Whether you’re strolling seaside or wandering cobblestone streets, these women’s walking shoes will give you a leg up.
BY TRAVEL + LEISURE STAFF UPDATED AUGUST 25, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
The Best Walking Shoes for Travel
What to Consider When Shopping for Travel Footwear
When buying a pair of travel shoes, there are a number of factors to take into consideration to ensure a comfortable fit. Starting with the footbed, you’ll want a style with some sort of cushioned midsole for arch support. “Shoes with specifically engineered footbeds and molded EVA midsoles are designed to help mitigate foot, heel, and arch for superior comfort and support,” Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, explains, adding that this will prevent fatigue and pain later on in the day. A roomy toe box, meanwhile, can help prevent the chances of blisters by “allowing your toes to move freely with no restrictions, therefore minimizing discomfort,” he continues. Dr. Cunha also highlights that the foot swells throughout the day, so this extra wiggle room will come in handy.
In terms of materials, opt for styles with durable fabrics like leather and rubber. Not only will they last, but they’ll also create a stable and secure fit, which can help with traction (and you’ll definitely need it for slick or bumpy terrains. According to Dr. Cunha, this durability combined with the proper cushioning will deliver optimal shock absorption, resulting in advanced motion control, minimized fatigue, and a smoother transition from heel strike to toe-off when walking. If your feet are prone to overheating, look for travel shoes with breathable liners and uppers that will promote ventilation and minimize sweat.
There is one more important element that sets an average pair of travel shoes apart from the best travel shoes: versatility. If the same kicks can take you effortlessly from shopping to a six-hour walking tour to dinner, sans blisters, you’re set. We know it’s a ludicrous ask, but planning to wear only the pair on your feet makes it much easier to pack everything else to match. Plus, those five just-in-case pairs of shoes are often what add the most weight to your luggage. Wouldn’t you rather have the extra suitcase space to pick up a few souvenir pairs?
Related: The Best Comfy Walking Sandals for Women
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best walking shoes for travel in every style category. Oh, and one last suggestion: A weekend staycation is a great way to break in your new favorite travel shoes before you go.
Best Casual Sneaker: Allbirds Wool Runner
allbirds wool runner
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ALLBIRDS
Allbirds’ superfine merino wool sneakers give you the best of both worlds with the feel of a slipper and the look of a sneaker. You get all the coziness of wool without any of the scratchiness. Plus, the outsole’s unique “S-curve” was designed to distribute your weight more naturally, making them equally as supportive as they are soft. According to one reviewer, it’s great for anyone who is “on their feet 90 percent of the day.” If you’re usually a half-size, the brand recommends sizing up. Also, if you generally find you need more arch support for long days spent on your feet, we recommend replacing the insole with a podiatrist-recommended insert, like the Superfeet Premium Green Insoles.
To buy: allbirds.com, $98
Best Comfortable Flat: Everlane Day Glove Flat
Best Walking Shoes for Travel: Everlane
CREDIT: COURTESY OF EVERLANE
Save precious suitcase space with a shoe that can take you from day to night. Everlane — one of Angelina Jolie’s go-to brands for travel shoes — makes this modern Day Glove flat with buttery, molds-to-your-foot leather that pairs well with jeans, skirts, business attire, and beyond. They’ve even got durable rubber soles for a slip-free grip and side vents to keep your feet from overheating. Plenty of reviewers vouched for its out-of-the-box comfort, as well as its durability. “I wear these so often and always keep an older pair in my tote just in case,” one shopper wrote. “These shoes are so well made. Mine have been in rain, snow, sleet, and hail and all look great.”
To buy: everlane.com, $115
Best Sandal With Arch Support: Olukai Upena Sandal
womens olukai sandals
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
If an easy pair of sandals is your vacation footwear of choice, you don’t need to give up on comfort. OluKai’s criss-crossed leather pair has an anatomically built footbed that feels better and better with every wear, and the toe loop and adjustable ankle strap will keep your foot secure. It comes in six color options, and we love this gold and leather combo. One shopper raved, “These are the only shoes I can wear all day long without insoles that don’t cause me any foot pain. I wore them back to back to different theme parks (10-plus hours walking both days!) and had no pain whatsoever.”
To buy: nordstrom.com or zappos.com, $90
Best Leather Sneaker: Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker
Best Walking Shoes for Travel: Ecco
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ZAPPOS
The Ecco Soft 7 has been a traveler favorite for a while, and for good reason: It delivers on arch support and high-quality materials with simple, Scandinavian style. Though its supple leather upper is available in eight colorways — from floral prints to metallics — keep in mind that when packing, neutrals will be the easiest to work with. “Comfortable right out of the box,” one Zappos customer reported. “Took these on a recent trip where I walked miles daily. No pinching, no slipping, no discomfort whatsoever.”
