In everyday life, most avid travelers and fashion enthusiasts lean heavily into footwear collections that border on excessive. A typical closet might feature an overflowing rotation of sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs. While having endless options is undeniably appealing at home, packing for a trip requires strict discipline, particularly when traveling with just a single carry-on piece of luggage. With room for only a carefully curated few pairs of shoes, versatility becomes the ultimate priority. Yet, above all else, comfort reigns supreme. Comfortable walking shoes are the absolute anchor of any successful vacation, whether the itinerary calls for an all-day wilderness hike, miles of pounding concrete while exploring a new urban center, or simply wandering around a pool deck.
Recognizing this perennial packing dilemma, editors at Condé Nast Traveler are in a constant, collective search for truly comfortable, walk-all-day shoes capable of withstanding rigorous global travel. The gold standard for travel footwear leaves the wearer entirely blister-free, sparing them from irritated heels, pinched toes, and sore arches. The ideal travel shoe must offer substantial cushioning and ideally require minimal break-in time, though seasoned travelers often make strategic exceptions for long-lasting investments like heavy-duty hiking boots or premium leather sandals that demand a bit of initial tender loving care.
Guided by these rigorous standards, editors have compiled nearly two dozen of their all-time favorite footwear picks, spanning the best sneakers, boots, sandals, and flats they have personally field-tested across vacations and demanding work trips around the globe. Covering a diverse range of styles, designs, and price points, these selections offer practical solutions for every type of traveler.
Casual Sneakers
While everyday footwear needs to be stylish, travel-ready casual sneakers must balance aesthetic appeal with long-lasting anatomical support.
Rothy’s has long been favored by travel editors for its eco-friendly flats and loafers, but the brand’s newer sneaker lines have recently captured significant attention. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny notes that she has relied on styles like the Ivy and the brand’s knit runners for city strolls, office commutes, and weekend excursions alike. Highlighting the practical design elements, editors frequently praise durable, highly grippy outsoles that offer security on slick city sidewalks and rainy morning strolls, eliminating the worry of missed steps or slips in unexpected puddles. Many of these modern casual styles also feature machine-washable fabrics and low-profile silhouettes that maintain an on-trend look while housing enough cushion for a full day of standing.
At the same time, timeless classics continue to dominate travel itineraries. Adidas Sambas, originally introduced in 1950, have enjoyed a massive resurgence in contemporary street style. Editorial assistant Kat Chen calls them her ultimate ride-or-die travel companion, noting that a single pair can withstand years of heavy wear while seamlessly transitioning between cities like New York, Washington, and international mountain destinations. Paired with a durable leather upper and classic rubber outsole, they offer a low-profile aesthetic that pairs effortlessly with a capsule travel wardrobe.
For those who lean toward bright white casual footwear without wanting to sacrifice comfort, brands like Atoms offer specialized engineering. Featuring antimicrobial linings designed to prevent odor, compression-molded cushioned midsoles, and padded heels, these sneakers are designed to handle endless urban walking without generating blisters or irritation—even when worn with minimalist no-show socks.
Similarly, the Adidas Gazelle Bold offers travelers a subtle platform lift of about an inch, providing a modern twist on a heritage silhouette. With a layered sole mirroring the brand’s iconic triple-stripe design and a soft suede upper available in over two dozen colorways, these platform sneakers have proven their mettle on marathon walking trips, rainy weekends, and hours-long concert venues.
New Balance has also secured a permanent spot on editorial packing lists with silhouettes like the 574 Core sneaker. Offering a harmonious balance of sporty utility and retro aesthetic, these shoes provide durable support for airport terminals, weekend city getaways, and long office commutes without causing foot fatigue after hours of movement.
Athletic Shoes
When itineraries demand serious mileage, rugged terrain, or extensive outdoor exploration, standard casual footwear often falls short. In these instances, dedicated athletic shoes and performance-driven hikers take center stage.
For outdoor adventurers and urban explorers alike, the Salomon XT-6 has become an indispensable travel staple. Commerce writer Jessica Sulima highlights the model’s ultra-lightweight construction, lack of traditional laces—which simplifies the airport security process—and hybrid utility. Capable of handling a gentle nature hike just as easily as the streets of a fashionable metropolis, these athletic sneakers bridge the gap between technical performance and modern gorpcore fashion.
Meanwhile, Hoka sneakers have earned a massive following among editors for high-impact travel days. Featuring remarkably thick yet surprisingly lightweight soles, Hoka Cliftons offer elite cushioning that absorbs impact during long days of walking, whether navigating theme parks like Disneyland, exploring mountain trails in the Poconos, or pounding the pavement in Montauk. Their supportive architecture and breathable design make them a reliable, must-pack item for active vacations.
For rugged trails and unpredictable weather, the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe remains an industry benchmark. Having accompanied editors on wet-weather excursions in Iceland and historical site explorations across Central America, these hiking shoes deliver exceptional traction, robust protective toe caps, and reliable arch support without occupying an unmanageable amount of space in a carry-on bag.
