When you are going on vacation, the first thought on your mind probably is not what you will be wearing on your feet, but perhaps it should be.
We tend to put more thought into what clothes we’re going to wear than which shoes we’re planning on packing, however, if you get your footwear choices wrong you could easily find that your entire vacation feels the impact.
Blisters and sore toes can put a serious crimp in your travel plans, and if you are limping around the tourist attractions, that will surely suck out the joy you take in them.
If you are in the middle of planning your next break, it is time to put some thought into your travel footwear so you can avoid making a costly fashion mistake! After all, you are paid a lot for your trip – you want to be certain that you can get the most out of it!
The Best Walking Shoes For Travel Are:
Product | Details | ||
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1. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boo | Top Pick |
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2. Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 3 Minimal Trail Running Shoe |
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3. Skechers Women’s Microburst One up Fashion Sneaker |
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4. Superga Women’s 2740 Cotu Classic Sneaker |
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5. New Balance Men’s Made in US 990 V4 Sneaker |
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6. Teva Ember Moc Shoe |
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7. Sperry Men’s Captain’s CVO Wool Sneaker |
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8. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe |
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1. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot — Best Travel Shoes
The Keen Targhee II are ideal for those who are looking for ankle support without too much grip around the leg. With their low cut and easy lacing system, they couldn’t be simpler to put on and take off while their strong rubber soles offer impressive traction on all kinds of terrain.
This shoe is made with 100 percent waterproof Nubuck leather, which means you can use it in any weather condition. The leather material also gives it more durability; this is one walking shoe that is designed to serve you for a very long time. The measurement of the shaft is about 2.5 inches from the arch while the heel measures about 1.5 inches.
It features a low-profile upper with ghillie lacing to provide you with more comfort. The shoe also fits securely, and the sole is strong enough to prevent any object from penetrating the shoe. It has a padded tongue and collar that makes it very easy on the heel pull.
The breathable leather lining is also there to ensure your feet get fresh air, which would make you highly comfortable even on very long journeys.
The shoe is also super lightweight, as it weighs only 17 ounces. This means you can put it on for a very long time without feeling anything. It features a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole, which is highly durable and serves as another layer of comfort. The shoe is also available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Specs
- Material: 100% Waterproof Nubuck Leather
- Sole: Rubber
- Size: 5.5 – 17
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Fits securely
- Breathable leather lining
- Highly durable sole
Cons
- Users complain of the manufacturing quality
2. Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 3 Minimal Trail Running Shoe — Best Travel Sneakers
The Merrell Pace Glove trail running shoe is ideal thanks to its impressive ventilation which allows for excellent airflow around the foot, its easy-fastening design, and its comfortable shape that gives the foot plenty of room to move.
You might think a technical style like this would be overkill, but it is nice to have the peace of mind to know you can go wherever the day takes you! This shoe is made with 100 percent textile and synthetic.
It is highly durable, and it is one of the favorite shoes of many long-distance travelers. This shoe comes with a rubber sole, which is also flexible. The sole is well-designed and you can use it to walk on any terrain without feeling a thing.
It features a 3mm lug depth, and it provides you with comfortable and smooth movement even on uneven surfaces. The stack height of the shoe is 10.5 while the drop is 0mm.
It is very comfortable, and it is ideal for long-distance walks. If you are looking for a stylish walking shoe that you can use for long-distance travel, this is one of the best options to consider.
It features an amazing design that tends to separate it from most of the walking shoes on the market. This shoe also has reflective details that give it a unique look and feel.
The reflective details also increase the visibility of the shoes. The Omni-fit lacing system is also there to promote a precise, glove-like fit. It is available in three different designs and colors.
The size also ranges from 8 to 15. You can wear this shoe for a long time without feeling like you are putting on shoes, as it weighs only 9 ounces. It has a lightly padded tongue and collar. It also comes with breathable mesh lining with M Select Fresh treatment, and this helps to reduce odors. It has a fixed foam footbed.
