In everyday life, most travel editors are self-described "shoe people." A typical closet might be overfilled with more sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs than anyone strictly needs. While admittedly excessive, having options is part of the joy of personal style. However, when the time comes to pack for a trip—particularly when traveling with just a carry-on—strict curation becomes an absolute necessity. With room for only a handful of pairs, versatility is paramount, but absolute comfort reigns supreme. Comfortable walking shoes are the foundational element of any successful vacation, whether those itineraries involve an all-day hike, navigating the cobblestone streets of a historic city center, or simply logging a few leisurely laps around a cruise ship deck.
To solve the perennial packing dilemma, editors at Condé Nast Traveler are in a perpetual state of searching for genuinely comfortable, walk-all-day shoes that can withstand rigorous global travel. The absolute best walking shoes leave travelers completely blister-free, sparing them from irritated heels and sore arches. They must offer robust cushioning and, ideally, require minimal break-in time, though occasional exceptions are made for long-lasting investments like heavy-duty hiking boots or premium leather sandals that demand a bit of initial care.
Guided by these strict criteria, the editorial team has compiled nearly two dozen of their all-time favorite footwear picks, spanning the best sneakers, boots, sandals, and flats personally worn on vacations and professional assignments across the globe, covering a wide range of styles and price points.
Casual Sneakers
For everyday urban exploration, casual sneakers bridge the gap between street style and functional support. Rothy’s has long earned praise from the team for its flats and loafers, but the brand’s newer sneaker options have recently captured the attention of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny.
"I’ve been wearing the Ivy sneaker for the past two months, and they’ve quickly become one of my go-to pairs for city strolls, office commutes, and seasonal outings," Kenny shares. Beyond the striking cheetah print and suede-like finish, she highlights the remarkably durable and grippy outsole. "They remind me of the nonslip shoes I used to wear during my days working at a restaurant, in the best way possible. I don’t worry about slipping or missing a step, even when I stomp into a puddle or on a rainy sidewalk." Additional perks include machine washability and an extra set of laces. "The low profile keeps them feeling cool and on-trend, while the inside feels cushiony and supportive enough for a full day on my feet."
Meanwhile, Adidas Sambas have enjoyed a massive street style revival. Editorial assistant Kat Chen champions them as a lifelong staple. "They are my ride or die. I got this newest pair last summer, but the ones I had before I wore for literally a decade until they finally wore down. These are the shoes that watched me grow up." Kenny echoes this sentiment, having worn them extensively across New York, Washington, D.C., and Banff.
For bright white footwear, Atoms Model 001 sneakers offer a dependable solution. Praised for an ultra-soft interior fabric, they prevent blisters and irritation even when worn with no-show socks. Key engineering features include an antimicrobial lining to combat odor, a compression-molded cushioned midsole, a padded heel, and stretchy laces.
For those seeking a slight platform, the Adidas Gazelle Bold shoes add about an inch of height while incorporating a layered sole that mirrors the brand’s signature triple stripe. Available in more than 20 colorways, they deliver instant comfort straight out of the box, proving reliable through hours of standing at concerts or navigating rainy weekends in Nashville.
Classic retro styling also remains strong with the New Balance 574 Core sneaker. Kenny notes that these "cool dad shoes" offer an ideal balance of sporty style and enduring comfort. Having weathered years of airport travel, office commutes, and extensive walking tours in Boston, they maintain their structural integrity and clean appearance despite their neutral, lighter hues.
Athletic Shoes
When itineraries demand serious mileage, athletic performance shoes step to the forefront. Commerce writer Jessica Sulima relies heavily on her Salomon XT-6 sneakers. "I never travel anywhere without them," she says, citing their ultra-lightweight construction, lace-free system for easy TSA security screening, and hybrid capability to transition seamlessly from a gentle trail hike to fashionable city streets.
