The best walking shoes for every kind of traveler

As a travel journalist, I’ve done my fair share of walking on trips—nearly 3.5 million steps across dozens of countries in 2024 alone. One thing I’ve learned is that footwear is a significant but often underappreciated part of the travel experience. Whether you’re stepping across a cobblestone street in Lyon or trekking through the Himalayas, having the right pair of shoes makes any trip more enjoyable.  

Choosing the best pair of walking shoes for travel starts with knowing the terrain, weather, and activities at your destination. Will it be raining most of the time? Waterproof shoes. Will you be negotiating hills? Vibram soles. Splashing through waterfalls? Hiking sandals. 

For most travelers, one multitasking shoe can be enough. The Hoka Clifton LS can handle lots of situations, making it our overall top pick for the best walking shoes for travel and my go-to for multiple ocean crossings. They’re stylish enough for most destinations with the exceptional cushioning that makes the Clifton a hit with walkers. But we looked at tons of other options too, from trending minimalist styles to cute-meets-comfy flats. 

The best walking shoes for traveling 

Aside from personal preference, the walking shoes you pack will depend on your destination, the season, and what you plan to do there. Rural areas will demand more rugged, durable footwear, whereas major cities may only require a comfortable all-around pair, like the Hoka Clifton LS. Keep reading for the pros and cons of all our favorite walking shoes wherever you’re headed. 

Best walking shoes for travel overall: Hoka Clifton LS 

Buy it now at Hoka

Why we like it: The Hoka Clifton LS is our top overall pick for travel because of its cushioning and support. This shoe is meant to pack on the miles. It’s got plenty of EVA foam for extra comfort on cobblestone and a rugged outsole for good traction across variable surfaces. We love that the suede and leather touches look good and reinforce high-wear areas, increasing the shoe’s durability. Overall, this shoe is a worthwhile choice for most travel itineraries.  

Keep in mind: While the Clifton LS is luxuriously comfortable, it’s heavier than some of the other shoes on this list. Travelers concerned about weight may want to check out the Allbirds SuperLight Tree Runners detailed below. 

Product details: Heel drop: 5mm | Sizes: 4-14 (men’s), 5-15 (women’s) | Colors: 5 | Lacing: Traditional | Cushioning: Balanced | Materials: Jacquard mesh upper, EVA foam, “durabrasion” rubber outsole  

Best travel shoes for backpacking: Hoka Speedgoat 6 (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Hoka (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: Trail runners (running shoes designed for mountain trails) have grown in popularity among travelers. “I almost always pack a pair of trail runners because they’re smaller and lighter than hiking shoes but supportive enough to hike even the toughest trails in Hawaii,” says Annie Blay, a Bellingham, Washington-based travel blogger. 

If your travels take you into the mountains, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 may be right for you. This shoe was designed for rugged terrain. Not only does it have the brand’s exceptional cushioning, but it’s also built with a Vibram Megagrip sole that grabs onto rocky trails, even in muddy conditions. They quickly became the shoe I reached for most often during my climb to Everest Base Camp. 

Keep in mind: The Speedgoat 6 can run a bit narrow. If you have wider feet, you may want to skip this iteration. 

Product details: Heel drop: 4mm | Sizes: 7-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) | Colors: 6 | Lacing: Traditional | Cushioning: Balanced | Materials: EVA foam, synthetic upper, Vibram Megagrip sole  

(Blaze the trails with pro-approved running shoes.) 

Best luxury sneaker: Koio Capri Triple White (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Koio (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: There’s nothing like a classic leather sneaker and Koio is one of the best. Crafted in Italy, this sneaker has a premium feel with details like hand-painted edges and water-resistant stitching. We love that the Italian leather is Leather Working Group-certified and that the shoes are made in a family-owned factory.  

Despite the luxe elements, these shoes have key features to handle the road. They’re made with 100-percent rubber soles and an “OrthoLite Hybrid” insole designed to absorb shock for hours of exploring. We also found that they fit comfortably right out of the box—no painful break-in period. 

Keep in mind: The Capri comes only in full sizes and tends to run large, so it may be challenging to find the right size. 

