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Whenever I’m privileged enough to travel, I always try to plan for good company, sweet digs, and comfortable shoes. As someone who leans into adventure, on my trips, I’m often logging 10,000 steps per day, minimum, and need reliable kicks that will look just as good in photos as they feel on my feet. Finding shoes that fit the bill isn’t easy, especially when I want something with a stylish air that’s versatile across outfits.
The problem is that the healthiest shoes aren’t usually the most stylish ones. Podiatrists will often emphasize having shoes with a cushion and wide toe box, allowing your toes to splay, which helps avoid short-term discomfort and long-term issues. I like to adhere to this as much as possible, without looking like I’m in some (no shade) clunky “doctor-recommended” pair of kicks. Fortunately, there are some pretty good options these days.
Below, I rounded up some of the best shoes for travel, especially for those who love an active trip. These are more general than for an activity specific (like hiking or rucking). Each is well-known for its comfort — often through a wider toe box, low heel height, or cushioned sole —- and stylish. With these, you can stop stressing about footwear choices for your next trip because you know you’ll be in good hands… or shoes, rather.
Keep scrolling to shop the best shoes for travel, across sporty kicks to those that could work for a chic dinner date. If you’re someone who favors an active trip or lots of walking, you’ll find none of these affordable options sacrifice style.
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Best travel shoe for staying warm
The wider the toe box, the better. For a fashionable boot, you're not going to get the same toe box as a running shoe, but you can get closer with a round-toe silhouette. That's just one thing that makes Viavia's knee-high boots more comfortable and ideal for vacation. These cozy boots are also equipped with a proprietary cushion to support the entire foot.
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Best travel shoe for walking 10,000 steps, minimum
On's Cloudtilt shoes (as seen in the viral campaign with Zendaya) are specifically designed for walking, and there’s no question on whether they can get the job done. The best part is that regardless of their very fitness-forward look, these shoes are also widely accepted as being very stylish. Don’t be afraid to pair these with a casual outfit, be it jeans and a T-shirt or a long skirt and sweater.
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Best travel shoe for the trend lover
Mary Jane shoes soared in popularity in recent years, thanks to the balletcore trend taking over fashion. For those who want to rock the look while staying comfortable, opt for Vionic's take on the shoe. The brand is known for its cushioned insoles and arch support that keep your feet happy, and its Alameda flats are no exception.
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Best travel shoe for affordability
Rykä's shoes win on so many different fronts. Not only does the brand make its footwear with women in mind specifically, but it has some of the most affordable prices in this category. The Jumpstart may be its best travel option, thanks to its slip-on feature, soft cushioning, and stylish colorways.
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Best travel shoe for versatility
If you’re packing light, then it’s important for clothes and shoes to work for as many different situations as they possibly can. For someone who wants to workout on vacation, look to Salomon. These may not be best for the most intense gym sessions compared to a performance shoe, but they’ll serve you well from your workout to a day of exploring your destination.
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Best travel sandals for warm vacations
When traveling to a warm destination, sneakers don't always make sense in sweltering heat. Fortunately, there are very comfortable sandal options to hold you over. Teva leads the charge with its version, featuring a modular strapping system to help tailor fit and a midsole designed to support the arch of the foot. The best part of this shoe might be that each pair undergoes a peppermint-scented anti odor treatment to help quell any smelly sweaty feet.
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Best travel shoe for the sneakerhead
Since NIke launched its Airmax Dn8 in February of 2025, the shoes have quickly become a coveted pair of kicks among those who love sneakers. Using the brand’s signature Dynamic Air cushions (instead of foam, for example), the Dn8 is designed with the full foot in mind. The shoes aren’t only comfortable, but each bold colorway offers something for everyone. Why not go with the deep red version, as seen on Tyla?
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Best compact travel shoe
Fortunately, Onitsuka Tiger's ultra-popular Mexico 66 shoe is also very comfortable. Their rubber sole provides baseline traction, while the soft upper boosts comfort. Despite its thin sole that strays from the chunky bottoms of running shoes, these lightweight kicks are ideal for a long, active day. Another huge bonus with these is that they’re compact and easy to squeeze into a suitcase.
If you need more support from your shoes though, find something with a thicker sole.
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Best travel shoe for minimalists
Puma's Suede Charles F. Stead V do what a good sneaker needs to do, and they work perfectly for the retro sneaker trend that's been ever-present this year. This shoe is best for someone who appreciates a lot of support in their shoe since the Suede is equipped with a solid cushion and thick heel. On a more stylistic note, these are great for someone who keeps things lowkey and often wears neutral colors.














