In everyday life, most of us are guilty of keeping a shoe collection that leans heavily toward the excessive. Closets are often packed with more sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs than any one person truly needs. While having options is a luxury at home, packing for a trip—particularly when traveling with just a single carry-on bag—demands a rigorous approach to editing. With limited space for only a few pairs of shoes, versatility becomes the absolute priority, but comfort always reigns supreme. Comfortable walking shoes are the single most crucial component of any vacation packing list, whether your itinerary involves an all-day hike through rugged terrain, a leisurely afternoon stroll around a new city center, or simply logging a few relaxed laps around a cruise ship pool deck.
Recognizing this perennial travel dilemma, editors at Condé Nast Traveler are constantly on the lookout for truly comfortable, walk-all-day shoes to put through their paces around the globe. The best travel walking shoes share a few non-negotiable traits: they leave you completely blister-free, with no irritated heels or sore arches. They must be well-cushioned, and ideally, they should not require a punishing break-in period—though fashion editors and writers are occasionally willing to make exceptions for long-lasting investments like heavy-duty hiking boots or premium leather sandals that demand a bit of initial tender loving care.
Keeping these stringent criteria in mind, the editorial team has curated nearly two dozen of their all-time favorite footwear picks. Ranging across categories like casual sneakers, athletic runners, versatile boots, breezy sandals, and packable flats, these are the exact styles that staff members have personally worn on vacations and demanding work trips worldwide, covering a wide spectrum of styles and price points.
Casual Sneakers
When it comes to casual everyday footwear that bridges the gap between style and endurance, several standout models have earned permanent spots in editors’ suitcases. Rothy’s has long been celebrated for its comfortable flats and loafers, but the brand’s newer sneaker lineup has captured the attention of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. Having tested the Ivy sneaker for two months, Kenny notes that it quickly became a go-to choice for city strolls, office commutes, and weekend outings. Beyond the playful cheetah print and suede-like finish, the standout feature is the exceptionally durable and grippy outsole, which offers reliable traction on slick, rainy sidewalks or sudden puddles. Machine-washable and paired with alternative lace options, the low-profile design provides a trendy aesthetic backed by sufficient interior cushioning for a full day on one’s feet.
Another perennial favorite is the Adidas Samba OG. Though the silhouette has been around since 1950, it has enjoyed a massive street style revival over the last few years. Editorial assistant Kat Chen describes them as her ultimate footwear staple, noting that she wore her previous pair for a decade until they finally wore down. Kenny echoes this sentiment, having packed her Sambas for trips spanning New York City, Washington, D.C., and the Canadian Rockies. Offering a classic leather upper, rubber outsole, and dependable lace closure, the Samba remains a versatile travel companion.
For those who prefer a clean white aesthetic without the typical discomfort, the Atoms Model 001 sneaker offers a compelling option. Featuring an antimicrobial lining to prevent odor, a compression-molded cushioned midsole, a padded heel, and stretchy laces, these sneakers have proven blister-free even when worn with no-show socks. While bright white shoes inevitably face scuffing, simple spot-cleaning with laundry detergent keeps them looking fresh.
Adidas makes another strong showing with the Gazelle Bold, a platform variation that adds roughly an inch of height while maintaining comfort. Featuring a suede upper and gum rubber outsole across more than 20 colorways, these platform sneakers have accompanied editors through rainy weekends in Nashville, multi-hour concert standing sessions, and bustling travel days without a hitch. Similarly, the New Balance 574 Core sneaker bridges the gap between retro cool and athletic utility. Having survived airport sprints, office commutes, and extensive walking tours in Boston over four years, the 574 remains a durable, stylish, and remarkably resilient option for light-packing travelers.
Athletic Shoes
For travelers whose itineraries lean toward high-mileage days, athletic footwear provides unmatched support. Commerce writer Jessica Sulima relies on the Salomon XT-6 for virtually every trip, praising its lightweight construction, lace-free speed-lacing system that simplifies TSA security checkpoints, and seamless transition from gentle hiking trails to fashionable urban environments embracing the gorpcore aesthetic. Darker colorways easily mask minor scuffs accumulated along the way.
Meanwhile, Hoka Cliftons have earned widespread praise across the editorial board. Despite their thick soles, which might suggest a clunky profile, these running shoes offer exceptional cushioning while remaining surprisingly lightweight. They compress easily into the shoe compartments of weekender bags without adding unnecessary bulk. Staff members have successfully put them to the test during hikes in the Poconos, shopping excursions in Montauk, apartment moves, and high-step theme park visits.