Flats
Ballet flats and low-profile slip-ons have experienced a major fashion renaissance, offering travelers an elegant alternative to bulky athletic sneakers. However, finding a flat that survives miles of walking without inducing blisters has historically been a challenge.
Puma’s Speedcat ballet flats bridge the gap between athletic heritage and delicate footwear design. Serving as a favorite casual shoe for exploring global fashion capitals like London, New York, and Puerto Rico, these hybrid shoes offer unexpected breathability and support while introducing a vibrant pop of color to neutral travel outfits.
Rothy’s Max Square Mary Jane flats offer another reliable option for travelers seeking zero break-in time. Equipped with flexible straps that secure the foot and cushiony proprietary insoles, these machine-washable flats provide a soft, breathable fit suitable for warm spring afternoons and brisk autumn days alike.
For a more luxurious take on the trend, M.Gemi’s Italian leather flats feature modern square toes and butter-soft construction. Designed with crisscross elastic straps for added security, these flexible shoes pack completely flat inside a suitcase while offering sturdy enough support for a full day of urban exploration.
Similarly, Rothy’s Almond loafers deliver structured elegance for business trips and formal dinners. Featuring removable, cushioned insoles and a machine-washable knit upper, they offer dependable comfort for professional travel environments.
For travelers facing wet or tropical conditions, Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura offers a hybrid between a classic clog and a ballet flat. Waterproof, hand-washable, and surprisingly well-cushioned, these low-maintenance shoes are versatile enough to transition seamlessly from airport terminals to beach walks and dinner outings.
Slip-Ons and Sandals
When airport security checkpoints, beach excursions, or rapid transitions between climates dictate footwear choices, easy slip-on styles and supportive sandals become essential.
Blundstone’s casual clogs have quickly converted longtime fans of the brand’s classic boots. Featuring a lightweight, heat-resistant TPU outsole and a supportive footbed, these slip-on shoes make airport transits effortless, allowing travelers to easily swap heavy socks mid-journey.
Handmade leather slip-ons from Sabah offer another perennial packing list favorite. Hand-stitched by skilled artisans, these butter-soft leather and suede shoes mold to the contours of the wearer’s feet over time, providing a custom-like fit that accommodates hours of casual walking.
For structured support in warmer climates, Bared Footwear’s fisherman sandals combine a modest 1.1-inch heel height with robust mid-foot arch support and enclosed toe protection. Designed by a podiatrist, these leather sandals offer stability for long walking days without sacrificing style.
Teva’s Midform Universal sandals provide reliable water-friendly utility, featuring quick-dry materials, a comfortable platform sole, and a rubber outsole for essential traction during beach trips or coastal bike rides.
For those navigating uneven cobblestones or rocky coastlines, Grenson’s Quinta sandals offer a robust alternative to traditional summer footwear. With heavy-duty leather construction and secure buckle closures, they withstand rugged terrain and long transit days with ease.
Birkenstock’s Arizona Big Buckle sandals also remain a trusted staple for high-mileage walking trips. Featuring contoured cork-latex footbeds and polished metallic hardware, they provide anatomical support capable of enduring miles of walking in European cities without causing friction or discomfort.
Finally, Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals offer a nostalgic yet modernized option for beach and water-based adventures. Featuring adjustable buckle straps and durable PVC construction, these shoes perform reliably on rocky shores and coastal excursions.
Boots
Packing boots for travel often presents a logistical challenge due to their bulk and weight, making versatile, hard-wearing styles essential for suitcase optimization.
Blundstone Classic Chelsea boots solve this dilemma through their durable, water-resistant leather uppers, contoured removable footbeds, and convenient pull tabs. Though they require a brief break-in period, their robust construction bridges the gap between light hiking trails and cobblestone city streets.
For colder winter climates, Grenson’s Nanette hiker boots offer a heritage-inspired design built with soft leather and sturdy commando soles. Capable of enduring extensive daily walking in major metropolitan areas like London, these boots combine longevity, comfort, and timeless winter style.
Frequently Asked Questions
When evaluating travel footwear, editors rely on rigorous field-testing processes. Every recommended shoe has been worn extensively by multiple editors on real trips, ensuring they meet the threshold for all-day comfort. Shoes that fail to prevent fatigue or cause blisters during extended wear are excluded from editorial roundups.
Before purchasing new travel shoes, travelers should consider the primary activities and climate of their destination. Versatility is vital when packing limited luggage space. Coordinating shoe colors with a capsule wardrobe—such as pairing neutral black, white, or brown shoes with colorful outfits, or using bright footwear to accent neutral attire—helps maximize packing efficiency.
For high-mileage walking days, athletic sneakers featuring advanced cushioning and breathable construction remain the top recommendation. Conversely, for professional environments, business trips, or dining out, structured flats, loafers, and supportive sandals offer a polished alternative without compromising foot health.