Product details: Sizes: 7-16 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s) | Colors: 10 | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Leather upper, OrthoLite Hybrid insole, rubber outsole 

Best slip-on walking shoes: Kizik Milan (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Kizik (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: Kizik has quickly become one of the best-known slip-on shoe brands on the market. We love how they make getting through airport security so easy, but they’re also sturdy enough for walking around a city. 

“[The Milans] have a cushy sole and provide good support, making them a go-to for days on uneven pavement,” says Chelsea Loren, a photographer who works with hotels and tourism boards around the world. “I like these for a more stylish option that can easily be paired with jeans or a dress, and I don’t have to compromise comfort.” We also appreciate that this model comes in both nylon and leather options. 

Keep in mind: The Kizik Milan runs narrow, so size up accordingly. 

Product details: Sizes: 6-13 | Colors: 17 | Lacing: Slip-on with traditional lacing option | Materials: Nylon or leather upper, “Rabbit Foam” midsole, full-abrasion rubber outsole 

(These are the best walking shoes for women and men.) 

Best walking shoes for the countryside: Blundstone Classic 

Buy it now at Australian Boot Company

Why we like it: With a durable outsole and water-resistant leather upper, these boots can handle all kinds of outdoor terrain. The footbed is made to absorb up to 90 percent of impact, according to the company. 

“These Australian-made boots are a jack of all trades—sturdy enough to hike in, waterproof for rainy and muddy mountain days,” says Dave White, director of tour company Tauck, in Wilton, Connecticut, adding that they’re easy to clean for walking around a nice hotel. “I have been using them for over five years now, and as long as you regularly wax the leather, they will hold up to any wear and tear.” 

Keep in mind: The Blundstone Classics may require a break-in period. Before taking them on longer adventures, we recommend wearing them on shorter outings so they have time to mold to your feet. 

Product details: Sizes: 6-11 (women’s), 4-14 (men’s) | Colors: 8 | Lacing: Slip-on | Materials: Leather upper, EVA removable footbed, polyurethane midsole, thermo-urethane outsole.  

Most versatile walking shoes: Ecco Soft 7 (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Ecco (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: The Ecco Soft 7 is good-looking enough to go from day to night, with a cushioned insole that offers a surprising amount of support. The fit gets even better over time, thanks to the soft leather upper, which molds to your foot with continued wear.  

I’ve taken these shoes to multiple continents and walked for hours without realizing the number of miles I’ve logged. They feel light and transition well in different environments, giving them a permanent spot in my suitcase. 

Keep in mind: The Ecco Soft 7 tends to run wider than the average shoe, so they may not work for travelers with narrow feet. 

Product details: Sizes: 4-12 (women’s), 5-16 (men’s) | Colors: 10+ | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Leather upper, thermoplastic polyurethane outsole 

Best walking shoes for summer: Birkenstock Arizona

Buy it now at Zappos

Why we like it: My mother first introduced me to the Arizona Birkenstock (the only sandals that would relieve her plantar fasciitis). Since then, I’ve worn through several pairs. First produced in 1973, the Arizona sandal is made to become more comfortable each time you wear them. The sole is sturdy enough to withstand hours of walking, while the arch support built into the sides of the footbed helps reduce fatigue. From the adjustable straps to the cork latex footbed that molds to your feet, we love everything about the Arizona for traveling to warm destinations. 

Keep in mind: The footbed style may take a little getting used to, so break them in gradually before packing them as your only option. The Arizona is not waterproof, but the EVA version is. 

Product details: Sizes: 6-17 (women’s), 4-12 (men’s) | Colors: 5 | Lacing: Buckle | Materials: Leather upper, cork-latex footbed, suede insole, EVA outsole 

Best walking shoes for Europe: New Balance 574 (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at New Balance (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: The New Balance 574 is our top choice for traveling around Europe. These shoes are comfortable and sturdy enough to go from uneven cobblestone streets to ancient castle steps, yet they’re fashionable a casual alfresco dinner after.  

“They are super light, but at the same time support and protect the ankles,” says Monica Delli Colli, a tour director for Perillo Tours who has been wearing the 574 for years. “As a guide, the average number of daily steps is 15,000, which is why shoes are an essential tool in our work. But as an Italian, I believe that style is also very important. I love the New Balance 574 model for the amount of outfits it goes well with, from midi dresses to casual workwear.” 

We also appreciate the assortment of colorways and sizes, from standard to wide and extra wide for men. 