To buy: zappos.com, $160
Best Knit Sneakers: Rothy’s The Sneaker
rothys comfortable sneakers for travel
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ROTHY’S
Looking for a lightweight slip-on that’s comfy right out of the box? Rothy’s has you covered with its slip-on sneaker. The upper is made of the same upcycled material used for the brand’s beloved flats — of which Meghan Markle is a fan — but it’s been given a more sturdy sole that offers more support for a long day on the go. Both the sneaker and the removable insole are machine-washable, too. Some reviewers even go so far as to dub it “the best walking shoe.” “I wear them daily,” shared one shopper. “I have no more heel pain and I get so many compliments. They wash beautifully.”
To buy: rothys.com, $125
Best Espadrilles: Toni Pons Ter Slingback Espadrille Sandal
Comfy Shoes Update
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
Thanks to its flexible sole, this espadrille from Toni Pons moves with your foot to support every stride. Other comfortable features include its padded footbed and slingback strap with elastic bands, which help create a secure fit. The walking sandal also has a roomy toe box that accommodates wide feet, according to reviewers. “These espadrilles really stay on your foot,” one shopper wrote. Another added, “I struggle finding shoes with a heel that are truly comfortable but these are awesome — right out of the box comfortable enough for all-day wearing.”
To buy: nordstrom.com, $110
Best Active Sneaker: Hoka One One Clifton 7 Running Shoe
Comfy Shoes Update
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ZAPPOS
Cushioned in all of the right places, the Hoka One One Clifton 7 Running Shoe promotes your foot’s natural movement by encouraging an easier transition from the heel to the toe. At the center is its EVA-molded footbed, which utilizes compression technology. Plus, its strategically designed upper has mesh for flexibility and breathability. “Hokas have become my go-to walking shoes,” one reviewer said, adding that the style also has a wide toe box. “I can walk miles in them every day without pain and they are incredibly comfortable.”
To buy: zappos.com, $90 (originally $130)
Best Leather Sandals: Børn Trang Sandal
best walking shoes for travel women
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ZAPPOS
With a silhouette inspired by Menorcan-style avarcas sandals, Born’s Trang has recently become one of the brand’s best-selling shoes, and it’s no wonder: the footbed is packed with cushion and the leather is super soft and supple. “I found these sandals to be very comfortable and supportive,” one customer shared in their review. “I walked all day in them over multiple, consecutive days and they remained comfortable.”
To buy: zappos.com or nordstrom.com, from $55 (originally $90)
Best Summer Travel Shoes: Sperry Soletide Boat Sneakers
Comfy Shoes Update
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ZAPPOS
Heading to the coast? Opt for this sophisticated take on the deck shoe by Sperry. The 360-degree lacing system allows you to make the fit as wide or narrow as you need it to be, and they’re cushioned with memory foam. Plus, the leather upper is perforated, which will keep your feet dry and comfortable. One reviewer said, “Soft material — plenty of support. Good quality.” Another noted that the style requires a brief break-in period, but ultimately, “they truly are very comfortable.”
To buy: zappos.com or nordstrom.com, $70
Best Canvas Sneakers: Superga Cotu Sneaker
Women’s Superga Sneakers
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
A favorite among the likes of Kate Middleton and even a mainstay in Princess Diana’s casual travel wardrobe, the Superga Cotu sneaker has been a go-to for travelers for decades. In addition to its classic canvas exterior, the sneaker offers a cushioned footbed and a tractioned rubber sole. “Bought these shoes to wear on a cruise to Greece and Turkey,” one Zappos customer began. “Wore them with socks most days on our walking tours. Felt great on uneven pavement and dirt. Looked good with my capri pants and longer shorts.”
To buy: zappos.com, $65
Best Water Shoes: Sea Star Beachwear Slingback Espadrille
comfortable womens water shoes sea star
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
Would you believe us if we said these sneaky slingback espadrilles are actually water shoes? With a fast-drying neoprene upper and a grippy rubber sole, they’ll take you straight from lunch beneath the palm trees to a rocky surf, sans stubbed toes. For this style, we recommend sizing up if you typically wear a half-size. “I brought them on vacation,” shared one traveler. “They are so versatile. I wore them one night with a cute sundress to dinner. Walked 3 miles around North Captiva Island in them.”
To buy: zappos.com, $96
Best Slip-ons: Toms Alpargata Cupsole
Toms Alpargata Cupsole
CREDIT: COURTESY OF ZAPPOS
While you may be familiar with the Toms Classic Alpargata shoe and the brand’s philanthropic one-for-one mission, there are a few other shoe styles making waves with travelers, like the durable, rubber cupsole version of the Alpargatas. This lightweight canvas number is equipped with removable molded textile insoles that rebound with each step. Lining the breathable shoe is an odor-minimizing twill liner. “These are super comfortable and very-easy-to-wear-with-anything shoes,” shared one shopper. “I bought them to walk all over Europe and thought I’d break them in. No need to break them in. They’re already perfect.”
