23 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Travel: Sneakers, Sandals, Boots, and More

In everyday life, I'm a shoe girl. My closet is filled with more sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs than I need. It's a bit excessive, sure, but I like having options! When packing for a trip, I really have to rein myself in, particularly when I'm only bringing a carry-on. With room for just a few pairs of shoes, versatility is key, but of course, comfort is what really reigns supreme. Comfortable walking shoes are crucial to any vacation, whether your walking plans involve an all-day hike, a stroll around a new city center, or just a few laps around the pool deck.As such, my fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors and I are constantly on the lookout for truly comfortable, walk-all-day shoes to wear on our travels. The best walking shoes leave you blister-free, with no irritated heels or sore arches. They've got to be well-cushioned, and ideally, don't require much break-in time, though we will make exceptions for long-lasting pairs like hiking boots or leather sandals that need some more TLC at the start.With that criteria in mind, we've collected nearly two dozen of our all-time favorite picks: the best sneakers, boots, sandals, and flats we have personally worn on vacations and work trips around the globe, covering a range of styles and price points.Top picks:Best casual sneakerAdidas Samba OG sneakersJump to reviewBest athletic sneakerHoka Clifton 11 sneakerJump to reviewBest flatRothy's The Max Square Mary Jane flatsJump to reviewBest bootBlundstone Classic Chelsea bootsJump to reviewBest sandalGrenson Quinta sandalsJump to reviewComfortable sneakersComfortable athletic shoesComfortable flatsComfortable slip-onsComfortable sandalsComfortable bootsFrequently asked questionsCasual sneakersRothy's has long been a favorite of our team for its flats and loafers, but recently, the brand's new sneaker has caught the attention of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. “I've been wearing the Ivy sneaker for the past two months, and they've quickly become one of my go-to pairs for city strolls, office commutes, and pumpkin-themed outings,” she says. “My favorite thing about them, besides the fun cheetah print and suede-like finish, is that the incredibly durable outsole is so grippy. They remind me of the nonslip shoes I used to wear during my days working at a restaurant (in the best way possible). I don't worry about slipping in them or missing a step—even when I stomp into a puddle or on a rainy sidewalk.” Other perks: They come with a second pair of laces (one white, one red) and are machine washable. Plus, “the low profile keeps them feeling cool and on-trend, while the inside feels cushiony and supportive enough for a full day on my feet.” Key features: Grippy, durable outsole; water resistant Adidas Sambas have been around since 1950, but for the last couple of years, they've been having a street style moment. Editorial assistant Kat Chen says she can't recommend them enough: “They are my ride or die. I got this newest pair last summer, but the ones I had before I wore for literally a decade until they finally wore down. These are the shoes that watched me grow up.” Kenny, shown in the photos above, is a fan, too; this year, she's worn them everywhere from New York City to DC to Banff. Key features: Lace closure, leather upper, rubber outsole, half sizes available I admit, I have a lot of white sneakers in my closet, but these are the ones I take out the most, whether I'm walking around New York City or going on a city trip. They're super comfortable, and have never given me any blisters or irritation, even when I'm wearing no-show socks—the interior fabric is super soft. As bright white shoes, they do get scuffed fairly easily, but I've been able to keep them looking new by spot-cleaning with laundry detergent. Key features: Antimicrobial lining to prevent odor, compression-molded cushioned midsole, padded heel, stretchy laces After retiring my Stan Smiths a few years back (after nearly a decade of wear), I took a pause from Adidas, only to return last spring when I was looking for a new pair for everyday casual wear and saw someone in this fun platform pair. It adds just a little bit of height (about an inch), and I love how the layered sole mirrors the brand's signature triple stripe. I went with a dark maroon for a pop of color that would still match most outfits, but with over 20 colorways, there's really something for everyone here. As for comfort, they were great from the first time I wore them; I’ve put them on for concerts in which I knew I'd be standing for a few hours straight and on a walking-and-standing-filled Mardi Gras trip with no regrets. Most recently, they came with me to Nashville on a particularly rainy weekend and stayed in good shape without me having to avoid puddles. Key features: Half sizes available, gum rubber outsole, suede upper New Balance574 Core sneakerNew Balance sneakers have made a major comeback. This style of the cool dad shoes are still frequently worn by Kenny, who says this of the 574s: “These sneakers are just as comfortable as they are cool. I’ve had them for over four years now and they’ve come with me on a weekend trip spent walking around Boston, to the airport for a few flights, and on my commutes to the office. They’re a perfect balance of sporty and stylish—they