Keep in mind: While the New Balance 574 offers great comfort, some may find the sizing to be inconsistent. Check the size chart and try on a few sizes before purchasing. 

Product details: Sizes: 5-12 (women’s), 4-18 (men’s) | Colors: 6+ | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Suede and mesh upper, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole 

Best cold-weather boot: Danner Arctic 600 Side Zip (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Backcountry (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: Waterproof and built with an “Ortholite” footbed for comfort, the Danner Arctic 600 Side Zip is built for harsh winter conditions. The 200G PrimaLoft Insulation helps keep toes warm in cold climates, while the Vibram Nisqually Arctic Grip outsole helps grip slick surfaces. 

The Danner Arctic 600 is a favorite of Leah Iverson, a hiking guide with touring company Tauck, who has led groups around the world. For her, the best part of these shoes are the side zippers, which make it a cinch to put them on and take them off, especially when you don’t want to remove your gloves in the cold. 

Keep in mind: The outsole is not designed for indoor wear and may damage delicate flooring, such as hardwood.  

Product details: Sizes: 5-11 (women’s), 7-14 (men’s) | Colors: 4 | Lacing: Side zip | Materials: Suede upper, Vibram SPE midsole, Vibram Nisqually Arctic Grip outsole 

(Traveling with back pain? Minimize discomfort with these shoes.) 

Best lightweight walking shoe: Allbirds SuperLight Tree Runners (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Allbirds (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: Allbirds makes some of the lightest travel shoes on the market, and the SuperLight Tree Runner may be its lightest (the women’s comes in at just 4.2 ounces). With materials like sugarcane and eucalyptus fiber, the company says this shoe is made with sustainability in mind. We love the flexibility—we can squeeze the SuperLight Tree Runner into a tight suitcase and throw them into the washing machine after a long trip. 

Keep in mind: Some shoppers say the shoe’s collar sits too high on the ankle. These shoes don’t have much traction, so we’d choose a different pair for handling slick surfaces. 

Product details: Sizes: 5-12 (women’s), 8-14 (men’s) | Colors: 7 | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber upper, sugarcane-based EVA sole 

Best slip-resistant walking shoes: Hoka Bondi SR (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Hoka (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: The Hoka Bondi SR is made with a water-resistant leather upper and rubber outsoles, making this pair a great choice for slippery surfaces. Other features like the padded memory foam collar, plush tongue, EVA midsole, and rocker design help make the Bondi SR a comfortable all-day option—it even received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for foot health. 

Keep in mind: The full-grain leather construction means that the Bondi SR is slightly heavier than other walking shoes and doesn’t ventilate as well. We wouldn’t recommend packing these for tropical destinations. 

Product details: Heel drop: 6mm | Sizes: 5-11 (women’s), 7-15 (men’s) | Colors: 5 | Lacing: Traditional | Cushioning: Plush | Materials: Leather upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole 

Best travel flats: Vivaia Margot Walker

Buy it now at Vivaia

Why we like it: It can be difficult to find flats that are comfortable enough for traveling. We love the Vivaia flat not just because they’re made with recycled plastic bottles, but also because the breathable knit material and cushioned insole let you walk for hours. If they get dirty, you can run them through the washing machine. At roughly seven ounces, they also pack easily without weighing down a carry-on or weekender bag. Even better—they come in standard and wide sizes for a good fit. 

Keep in mind: The Margot Walker doesn’t have as much arch support as sneakers or standard walking shoes.  

Product details: Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 14+ | Lacing: Slip-on | Materials: Recycled plastic knit upper, sugarcane EVA outsole 

Best hiking sandals: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Teva (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: The Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal is a hardy pair of trekking sandals. Adjustable straps and a cushioned footbed help provide a secure fit and enough support for rugged trails or water sports. They’re also lightweight and durable enough to handle multiday hiking trips.  

Keep in mind: Some shoppers say the strap over the foot can be uncomfortable.  

Product details: Sizes: 5-11 (women’s), 7-14 (men’s) | Colors: 5 | Lacing: Hook-and-loop | Materials: Polyester webbing upper, molded polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole 

Best travel sandal: Teva Hurricane XLT2 (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Teva (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: We think the Hurricane XLT2 is the best all-around travel sandal. It may not be as well equipped for rugged environments as the Terra Fi 5 Universal, but the Hurricane XLT2 is adaptable enough for most adventures, handling wet conditions as well as moderate trekking trips fairly well. Like other Tevas, the Hurricane XLT2 has a three-strap design that allows for personalized adjustments. The outsole is made with Durabrasion rubber and the midsole is made with EVA foam for comfort and support across the miles. 