Specs
- Material: 100% textile and synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Sizes: 8-15
Pros
- Light on the foot
- Omni-fit lacing system
- Stylish design
- Highly breathable and comfortable
Cons
- Only three options to choose from
3. Skechers Women’s Microburst One up Fashion Sneaker
If you are looking for a quality women’s walking shoe that you can use for frequent and long-distance traveling, you might want to give the Women’s Microburst One up Fashion Sneaker from Skechers a try.
This brand is known for making highly comfortable walking shoes for seniors.. Not only is this version comfortable, but it is also a dressier version.
Buyers were highly satisfied with this shoe, saying they have used it to travel very long distances without having any issues. It is also great and comfortable for all-day walking. The shoe is also very cute, and it goes well with dresses, shorts, and skirts. Walking with this shoe is like walking on clouds, according to many users.
This is a flat-style walking shoe and it is available in different neutral colors and a cute multi-color option with white or black for the base. With this shoe, you do not have to worry about difficult cleaning sessions, as the shoe is very easy to clean.
It is lightweight and it comes with a flexible sole. The shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic while the sole is made with rubber. The shoe is not stretchy but it has very good arch support. Many also recommend these shoes for neuropathy issues.
It allows maximum flexibility and the Burst Compound midsole (air-cooled memory foam) is there to provide you with superior impact cushioning protection and remarkable energy return.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Sizes: 5-11
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible sole
- Air-cooled memory foam midsole
- Goes with different outfits
- Comfortable and simple design
Cons
- A bit narrow in the width area
4. Superga Women’s 2740 Cotu Classic Sneaker
Are you looking for a great walking sneaker that you can use to travel and go on tours? Search no more, as the Superga Women’s 2740 Cotu Classic Sneaker is what you need.
This sneaker features a great design that makes it ideal for more than just traveling. It is a cute walking shoe that is also very comfortable to walk with.
You can take this shoe on any adventure. However, they are best for women that do not require arch support or have any issues with their foot. This is a timeless piece and it is designed to maintain its stylishness for seasons. You can incorporate this shoe into most casual outfits, thanks to its simple and clean silhouette.
The shoe is made with 100 percent fabric or textile. The sole of the shoe is made with rubber, which is highly durable and very easy to clean. It also allows for an adjustable fit, thanks to its lace-up closure with metal eyelets. It features a sturdy cotton unlined canvas upper.
Amazingly, this shoe comes in a plethora of must-have colors, making every pair a closet essential. It has 18 different colors to choose from, with sizes ranging from 5 to 10.
The vulcanized rubber sole provides more support, allowing you to walk smoothly and comfortably. These pairs of sneakers are also lightweight, and your feet are going to thank you for it.
Specs
- Material: 100% Fabric or Textile
- Sole: Rubber
- Sizes: 5-10
Pros
- Stylish design that goes with casual outfits
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Available in 18 different colors
- Highly supportive rubber sole
Cons
- Not ideal for people with foot issues
5. New Balance Men’s Made in US 990 V4 Sneaker
Next up is the New Balance Men’s Made in US 990 V4 Sneaker. This is one of the most comfortable walking shoes for men. You can wear this shoe and walk long distances while traveling.
It is highly durable and designed to serve you for years. This shoe is very comfortable on the feet, to enjoy the comfort; all you have to do is to find a size that fits perfectly.
Some users said they traveled with this shoe for days without any issues. It provides great support and balance. The shoe is made with 100 percent leather and textile. As evident in the name, this shoe is made in the United States. The sole is strong and durable; it is made with rubber.
It comes with a blown rubber outsole with dual density collar foam to keep your feet comfortable and cozy whenever you wear the shoes. The shoe is breathable and it features a lace-up system. The rubber sole is highly flexible and cleaning it is not an issue. The heel has an ENCAP PU ring and EVA core.
The breathable mesh upper and supportive leather overlays also take the comfort of this shoe up a notch. This shoe is available in black and white colors. It features a wide size range, ranging from 7 to 16. It provides the perfect blend of stability and cushioning. It features an iconic style and great performance.