don’t hurt my feet after hours of walking and the neutral shade always matches a variety of outfits in my carry-on. Besides my classic white sneakers, these are my most worn shoe. Bonus: I’m not very cautious about getting my sneakers dirty, but these have somehow stayed clean and in excellent condition—so don’t worry too much about its light hue.” Key features: Half sizes and wide sizes available, suede and mesh upper Athletic shoesCommerce writer Jessica Sulima has had her Salomon XT-6s for over three years: “I never travel anywhere without them. They’re the perfect travel shoes for three reasons: They’re super lightweight; they don’t have laces, which makes them easy to slip on and off at TSA; and they can just as easily take you on a gentle hike as they can the streets of some fashionable city, where gorpcore chic is welcomed and embraced.” She recommends a dark color, like brown, so any scuffs or dirt are less apparent. Key features: Half sizes available, EVA foam cushioning, lightweight construction Hokas deserve every bit of hype, Kenny says. “I snagged a pair of Hoka Cliftons with light runs and workouts in mind, and while they certainly are my everyday sneakers for the gym, they also have become my most-worn pair of walking shoes. They have a pretty thick sole, which might make you think they’re clunky or heavy, but all that extra cushioning makes them so comfortable to walk in for hours and they are surprisingly lightweight. They even fit nicely in the shoe compartment of my weekender bag and don’t weigh down my whole bag. I’ve worn them hiking in the Poconos, shopping in Montauk, and moving into a new apartment—all of which were days that earned me over 10,000 steps. Supportive, comfortable, and versatile, they are a must-pack for me on every type of trip.” I'm a fan as well: I’ve found them to be well-cushioned and the best shoes for both daily walks and really long days on my feet. This past spring, I wore them to Disneyland and was very happy with that choice. Key features: Half sizes and wide sizes available, Gore-Tex option available, laces made of recycled materials Flager wearing her Merrells in El SalvadorMerrellMoab 3 hiking shoeKnown as the most popular hiking shoe in the world—more than 25 million pairs have been sold since it debuted 15 years ago—I was excited to put the third generation model of the Merrell Moab to the test. I brought them along on a trip to Iceland with my mom a few years ago, which involved some moderate hikes and city walks on wet roads; the shoe held up nicely on both occasions, and I've since worn them on hikes outside NYC and in Central America on trips to Guatemala and El Salvador. The shoes have great traction, fit comfortably, and don't take up too much room in my carry-on—I totally understand why they're so beloved. (Looking for hiking boots? We’ve got recs for those too.) Key features: Half and wide sizes available, made for rugged trails, protective toe cap FlatsPumaSpeedcat ballet flatsPart ballet flat, part sneaker, Puma’s Speedcats have been commerce writer Jessica Chapel's go-to casual shoe this year. She has them in a fun cheetah print and the red hue above, and has worn them around the globe this year, in New York, London, Puerto Rico, and beyond. “They offer support and breathability like no other, and give every outfit a fun pop of color.” If this look isn't quite your style, check out the other Mary Jane sneakers we recommend here—tons of brands we love have hopped on the trend, from Adidas to Vivaia. Key features: Supportive, breathable, trendy Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny in her Rothy'sRothy'sThe Max Square Mary Jane flatsRothy’s knows how to make shoes that are comfortable right out of the box, no break-in time needed. The popular Mary Jane flat is versatile enough to wear in warm spring and summer temperatures and on chillier fall days too. They've become a go-to of Kenny's for all kinds of occasions. “I typically steer clear of flats because they tend to leave me with blisters, but these have yet to let me down—even after long days walking through New York City and hot, sweaty commutes to the office. They offer a soft, breathable feel and a flexible strap that keeps my foot secure. They’re comfortable, stylish, and completely timeless,” says Kenny. Key features: Machine washable, half sizes available, cushiony In Love Insole This M.Gemi pair is another flat that really measures up, and is sturdier than it might look. “It took me a minute to figure out if the ballet flat resurgence was for me—mainly because I remember how terrible I looked the last time the trend came around,” says senior features editor Megan Spurrell. “But these won me over, with their square-ish toe (a bit more modern), and butter-soft Italian leather. They feel like a shoe I can keep for a while, and after a year of walking through cities in them, they're only more comfortable.” Along with neutral colors like black and tan, these come in bolder hues like cobalt blue and dark red, as well as fun formalwear options like shimmery silver and gold. Key features: Half sizes available, crisscross elastic straps, flexible, packs flat I know I’m not alone in finding it difficult to find a pair of flats with a truly comfortable fit—the shape really lends well to blisters if you're going barefoot. Once I finally joined the Rothy's train a few years ago, I was hooked. I wear this pair often to work (in a