To buy: zappos.com, $55
Best Dress Shoes: Sarah Flint Rosie Loafer
best walking shoes for travel women
CREDIT: COURTESY OF SARAH FLINT
Sarah Flint — a made-in-Italy brand beloved by celebrities like Meghan Markle and Amal Clooney — is known for effortless, feminine shoes, like this elevated loafer. The footbeds have 3 millimeters of extra padding for all-day walkability, and the 1-inch block heel is inset a bit to keep your steps from feeling clunky. Not only is it excellent for traveling, but reviewers say that it makes a great work shoe, especially if your job requires a lot of standing. “It’s hard to find a shoe that both looks cute, and is comfortable,” one explained. “Working 8 to 10-hour weddings is tough when sneakers are ‘unprofessional.’ Enter Rosie: the shirt black heel makes it possible to roam wedding halls and venues in comfort while still looking like a put-together wedding expert.”
To buy: sarahflint.com, $375
Best Casual Sneaker: Vionic Rechelle Lace-Up Sneaker
Comfy Shoes Update
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
One of Oprah’s favorite shoe brands, Vionic is known for working with podiatrists to blend trend-forward style with comfort technology like biomechanically molded footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles, both of which are present in the Rechelle Lace-Up Sneaker. In addition to support, the leather shoe brings style to your wardrobe with its charming color selection. “Vionic has become my go-to brand for shoes,” one Nordstrom reviewer said. “The support they give me helps my feet, ankles, knees, and even my hips. I can walk for miles with no pain.” Another noted that the comfortable walking shoe alleviated their plantar fasciitis pain.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $130
Best Driving Shoes: M.Gemi Felize Suede Moccasins
Mgemi Felize Suede Driver moccasin
CREDIT: COURTESY OF MGEMI
Pebbled driving soles soften each step in M.Gemi’s hand-crafted Felize moccasin. We’re into this neutral mustard yellow this season, but there are dozens of other colors available. “These are really sweet,” one shopper raved. “Soft, they snug to your feet perfectly… even with high arches.” In our experience, they fit perfectly true to size from day one, but if there’s any chance of rain where you’re headed or if you plan to spend some time exploring less-than-pristine city sidewalks (sorry, New York City), we recommend you pre-treat them with a waterproofing spray.
To buy: mgemi.com, $198
Most Stylish Flat: Naturalizer Samantha Pointed Toe Flat
Comfy Shoes Update
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
Unlike standard flats, the Naturalizer Samantha Pointed Toe Flat features a contoured footbed to ensure comfortable all-day wear. It’s flexible yet stabilizing, moving with your foot without letting it slip out. Plus, it has a breathable and fast-drying liner that keeps sweaty toes at bay. “The discreet side goring is great for flexion by the ball of the foot or slightly wider feet,” one Amazon shopper highlighted in their review. “I like this shoe and wore it for 8 hours walking around town straight out of the box, had no blisters.”
To buy: amazon.com or nordstrom.com, $90
Most Stylish Sandal: Clarks Landra 35 Mule
Comfy Shoes Update
CREDIT: COURTESY OF CLARKS
With its contemporary silhouette, sleek leather straps, and oversized buckle detailing, the Clarks Landra 35 Mule combines style and support. Perfect for everyday wear but also suitable for fancy occasions, the sandal’s stacked block heel offers stability for a confident and balanced stride. “Quality and comfortable right out of the box,” one reviewer said. “Love the low-ish heel. Makes these so versatile. Arch support feels decent.”
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
Filled with memory foam, this supportive loafer from Trotters has quality cushioning that molds to your arch’s unique shape. It features a removable insole for added support, plus antimicrobial fabric to minimize odors. Wearers have their choice of three colors and three width sizes, which is great news for those with wide feet. “A very comfortable shoe,” shared one Nordstrom shopper. Another said, “It fits well and I don’t need a shoe pad to make it snug.”
CREDIT: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM
Despite its oversized look, the Kork-Ease Ryder Ankle Boot has a secure fit thanks to a contoured footbed that provides ample arch support. Together with its cork sole, the shoe conforms to the wearer’s foot for a customized feel. “These boots are well worth the money spent,” one Nordstrom shopper said. “I wore them all weekend walking the streets of Boston. They are comfortable and chic. Go well with any outfit. No need to break them in either, they fit well instantly.”
To buy: nordstrom.com, $190
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