Hoka Clifton sneakers have likewise earned widespread enthusiasm. Designed originally for light runs and gym workouts, Kenny found them transforming into her most-worn travel walking shoes. "They have a pretty thick sole, which might make you think they’re clunky or heavy, but all that extra cushioning makes them so comfortable to walk in for hours, and they are surprisingly lightweight." From hiking in the Poconos to navigating Disneyland, they remain a top-tier packing choice.
For rugged terrain, the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe continues its legacy as a global favorite. Tested everywhere from wet roads in Iceland to trails in Central America, the third-generation model delivers exceptional traction, a protective toe cap, and a comfortable fit that maximizes carry-on space.
Flats and Ballet Styles
Reimagined flat designs offer elegance without the traditional drawbacks of sore feet. Puma Speedcats—blending elements of ballet flats and athletic sneakers—have become a go-to for commerce writer Jessica Chapel during travels from New York to London and Puerto Rico, providing breathability and a distinct pop of color.
Rothy’s The Max Square Mary Jane flats eliminate traditional break-in periods. Featuring a soft, breathable feel and a flexible strap, they offer a timeless look backed by machine-washable convenience. Similarly, M.Gemi’s The Una flat delivers modern square-toed elegance crafted from butter-soft Italian leather, featuring crisscross elastic straps and a packable, flexible design.
For professional settings, Rothy’s The Almond Loafer offers a comfortable, cushiony removable insole and a polished silhouette well-suited for business trips and dinners. Meanwhile, Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura bridges the gap between a clog and a ballet flat, offering a waterproof, hand-washable structure capable of withstanding long days of varied travel.
Slip-Ons and Clogs
For effortless airport transitions and casual wear, slip-ons provide unmatched convenience. Blundstone’s Originals #2521 clogs have quickly won over editors like senior features editor Megan Spurrell. Featuring a supportive insole and a heat-resistant TPU outsole, their slip-on design accommodates compression socks seamlessly during long-haul flights.
Similarly, handmade Sabah leather slip-ons offer a glove-like fit that molds to the foot over time, making them a permanent fixture on packing lists for international travel. For a touch of height paired with practicality, the Life Stride Leighton pump provides a flexible microfiber toe box, a supportive foam footbed, and a secure ankle strap that handles extensive city walking with unexpected ease.
Sandals
Warm-weather travel requires footwear capable of enduring diverse environments, from sandy beaches to rocky coastal paths. The Bared Bittern fisherman sandal offers robust mid-foot arch support, an enclosed toe, and a subtle 1.1-inch heel height. Teva Midform Universal sandals provide quick-dry materials and a reliable rubber outsole suited for beach outings and casual urban exploration.
For premium leather craftsmanship, the Grenson Quinta sandal provides sturdy foot and ankle support, successfully withstanding rocky terrain and transit across the Greek Islands. Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle sandals remain a trusted favorite for long-distance urban walking, featuring contoured cork-latex footbeds and adjustable straps. Finally, Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals offer a retro, water-resistant aesthetic ideal for beach trips and water-based adventures.
Boots
When weather conditions dictate the need for heavy-duty footwear, Chelsea boots and lace-up boots take center stage. Blundstone Classic Chelsea boots feature water-resistant leather uppers and removable EVA footbeds. Though requiring a brief break-in period, their durability on light trails and cobblestone streets makes them a worthy investment. Grenson’s Nanette boots offer heritage British construction, robust commando soles, and soft leather fabrics designed to withstand the demanding pavements of winter cities like London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are these shoes tested?
Some featured shoes are longtime staples worn by editors for years, while others are tested specifically for travel performance. Every selection has undergone rigorous real-world wear by editors to ensure all-day comfort and durability.
What should I consider before buying new travel shoes?
Prioritize cushioning, support, and versatility. Because packing space is limited, choose styles that complement your most-worn wardrobe palettes and match the anticipated climate and planned activities of your destination.
Which shoes are best for walking long hours?
For extensive daily walking and high-mileage itineraries, athletic footwear featuring substantial cushioning, support, and breathability—such as models from Hoka, Asics, and Brooks—typically yields the best results.