For more rugged outdoor adventures, the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe stands out as a global favorite, with over 25 million pairs sold since its debut. Having accompanied travelers on wet-weather road walks and moderate hikes in Iceland, as well as trips to Central America, the Moab 3 delivers reliable traction, a protective toe cap, and a comfortable fit that doesn’t consume excessive luggage space.
Flats and Slip-Ons
Ballet flats and low-profile slip-ons have experienced a major resurgence in travel fashion, offering a more refined alternative to bulky sneakers. Puma’s Speedcat ballet flats have become a go-to casual shoe for commerce writer Jessica Chapel, who has worn them across New York, London, and Puerto Rico. Blending the breathability and support of a sneaker with the delicate silhouette of a ballet flat, they offer a vibrant pop of color to travel wardrobes.
Rothy’s The Max Square Mary Jane flat provides another zero-break-in option favored by Kenny, who typically avoids flats due to blister concerns. The flexible strap, breathable knit fabric, and cushiony In Love Insole ensure comfort through long walking days and warm weather commutes. Similarly, M.Gemi’s The Una flat offers butter-soft Italian leather with a modern square toe and crisscross elastic straps, making it a sturdy yet elegant choice for city exploration that packs completely flat.
For a hybrid between a clog and a ballet flat, editorial assistant Skyli Alvarez highlights Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura. Packing this single pair for a trip to Cabo, she wore them effortlessly through the airport, across sandy beaches, to dinners, and during yoga sessions, logging over 12,000 steps on day one without discomfort.
Blundstone has also expanded beyond its classic Chelsea boots into the clog market with the Originals #2521 style. Senior features editor Megan Spurrell praises the chocolate suede clogs for their effortless slip-on design—ideal for managing compression socks during long flights—and their reliable underfoot support. For a handmade artisan option, special projects director Lale Arikoglu recommends Sabah slip-ons. Hand-stitched from soft leather or suede in Gaziantep, these shoes gradually mold to the contours of the wearer’s foot like a glove, becoming an indispensable fixture on long-haul packing lists.
Sandals and Boots
When warm-weather travel calls for open-air footwear, editors look for options that balance breathability with structural support. Abigail Malbon, a longtime Birkenstock loyalist, turned to Grenson’s Quinta fisherman sandals after a slippery sidewalk tumble in Lisbon. The leather sandals successfully withstood rocky beaches, light rock climbing, and hectic transit days across the Greek Islands. Meanwhile, the classic Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle remains a steadfast favorite for high-mileage walking tours, offering a contoured cork-latex footbed that prevents rubbing even after logging ten miles in a single day.
For water-friendly versatility, Teva’s Midform Universal Sandals provide a 1.25-inch platform, quick-drying straps, and reliable rubber outsoles suitable for beach days, bike rides, and casual dinners. Alternatively, Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals offer a nostalgic, retro option that handles beach trips, rocky shores, and even dancing without causing blisters, provided they are paired with playful socks on extreme walking days.
When temperatures drop, boots become a logistical challenge due to their bulk. However, classic silhouettes prove their worth in a carry-on or on the plane. Blundstone’s Classic Chelsea boots, featuring water-resistant leather uppers and convenient pull-tabs, require a brief break-in period of a week or two before molding permanently to the foot, emerging as indestructible companions for both cobblestone streets and light trails. Similarly, Grenson’s Nanette hiker boots have remained a winter staple in London for years, offering robust commando soles and soft leather construction that easily withstands miles of urban pavement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When evaluating these travel footwear options, editors rely on consistent testing standards. Every shoe featured has been worn extensively by staff members across multiple days of heavy walking. Footwear that fails to deliver all-day comfort is immediately excluded from the recommended lineup.
Before purchasing new travel shoes, experts advise travelers to assess their itineraries, climate conditions, and packing constraints. Because luggage space is inherently limited, versatility is paramount. Travelers who favor neutral wardrobes may benefit from adding a vibrant pop of color via their footwear, while those with colorful wardrobes can maintain balance by sticking to classic black, white, or brown styles. Additionally, matching shoe choices to expected weather—such as closed sneakers for rain or supportive sandals for coastal trips—ensures a more comfortable journey from departure to return.