fun desert cat print) and don't think twice about how they'll hold up on the commute or throughout the day, which is more than I can say for most flats I've worn. I will say, these aren't the pair I'd pull out for a walking tour or super active day, but for business trips or nice dinners, they're excellent. Key features: Half sizes available, cushiony removable insole, machine washable “As of late, my favorite comfy shoes have been Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura,” editorial assistant Skyli Alvarez says. “They're a bit of a clog and a ballet flat wrapped into one and are impressively versatile, having been the only pair I packed on recent trip to Cabo. I wore them at the airport, the beach, dinner, yoga, and out and about wandering. I got around 12,000 steps my first travel day and felt I could walk all the more.” They're both waterproof and hand-washable, making them a low-maintenance, versatile shoe, and are “surprisingly quite cushioned and supportive,” Alvarez says. “They're light enough to run around in but sturdy enough to withstand the elements.” Key features: Flexible, water resistant, whole sizes only Slip-onsBlundstoneOriginals #2521 clogs“All of Blundstone's shoes are total workhorses—I've had the Chelsea boots for years—and when the clog came out late last year, I was an instant convert,” Spurrell says. She opted for the chocolate suede color, which “toes the line nicely between art teacher vibes and NYC street style, and has both a supportive insole and solid sole to keep me comfy on my feet all day. I love the slip-on-and-off for travel, especially so I can sneak my compression socks on before the flight, then remove them as soon as I land. My only tip: Size up.” Key features: Lightweight and heat-resistant TPU outsole These colorful Sabah slip-ons come highly recommended by special projects director Lale Arikoglu, who has called them “a permanent fixture on my packing list” for years. They come in dozens of colors, in either a butter soft leather or suede, and are hand stitched by one of the 10 shoemakers who comprise the Sabah Workshop in Gaziantep. “The more I wear them, the better they fit, molding to my feet like a glove—almost as if they were designed just for me,” she says. Read a full review here. Key features: Handmade, soft leather lining, replaceable rubber outsole It's rare that a heel of any kind makes this list, but associate visuals editor Julia Abbonizio swears by these pumps, even for long days walking around NYC. “I’ve worn them all over the city, and they work just as well for the office as they do for drinks, dinner, errands, and everything in between,” she says. “The flexible microfiber toe box has just enough give to keep the pointed toe comfortable without sacrificing that chic, elongated shape I love. The heel is the perfect height for a little lift without compromising on comfort, while the patent leather details add just enough interest to make them feel special without limiting what you can wear them with.” Another perk: Abbonizio says she's worn them in the rain plenty of times, and the material has held up surprisingly well. ”Effortless, timeless, practical—these pumps are everything I want in a city shoe.” Key features: Foam footbed, adjustable ankle strap, microfiber fabric upper BaredBittern fisherman sandalFinding comfortable sandals to walk around NYC in presents some challenges—you want a bit of height to get you off the ground, and you need something with enough support to carry you through a full day on your feet. These fisherman sandals from Bared—an Aussie brand founded by podiatrist turned entrepreneur Anna Baird—are a favorite of mine for checking both of these boxes. They have a 1.1-inch heel height, keep your toes enclosed, and are extremely comfortable, even when I've walked to dinner a mile away from the office. I've been wearing them for a little over a year now, and I have a feeling they'll be in rotation for years to come. (Another upvote comes from my mom, who put them on while visiting my apartment recently and immediately purchased a pair for herself!) Key features: Adjustable ankle strap, mid-foot arch support, heel cup TevaMidform Universal SandalsAnother one of Spurrell's go-to's for many years, these Tevas are slightly less grippy than other Teva styles, but still plenty comfortable for all-day wear. Spurrell wears them most regularly to the beach, but has also put them on for bike rides, long walks, and dinners in New York—proof of their range, and value on your packing list. Key features: 1.25" platform, quick-dry material, rubber outsole for traction “As a Birkenstock loyalist of many years, it was a recent tumble on Lisbon's notoriously slippy sidewalks that made me realize it was time to invest in more substantial summer shoes,” says Traveler's global audience development manager Abigail Malbon. “Given my long-established love of Grenson boots, I figured the brand's summer styles would give the same support and quality—and I wasn't wrong. I've long admired fisherman-style sandals, and what drew me to the Quinta was the support my feet and ankles would get. I've taken them to the Greek Islands and can report that they comfortably withstood rocky beaches, some gentle rock climbing, and a day of transit via ferry and plane. So, yes, my Birks have been replaced... for more intense trips, at least.” Key features: Adjustable buckle closure, whole sizes only (size up if