Keep in mind: The Hurricane XLT2 isn’t designed for intensive hikes. For a hiking-specific sandal, the Terra Fi 5 performs better. 

Product details: Sizes: 3-12 (women’s), 4-14 (men’s) | Colors: 9 | Lacing: Hook-and-loop | Materials: Polyester webbing upper, EVA midsole, Durabrasion rubber outsole 

Best waterproof walking shoes: Vessi Cityscape Classic (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Vessi (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: We love that Vessi’s Cityscape Classic keeps your feet comfortable and dry without sacrificing style. They’re great for museum hopping on rainy days or spending a gray morning people watching at a sidewalk cafe. The knit upper is made with a temperature-regulating material that helps keep your toes cool and an elastic ankle collar that helps keep water out. We also appreciate the pull tabs for an effortless slip-on experience. 

Keep in mind: Reviewers note that the insoles don’t have much support. However, you can replace them with inserts. 

Product Details: Sizes: 5-11 (women’s), 6-14 (men’s) | Colors: 4 | Lacing: Slip-on | Materials: “Dyma-tex” knit upper  

Best minimalist walking shoes: Xero Prio (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now on Amazon (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: The Xero Prio is our top walking shoe for travelers who prefer a minimalist approach to footwear. The minimalist shoe movement is all about mimicking the barefoot feeling through thinner soles, flexible designs, wide toe boxes, little-to-no heel drop, and minimal cushioning.  

The Xero Prio is made with a “FeelTrue” sole meant to help increase the feeling of the ground underfoot and a wide toe box to accommodate toe spread. Customers rave about this shoe’s light weight and flexibility. We appreciate the 5,000-mile sole warranty—if the soles wear down, you can replace them for 60 percent off the retail price.  

Keep in mind: The minimalist design may take some getting used to. We don’t recommend jumping straight into zero-drop shoes if you typically wear shoes with lots of cushion.  

Product details: Heel drop: 0mm | Sizes: 5-12 (women’s), 6.5-15 (men’s) | Colors: 6 | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Mesh upper, “FeelTrue” outsole 

Best minimalist white sneaker: Fleeters (women’s; men’s) 

Buy it now at Fleeters (women’s; men’s)

Why we like it: Fleeters have all the characteristics of “barefoot” shoes: zero heel drop, flexible soles, and a wide toe box. What sets them apart is the design, as most minimalist shoes tend to prioritize function over fashion. 

We appreciate that the company has pledged to make sustainable products by using vegan corn leather and recycled suede and corduroy. The outsole is made of 70 percent recycled rubber.  

Keep in mind: As with any white sneaker, keeping these clean can be a challenge, especially if you’re traveling with them. 

Product details: Heel drop: 0mm | Sizes: 5-15 | Colors: 9 | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Corn leather, corduroy, and suede upper; rubber outsole 

Best minimalist sandals: Bedrock Cairn Evo 

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: These sandals have earned fans for its simple yet comfortable style. Despite their spare looks, reviewers say they’re surprisingly tough to destroy—some have worn them on thru-hikes such as the Pacific Crest Trail. Their durability is likely due to the Vibram XS Trek Evo outsoles, which have enough traction to handle most trails. When the soles eventually wear out, Bedrock has a program to refit them. We like that the Y-strap design between the toes helps prevent potential hotspots for added comfort on long treks. 

Keep in mind: These are minimalist sandals, so they don’t provide much support. 

Product details: Sizes: 6-15 (women’s), 5-14 (men’s) | Colors: 9 | Lacing: Hook and loop | Materials: Polyester and nylon webbing upper, EVA foam footbed, Vibram XS Trek Evo outsoles 

Best casual sneaker: Adidas Samba

Buy it now at Adidas

Why we like it: The Adidas Samba is a classic for a reason. Originally designed as a soccer shoe, it’s become a favorite for anyone looking for a fashionable, yet minimalist style. They come in a myriad of colorways but they’re durable, too, with a full-grain leather upper and suede overlays. The cushioned insole provides support for long days of exploring, while the gum rubber outsole provides good traction, whether you’re strolling through cobblestone streets or catching a quick flight. 

