Last Updated on September 29, 2026
Quick Answer: The Hoka Transport 2 is our best overall walking shoe for travel because it combines cushioning, grip and a city-friendly design. The Brooks Ghost 18 is the better walk/run crossover, while the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 are better if maximum cushioning matters most. The On Cloud 6 is a lighter city option, and the Skechers GO WALK 8 is best for airports, hotel days and easier sightseeing. See recommendations side by side.
Travel can put more strain on your feet than a normal walking routine. You may spend hours in airports, walk several miles through a city, stand in museums, climb stairs with luggage and then head back out for dinner. The best travel shoe has to stay comfortable across all of that without becoming a burden to pack.
This guide is broader than our women’s walking shoes for Europe article. Here, we are looking at travel generally: city breaks, cruises, road trips, airports and vacations where you may mix walking with long periods of standing.
- Best overall: Hoka Transport 2 for the strongest balance of walking comfort, grip and travel versatility.
- Best walk/run crossover: Brooks Ghost 18 for travelers who also want to run.
- Best maximum cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6.
- Best lighter city shoe: On Cloud 6.
Best Walking Shoes for Travel at a Glance
Shoe | Best for | Why it works | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
Best overall | Cushioned, grippy and less sporty-looking than many running shoes | ||
Walk/run travel | Comfortable daily trainer that works for sightseeing and easy runs | ||
Maximum cushioning | Soft Fresh Foam X platform for long walking and standing days | ||
Plush comfort | Premium neutral cushioning for long hours on pavement | ||
City travel | Light, tidy and easy to wear with casual travel clothes | ||
Airports and easy days | Very light, soft and easy to get on and off |
Hoka Transport 2: Best Overall
The Hoka Transport 2 is our best overall travel pick because it was built around walking and commuting rather than pure running. That matters when you want one shoe for airports, city streets, train stations, casual meals and light outdoor use.
Its cushioning is generous without being as bulky as the Bondi, and the Vibram outsole gives it more useful grip than many lifestyle sneakers. The design is also easier to pair with jeans and casual travel clothes than a brightly colored performance runner. It is not fully waterproof, so travelers expecting heavy rain should still consider a waterproof option. Read our full Hoka Transport 2 review.
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
Brooks Ghost 18: Best Walk/Run Crossover
The Brooks Ghost 18 is the better choice if your vacation includes both sightseeing and running. It is a neutral daily trainer with enough cushioning for long walks while still feeling natural at an easy running pace.
That versatility can save suitcase space. Instead of packing a dedicated walking shoe plus a running shoe, many travelers can use the Ghost for both. The trade-off is appearance: it still looks like a running shoe, so it is less discreet for dressier travel than the Transport 2 or On Cloud 6. Read our Brooks Ghost 18 review.
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6: Best Maximum Cushioning
The Fresh Foam X More v6 is for travelers who care more about cushioning than packing the lightest or sleekest shoe. New Balance positions it for walking, all-day wear and long runs, which makes it a natural fit for vacations built around long sightseeing days.
The broad platform helps the high stack feel more secure than some soft max-cushion shoes, and New Balance offers multiple width options. That can be especially useful on trips because feet often swell after hours of walking and standing. The downside is size: the More v6 takes up more suitcase space than a low-profile travel sneaker. It also appears in our best New Balance walking shoes guide.
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: Best Plush Comfort
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is another strong option for travelers who expect hours of pavement and prefer a soft premium ride. It is designed as a max-cushion neutral running shoe, but the same cushioning works well for steady walking and long periods on your feet.
Compared with the More v6, the Nimbus feels more like a conventional premium running shoe and can be a better choice if you also want to run during the trip. Compared with the Transport 2, it looks more athletic and is less focused on commuting and casual wear. Read our Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 review.
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
On Cloud 6: Best for City Travel
The On Cloud 6 works best for city travel when you want a lighter, neater shoe that does not look as technical as a max-cushion runner. It is easy to wear with jeans, chinos and casual travel clothes, and its low weight makes it pleasant for airports and days when you are moving in and out of trains, taxis and hotels.
The ride is firmer than the name suggests, so we would not choose it over the More v6 or Nimbus 28 for the longest sightseeing days. It is better for travelers who value appearance, low weight and everyday convenience. Our On Cloud 6 review explains the fit and firmer feel in more detail.
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
Skechers GO WALK 8: Best for Airports and Easy Days
The Skechers GO WALK 8 earns a place here for convenience rather than heavy-duty support. It is extremely light, soft from the first step and available in easy-on versions that are useful for airports, hotel rooms and casual travel days.
Its limitation is support. We would not choose it for a vacation built around eight-hour walking days or difficult uneven surfaces. Think of it as a comfortable second travel shoe or a primary option for people whose itinerary is lighter. Read our Skechers GO WALK 8 review.
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
What Makes a Good Travel Walking Shoe?
Travel shoes have to handle more than mileage. You may stand still for long periods, carry bags, walk on unfamiliar surfaces and wear the same pair several days in a row. A shoe that feels good for a 30-minute walk can feel very different after a full day of sightseeing.
- Cushioning: Enough to stay comfortable on hard pavement, but not so soft that the shoe feels unstable.
- Grip: Useful for wet sidewalks, smooth station floors and unfamiliar surfaces.
- Fit: Leave enough room for feet to swell during long days without allowing heel slip.
- Weight: Lighter shoes are easier to pack and less tiring to wear, but very light shoes often give up structure.
- Versatility: If you are packing one pair, choose a shoe that works with most of your itinerary rather than the most specialized option.
If you expect to walk on cobblestones and spend most of your trip in European cities, use our more specific women’s Europe travel shoe guide. For very long walking days generally, compare these options with our best shoes for standing all day.
Should You Pack One Pair or Two?
For a short city break, one versatile pair can be enough. For a longer vacation, two pairs are usually better because rotating shoes can reduce repeated pressure on the same parts of your feet and gives one pair time to dry after rain or heavy use.
A practical combination is one cushioned walking or running shoe plus one lighter casual option. For example, the Ghost 18 or More v6 can handle high-mileage days, while the Cloud 6 or GO WALK 8 can cover airports, meals and easier days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best walking shoes for travel?
The Hoka Transport 2 is our best all-around travel choice because it balances cushioning, grip, walking comfort and everyday styling. The best alternative depends on whether you prioritize running, maximum cushioning or lighter city wear.
Are running shoes good for travel?
Yes. Daily trainers such as the Brooks Ghost 18 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 can be excellent travel shoes because they provide cushioning and secure fit. They are especially useful if you also plan to run during your trip.
What shoes are best for airport travel?
Lightweight shoes that are easy to get on and off are convenient for airports. The Skechers GO WALK 8 is a good choice for that role, particularly if you are not using it for demanding all-day walking afterward.
Should travel shoes be waterproof?
Only if your destination or season makes rain likely. Waterproof shoes are useful in wet conditions but can feel warmer and less breathable in hot weather.
How much cushioning do I need for sightseeing?
Enough to keep hard pavement comfortable for several hours, but not so much that the shoe feels unstable. The More v6 and Nimbus 28 are the most cushioned options here.
Should I break in travel shoes before a trip?
Yes. Wear them for several longer walks before travelling so you can identify rubbing, heel slip or sizing problems before you depend on them all day.
What if I need wide travel shoes?
Choose a model offered in genuine wide sizing rather than simply buying a longer shoe. New Balance and Brooks are especially useful brands to check. You can also use our Free Shoe Finder to narrow choices by width, cushioning and support.