you're in between) BirkenstockArizona Big BuckleDon't give up on us yet, Birks fans—the Arizona Big Buckle style is beloved by Arikoglu and senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb. “I am very loyal to my Birkenstocks,” says Arikoglu. “I walked 10 miles in one day in Barcelona in them and they never rubbed.” Chubb agrees, calling them “a go-to travel shoe—the shiny gold buckle really elevates them.” Key features: Contoured cork-latex footbed, adjustable straps MelissaPossession jelly sandals“Jellies can be a controversial suggestion,” Spurrell says. “They're cute, they're retro, and also, everyone was scarred by blisters from jellies as a kid.” But after a full summer of wear last year, this pair from Melissa (“the Brazilian jelly goddesses”) won her over. “I've only gotten blisters once, and it was a hot day on which I walked about six miles through New York City. They're perfect on a summer beach trip—and even better for rocky beaches and cliff jumping when you want something that can act as a water shoe—and I have managed to wear them traveling, even dancing, without issues.” If you are out on a long day of walking, Spurrell recommends bringing along “a cute fair of frilly socks to wear under to avoid blisters, but 9 times out of 10, you won't need them.” Key features: Adjustable buckle strap, under $100, true to size BootsBlundstoneClassic Chelsea bootsI find boots to be a tough travel shoe—I don't always want to wear them on a plane, but they take up too much suitcase space to justify packing. The Chelsea boot makes the best case as a travel shoe, given the versatility and fairly easy on/off nature, especially when it comes with pull tabs, like these Blundstones. Chapel is a longtime fan, having worn this style for around five years. “At first, they are a bit tough to break in; it took me around a week or two of constant wear for them to really shape to my foot,” she says. “But it has been an worthy investment ever since. They've molded to my foot shape but didn't lose their structure—the outerwear is durable and tough as nails, and they get me from light hiking trails to cobblestone city streets in no time.” Key features: Removable, contoured EVA footbeds; water-resistant leather uppers; pull-tabs for easy removal “Visit London in the winter, and you're guaranteed to spot these boots on more than one stylish woman,” says Malbon. “But these are one of the few trends that don't temporarily overtake the city only to be fickly overshadowed by something new. I've owned my Nanette boots since 2020, and there's no sign of me casting them to the back of my wardrobe any time soon–that's mostly thanks to the impressive quality of Grenson's designs.” The British heritage brand has been cranking out shoes since the 19th century, always in classic styles built with comfort and longevity front of mind. “The soft leather and suede fabrics, plus a robust sole, mean these are comfortable even when I'm pounding the pavements in a city as vast as London.” Key features: Half sizes available, true to size fit, rounded toe FAQ:How are these shoes tested?Some of these shoes are ones our editors have worn for years on their own accord; others are ones tested out for the specific purpose of this article and finding more of the best walking shoes to recommend to fellow travelers. All of them have been worn by an editor multiple times, at minimum, and are described as the kind of shoe you can comfortably wear all day long. If we wouldn't wear them on a long day on our feet, they didn't make it on the list.What should I consider before buying new shoes?There are a few things to keep in mind before selecting a new pair of shoes geared toward long travel days. First, the basics: You want something cushy, supportive, and versatile that will take you just about anywhere. Most of us are only bring a few pairs of shoes on any given trip (packing space isn't infinite, after all), so you want something that you can wear in multiple settings. When deciding on what's versatile for you, consider your most-worn outfits. If you're someone who wears a lot of black or beige, you might want to add a pop of color by way of a brighter shoe. If your outfits are often colorful, then stick to black, white, or brown shoes for the most versatility.It's also worth considering what types of activities will fill your days, and what the climate will be. If you're going somewhere rainy, opt for a closed toed sneaker or boot over a sandal or flat. If you're going to the beach, you might want something like a Teva.Which brand has the most comfortable walking shoes?It depends on what you’re looking for—if it’s a shoe to wear on for daily walks, opt for a style from Nike, Hoka, or Brooks for something sporty; for casual wear, we like Adidas and New Balance. If you’ll be near water, Tevas are a great option. In colder weather, when a boot might be preferred, we recommend Grenson, Dr Martens, and Vagabond. Finally, for something office ready, you can’t go wrong with Rothy’s.Which shoes are best for walking long hours?There are levels to what makes a comfortable walking shoe—some might be great for a few hours or a day with some walking, but if you’re planning on pounding the pavement all day, we lean toward more athletic shoes with lots of cushioning and support, as well as breathability. Sneakers from Hoka, Asics, and Brooks fit the bill.This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.