Specs
- Material: 100% leather and textile
- Sole: Rubber
- Sizes: 7-16
Pros
- Made with 100 percent leather and textile
- Supportive leather overlays
- Provides stability and cushioning
- ENCAP technology and breathability for comfort
Cons
- A bit pricey
6. Teva Ember Moc Shoe
If you are a frequent traveler that experiences cold feet while traveling, the Teva Ember Moc Shoe is designed for you. This shoe is great for long-distance walks, especially when traveling for days. These shoes are very comfortable and they are tagged as partly sneakers and partly sleeping bags.
This shoe feels like slippers on the feet, but it comes with a very strong and highly durable rubber outsole. Teva designed this shoe for the outdoors.
These shoes are available in different styles and colors, as well as for women and men. If you are looking for a great replacement for your hiking boots, then you should consider these shoes, your feet are going to thank you for it.
This shoe is ideal for cramping and it is made with 81 percent textile, 11 percent synthetic, and 8 percent leather. It features a knitted collar and textile upper. The shoe is sturdy and very stable.
The heel is collapsible, which makes it very easy to remove and wear. This feature also allows you to sag your feet for the free flow of fresh air. However, that does not mean the shoe is not breathable; it is.
It features a PU sock liner/footbed to provide you with great comfort, rebound, and recovery. The shoe has a simple design and it matches a variety of outfits. It is great for day-to-day use and it is going to last you for a very long time.
Specs
- Material: leather, textile, and Synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Sizes: 5-11
Pros
- Built to last
- Lightweight and highly comfortable
- Great for people with cold feet
- Perfect for cramping
Cons
- Not the best quality fabric
7. Sperry Men’s Captain’s CVO Wool Sneaker
The Sperry Men’s Captain’s CVO Wool Sneaker is one of the best shoes for travel. These shoes feature a great look and design, and you can wear them with different outfits.
They have the O.G. look that made this brand very popular back in 1935. The beachy design clings to the summer spirit and the gray, classic wool upper resonates with cozy fall weather; this means you can use them all year long.
As with regular sneaker designs, this wool sneaker has a lace-up system. However, what separates it from other sneakers is that the eyelets are rustproof.
With this, you can travel around the world, in different weather conditions, without tarnishing your shoes. The shoe does not stop water from passing through, which means your feet can get wet where it comes in contact with water.
However, this only proves that the shoe is highly breathable. This means your feet will not be too hot in there. This usually causes smelly feet. If the shoe gets wet, the breathable wool is there to dry it quickly and to keep your feet warm. It comes with a non-marking rubber outsole that does not stain the floor.
This shoe is super lightweight, flexible outsole with molded Wave-Siped traction. It also allows for less break-in time, thanks to its abrasion-resistant soft lining. This features a full-length contoured footbed that you can remove easily.
It is available in five different colors, so you can choose one or more options that suit your style. Regardless of the size of the leg, this shoe has got you covered, as the size ranges from 7 to 13.
Specs
- Material: Wool, polymer
- Sole: Rubber
- Sizes: 7-13
Pros
- Dries up quickly
- Made with a blend of wool and polymer
- Wearable all year long
- Lightweight and flexible sole
Cons
- Water passes through easily
8. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
If you are looking to embark on some adventures that require a lot of walking, we recommend you go for the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe.
These shoes are not just great for hiking, they are one of the best walking shoes for travel on the market. The shoe is very comfortable, versatile, and it does not allow water to pass through.
Merrell is known for making high-quality shoes, and this Men’s Moab 2 is one of the best from this brand. The shoe delivers great performance and you are going to enjoy walking a long distance with it.
If you are not sure where your adventure is going to take you to, whether to the desert, jungle or the mountains, these are the perfect pair of shoes to go with.
You can use this shoe to walk for a very long distance while traveling, as that is what it is designed for. In addition to being comfortable, this shoe is ultra-lightweight, which is why you will not even feel any weight when moving from cities to cities. The shoe comes with waterproof breathable membranes, and these protect your feet from wet weather.
