In the landscape of everyday life, most of us harbor a distinct loyalty to one specific category of footwear. For many travelers and fashion enthusiasts, closets are often filled with an excess of sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs. While possessing an overflowing wardrobe of shoes can certainly feel a bit excessive, having options is a perk that many enjoy. However, when the time comes to pack for a trip—particularly when traveling light with only a carry-on bag—the reality of packing constraints requires serious restraint.
With limited luggage space capable of accommodating just a few pairs of shoes, versatility emerges as an absolute priority. Yet, above all else, comfort reigns supreme. Comfortable walking shoes are the foundational requirement for any successful vacation, regardless of whether the itinerary calls for an all-day hike through rugged terrain, a leisurely afternoon strolling around the historic center of an unfamiliar city, or simply logging a few relaxing laps around a cruise ship pool deck.
Recognizing this perennial packing dilemma, editors at Condé Nast Traveler are in a constant state of evaluation, searching for truly comfortable, walk-all-day shoes capable of enduring rigorous travel schedules. The best walking shoes share common traits: they leave travelers blister-free, protecting sensitive heels and preventing sore arches. They must feature adequate cushioning and, ideally, require minimal break-in time, though seasoned travelers are often willing to make tactical exceptions for long-lasting investments like heavy-duty hiking boots or premium leather sandals that demand a bit more initial care.
Guided by these strict performance criteria, editors have compiled a comprehensive curation of all-time favorite footwear picks. Ranging from everyday casual sneakers and rugged athletic options to sleek boots, breathable sandals, and versatile flats, these selections have been personally tested by editors across global vacations and demanding work trips, covering a wide spectrum of personal styles and price points.
Casual Sneakers
When navigating airport terminals, bustling urban thoroughfares, and miles of city pavement, casual sneakers offer an essential blend of style and everyday utility. Longtime favorites among the editing team include classic models that balance heritage design with modern comfort.
Rothy’s, a brand widely praised for its sustainable flats and loafers, has recently expanded its footprint into the sneaker category with designs like the Ivy sneaker. Editors highlighting the shoe note that a durable, highly grippy outsole provides exceptional traction on slick, rain-slicked sidewalks, eliminating the worry of missed steps or slipping in puddles. Featuring a low-profile silhouette, machine-washable fabrics, and supportive interior cushioning, these sneakers bridge the gap between aesthetic appeal and all-day practicality.
Meanwhile, the Adidas Samba OG remains a dominant force in street style. With a lineage tracing back to 1950, the shoe has enjoyed a massive resurgence among fashion editors who praise its durability and timeless appeal. Similarly, the Adidas Gazelle Bold offers a slight platform lift with a layered sole design, providing an immediate comfort level that handles hours of standing during concerts or extended walking tours without issue.
For those favoring a clean, minimalist aesthetic, white sneakers remain a travel staple. Options like the Atoms Model 001 feature antimicrobial linings and compression-molded cushioned midsoles, offering a soft interior fabric that prevents blisters even when worn with no-show socks. For a more classic retro runner aesthetic, the New Balance 574 Core sneaker delivers a balance of sporty styling and all-day support, frequently accompanying editors on weekend city breaks and airport commutes alike.
Athletic Shoes
For travelers whose itineraries lean toward high-mileage days, rugged trails, or active exploration, performance athletic footwear becomes non-negotiable.
Salomon’s XT-6 sneakers have earned a permanent spot in travel bags due to their ultra-lightweight construction, absence of traditional laces—which simplifies the TSA security screening process—and hybrid utility that transitions seamlessly from outdoor trails to urban environments embracing gorpcore fashion.
Similarly, Hoka Clifton sneakers have garnered a massive following among travelers seeking maximum cushioning without excess weight. Despite their thick soles, these shoes offer exceptional support for days that easily surpass 10,000 steps, fitting comfortably into weekender bags without weighing down luggage. For more rugged outdoor pursuits, the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe continues to dominate as a trusted trail companion, offering robust traction, a protective toe cap, and a comfortable fit that holds up across moderate hikes and wet city roads alike.
Flats and Loafers
Balancing style with packability, flats are often the hardest category to conquer for travel due to the frequent risk of blisters. However, several standout designs have proven their worth on the road.
