcase for travel. They’re comfortable to wear on the go and look good in all kinds of situations.

Where to Buy (Women’s): TOMS | Zappos | Amazon
Where to Buy (Men’s): TOMS | Zappos | Amazon

3. Allbirds Wool Runners

Best travel shoes for eco-conscious travelers

The OG shoe from the popular brand, Allbirds’ Wool Runners put sustainability at the forefront. That means using materials like Merino wool that meets high standards for animal welfare, environmental care, and social sustainability; a castor bean oil-based insole foam; and shoelaces made from recycled plastic bottles.

Available in a variety of color combos in men’s and women’s versions, these travel shoes score points with buyers for comfort, style, and functionality. We love their versatility on a variety of terrains, from city streets to park pathways. And the fact that they’re machine washable just makes them even more appealing. 

Where to Buy (Women’s): Allbirds
Where to Buy (Men’s): Allbirds

4. Teva Men’s Forebay Sandals

Best water-ready men’s travel shoes

These quick-drying, vegan men’s sandals are great for water-based activities, hiking, and walking. They’ve got a hook-and-loop closure that makes adjusting the fit easy, a cushioned pad in the heel to absorb impact, and a rubber outsole that offers plenty of traction.

All those features make the sandals comfortable and supportive for long hikes or travel days. And they’re treated with a responsibly sourced peppermint-based antimicrobial to help keep them smelling as fresh as possible.

Where to Buy: Teva | Amazon

5. KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandals

Best water-ready women’s travel shoes

This classic women’s active sandal from KEEN is designed to be lightweight (so they’re easy to pack), fast drying, and ready for walking, hiking, and water activities. Grippy soles offer protection against slick surfaces, and the comfort-focused design touches include midsole cushioning and an EVA insole for arch support. 

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The quick-cinch bungee lacing makes them fast to get on and off. And key for shoes that may spend time wet, the Whisper sandals have built-in odor control and are machine washable. They come in lots of colors to help you find the perfect pair to match your travel wardrobe.

Where to Buy: Keen | Zappos | Amazon

6. Rothy’s Loafer

Best easy-to-clean women’s travel shoes

There’s a lot to love about these sustainable women’s shoes. They’re knit from Rothy’s signature thread that’s spun from plastic water bottles. They’re soft and flexible, which means they don’t need to be broken in. (Bye-bye blisters!) And they’re machine washable to help them look (and smell) fresh and clean for the long term.

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The loafers come in versatile solid colors like black and navy as well as a handful of fun prints. They have lots of devoted fans who praise their comfort and go-with-everything style, and they’re super easy to slip into a carry-on or weekend bag. 

Where to Buy: Rothy’s

7. Skechers Summits

Best slip-on travel sneakers

This machine-washable, women’s slip-on sneaker features a lightweight, flexible, shock-absorbing midsole; a memory foam-cushioned insole; and a flexible rubber outsole for traction. Available in several stylish color combos plus solid-color options, we like these easy-to-wear travel shoes for their comfort and style.

The soft mesh knit upper with a bungee-laced front makes them easy to slip on and off at airport security. And the sneakers will help keep your feet feeling good even after a long day of sightseeing.

Where to Buy: Skechers | Amazon

8. Merrell Men’s Moab 3

Best men’s shoes for hiking getaways

The “next generation” of Merrell’s ultra-popular Moab shoe features an advanced footbed that contours to the wearer’s foot and cushiony shock absorption. The ventilated hiking shoe also offers protective rubber heel and toe caps, built-in ankle support, and a durable rubber sole that provides slip-resistant traction for all kinds of terrains and surfaces, making them perfect travel shoes for walking all day.

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The Moab 3 is made with 100 percent recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining, which earns it the distinction of the company’s “most eco-friendly Moab yet.” The shoe is an ideal choice for exploring and appreciating any area’s natural side.

Where to Buy: Merrell | Zappos | Amazon

9. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

Best lightweight-yet-cushiony travel shoes

These lightweight sneakers offer a foot-hugging knit upper and the company’s trademark “Cloudfoam” cushioning technology that provides heel and arch support. The stylish shoes also feature a sock-like liner and slip-on lace closure. 

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Available in several colors and made with recycled materials, these bestselling shoes provide both comfort and good looks, making them a great travel shoe. You’ll have no trouble getting them on and off at airport security or slipping into them for a morning beach walk or coffee run. 

Where to Buy: Adidas | Amazon

10. Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal

Best flip-flop-style travel shoes

This popular pick for travel shoes offers the look of a flip-flop with a whole lot more comfort and support than the typical beach sandal. The women’s travel shoes feature the company’s signature Vio-Motion Support technology that offers stability, cushioning, and arch support. Both lightweight and durable, the sandals also have a soft woven toe post and foam-lined strap for extra comfort.

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The lightweight, flexible midsole provides shock absorption, while the outsole offers plenty of traction. They’re a great choice for when you’ll be walking but want to wear a sandal instead of a sneaker.

Where to Buy: Vionic | Zappos

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