Even though it is waterproof, it still allows for ventilation, thanks to the breathable mesh lining in the interior. It also features the air cushion technology of Merrell in the heels, and this increases the stability and balance of the shoe as well as absorbs shock.
The shoe is made with Suede leather and the sole is synthetic. Merrell also designed this shoe to keep debris and moisture out by incorporating a closed-cell foam tongue.
The shoe is available in various sizes and 7 different colors to choose from. The protective rubber toe cap is also there to reduce the impact on your toes if you Dash your feet against an obstacle.
Specs
- Material: Suede Leather and Mess
- Sole: Synthetic
- Sizes: 7-15
Pros
- Can withstand all weather
- Great for adventurous journeys
- Keeps out water, debris, and moisture
- Protective rubber toe cap
Cons
- A bit pricey
Don’t Go Adventuring Without Comfortable Hiking Boots
If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking and walking during your trip, hiking boots are the best choice. Designed specifically to cope with the demands of challenging terrain, they will give your feet the support they need to stay stable on mountains and trough tracks.
Finding a pair with thick soles, durable uppers and plenty of support for your arches is key, and you probably want to consider waterproofing and breathability too.
There are some excellent brands of hiking boots, which are affordable, durable, and comfortable so you are sure to find a pair to meet your needs.
What about Sneakers?
If you aren’t planning on participating in any serious strenuous activities but you still want comfortable shoes that will stand up to the challenge of sightseeing and exploring in traditional markets and rural villages, a pair of sneakers would be a good choice.
What to Consider When You’re Shopping
There are several factors to weigh in when you are planning your vacation footwear. Some of the main things you need to bear in mind when choosing your travel shoes are where in the world you will be visiting and what activities you are planning on doing when you get there.
Where Will You Be Traveling To?
Will you be going to a hot and sunny beach resort or will it be cold and wet? Will you be participating in strenuous sporting activities or will you be spending most of your day relaxing by the pool with a good book?
Will you be chilling out during the evenings or will you be heading out to dance the night away? Whichever is the case for you, you need to make sure your footwear is up to the challenge of your itinerary.
The Shape Of Your Foot
Another important element to bear in mind is the shape of your foot. If you have very wide feet, this is something that must be taken into consideration when shopping, especially if you are planning on buying online.
Many shoes are now available in a choice of widths, so finding the right footwear in the correct size for you will ensure that you do not jet off on vacation with shoes that will have you hobbling within the first day.
Comfort
You also want to make sure that you choose a pair of shoes that would be very comfortable for you. The last thing you want is to buy a shoe that you cannot use to walk a long distance. First, make sure you choose an option that fits firmly.
Material
The materials used to make the shoe are very important. Shoes are made with different materials, including leather, wool, polymer, synthetic, and other types of materials.
Those made with wool are usually not waterproof, if you usually have cold feet, you should stay away from them. You should also consider what you want to use the shoe for in order to pick the right option.
What’s Next?
For more of our expertise and advice, check out our other buying guides! If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and are trying to avoid symptoms on your travels, our guide to the best footwear for P.F. should be right up your alley.
Wrapping Up
Finding the right footwear is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Everyone has different needs when it comes to their vacation shoes, so it is important to keep in mind your own travel experience before you make a purchase.
What works for one traveler will not work for another, so thinking carefully about everything you plan to do and where you plan to visit during your trip makes sense.
Whenever possible, opting for multifunctional footwear is the best way forward as shoes can be very heavy and take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
If you want to be sure that you will not be hit with an excess baggage charge, you should definitely consider keeping the number of pairs of shoes you take to an absolute minimum.
Most people, if they are careful, can keep their travel footwear down to just a couple of pairs, leaving you more room to pack away those special souvenirs!
Our top pick for the best walking shoes for travel is the KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot because it is very comfortable and you can wear it for days without any issues. It is highly durable and you can use it in all kinds of weather.