We love that the Samba pairs just as well with jeans and a T-shirt as it does with activewear. Travelers will get plenty of mileage from these sneakers, no matter the destination. 

Keep in mind: Sambas run narrow, so size up if you have wider feet. 

Product details: Sizes: 5-15 (women’s), 4-14 (men’s) | Colors: 27+ | Lacing: Traditional | Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole 

Best budget-friendly walking shoes: Sketchers Go Walk  

Buy it now at Skechers

Why we like it: These shoes have earned a loyal following for their affordability (under $70), lightweight comfort, and casual style. Ideal for everyday wear and travel, these slip-ons are made with responsive “5Gen” cushioning and a breathable mesh upper.  

What stands out most is the high rebound “Goga Max” insole, which offers great arch support and shock absorption for any trip. The flexible rubber outsole provides reliable traction on various surfaces, while the lightweight design makes these shoes perfect for travel or all-day wear. Even better: They’re machine washable. 

Keep in mind: Shoppers says these slip-on shoes require some break-in time. 

Product details: Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 1 | Lacing: Slip-on | Materials: Mesh upper, Goga Max insole 

(Breeze through airport security with our top picks for slip-on shoes) 

How we chose the best walking shoes for travel 

We spent hours researching dozens of shoes that can handle all kinds of travel, whether it’s exploring ruins in an ancient city or hiking mountains on an island. Besides referring to our own extensive experience and speaking with travel and tourism industry experts, we considered the following: 

• Third-party reviews: How do customers and experts experience the shoe? Real-world reviews from experts and customers provide invaluable insights into a shoe’s performance and comfort. We paid particular attention to longtime customers to learn their reasons for sticking with a specific shoe. 

• Brand reputation: We read through the history of footwear brands for quality, reliability, and whether or not they adapt to the needs and requests of their customers. 

• Value and material quality: How much is a good shoe worth? Does the price align with the quality? What kind of materials are being used? Will the shoe last? We examined all of these questions to determine which shoes offer good value for quality construction. 

• Personal experience: We’ve tested most of the shoes on this list in our own travels and in different environments. 

Tips for buying walking shoes for your next trip 

Traction 

Traction is essential for navigating loose surfaces or slippery roads. Shoes with more traction or lugs—often marketed as trail or hiking shoes—are invaluable when exploring gravel paths to historical sites or muddy trails with breathtaking views, says Jenifer Perez, a chiropractor and chief operating officer of Gait Happens in Lafayette, Colorado. 

Cushioning 

“In general, you want to use as little cushion as possible but as much as necessary,” says Perez. Long days of walking or standing on hard surfaces may warrant more cushioned shoes, she adds, while uneven terrain such as trails or cobblestone may be better with a thinner sole. This way, your feet and ankles can adapt better to the terrain.  

Frequently asked questions 

What is the most comfortable walking shoe for travel? 

The most comfortable walking shoe depends on the destination, activities, and personal preference. An overall comfortable sneaker, such as the Hoka Clifton LS, can work in multiple environments. 

How do I know what size walking shoes to buy? 

Remember that feet tend to swell by the end of the day, especially after long days of walking. If you’re buying walking shoes for travel, you may want to go up half a size. Otherwise, you can stick to the same size as your running shoes. Just make sure it’s the right size—at least 63 percent of people wear the wrong shoe size. If you’re not sure, you can ask a salesperson at your shoe store to measure your feet. 

How much room should be at the end of a walking shoe? 

Perez says there should be about half an inch from your longest toe to the front of your shoe. That should allow enough space for natural movement. 

How do you pack shoes for travel? 

It’s a good idea to pack shoes in dust bags to protect your clothes. Stuffing shoes with socks or small items can help maintain their shape and maximize space in your luggage. 

Are lightweight shoes good for walking? 

Lightweight shoes can be great for walking, especially for long days. Look for walking shoes with enough support and cushioning to prevent discomfort during extended wear. 

“I don’t recommend switching to a heavier shoe than you typically wear if you are also planning on increasing your step count,” says Perez. “A lighter shoe is less load for your legs to carry. Every little advantage is helpful if you are going to be changing your activity level.”