Puma’s Speedcat ballet flats bridge the gap between athletic styling and low-profile footwear, offering support, breathability, and a vibrant pop of color for international trips. For a more traditional silhouette, Rothy’s Max Square Mary Jane flats require zero break-in time, combining a flexible security strap with a machine-washable knit upper and a cushioned insole.
M.Gemi’s The Una flat offers butter-soft Italian leather and modern square-toed shaping, paired with crisscross elastic straps that keep the shoe secure while allowing it to pack completely flat in a suitcase. For professional settings and formal dinners, Rothy’s Almond loafer provides a polished aesthetic with a removable, cushiony insole, while Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura delivers a hybrid between a clog and a ballet flat, featuring waterproof, hand-washable construction ideal for beach destinations and warm-weather wandering.
Slip-Ons and Clogs
Slip-on footwear offers unmatched convenience during transit, allowing travelers to easily remove and secure their shoes during long-haul flights.
Blundstone’s Originals clogs bring the brand’s renowned durability to a slip-on silhouette, featuring premium leather uppers and a heat-resistant TPU outsole that accommodates compression socks during flights. Sabah’s hand-stitched leather slip-ons, crafted in Gaziantep, offer a butter-soft feel that molds to the contours of the wearer’s feet over time, serving as a permanent fixture on international packing lists.
For those seeking a bit of elevation without sacrificing comfort, the Life Stride Leighton pump offers a flexible microfiber toe box and a supportive foam footbed, proving that a modest heel can successfully withstand a full day of walking through urban environments.
Sandals
When warm-weather travel calls for open-air footwear, finding sandals with adequate arch support and slip resistance is crucial.
Grenson’s Quinta fisherman sandals provide robust foot and ankle security, easily withstanding rocky beaches, transit days, and uneven terrain. Birkenstock’s Arizona Big Buckle style offers a contoured cork-latex footbed paired with metallic hardware that elevates the classic design for city dinners and long-distance walking alike.
For water-centric itineraries, Teva’s Midform Universal sandals deliver quick-dry performance with a platform lift, while Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals offer a retro aesthetic equipped with adjustable buckle straps, serving as a reliable water shoe for rocky shores and coastal exploration.
Boots
Packing boots for travel often presents a logistical challenge due to their weight and bulk, making versatile styles essential.
Blundstone’s Classic Chelsea boots solve this dilemma through durable, water-resistant leather uppers, pull-tabs for effortless removal, and contoured EVA footbeds that break in comfortably over time to handle both light hiking trails and cobblestone streets. For colder climates, Grenson’s Nanette hiker boots combine robust commando soles with soft leather and suede fabrics, offering sturdy ankle support and longevity that has made them a winter staple in major metropolitan cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are these travel shoes tested?
Many of the featured shoes are personal favorites that editors have worn and relied on for years during their own travels. Others are rigorously tested specifically for the purpose of identifying top-performing walking shoes to recommend to fellow travelers. Every recommended pair has been worn by an editor multiple times and proven capable of supporting all-day wear without causing discomfort.
What should I consider before buying new travel shoes?
When selecting new travel shoes, the primary considerations should be cushioning, support, and versatility. Because luggage space is inherently limited, travelers typically pack only a few pairs of shoes, meaning each item must coordinate with multiple outfits and settings. Packing strategies often suggest balancing neutral-colored clothing with a vibrant pop of shoe color, or keeping footwear in classic black, white, or brown if the wardrobe itself is already colorful. Additionally, travelers should account for the destination’s climate and planned activities, opting for closed-toe sneakers or boots in rainy conditions and supportive sandals for beach trips.
Which brand offers the most comfortable walking shoes?
The ideal brand depends largely on the intended activity. For daily athletic walks, brands like Nike, Hoka, and Brooks are favored for their sporty cushioning. For casual lifestyle wear, Adidas and New Balance are popular choices. Water-based activities are well-served by Teva, while colder weather favors robust boot manufacturers like Grenson, Dr. Martens, and Vagabond. For professional and office-ready environments, brands like Rothy’s provide reliable comfort.
Which shoes are best for walking long hours?
For extended hours of walking and pavement pounding, athletic shoes equipped with maximum cushioning, high breathability, and substantial structural support are recommended. Sneakers from brands like Hoka, Asics, and Brooks consistently deliver the performance required for high-mileage travel days.
