best travel shoes walking

The Best Travel Shoes of 2024, Tested by Experts

These shoes were made for walkin'!

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Our top picks

Best Overall Travel Shoe

New balance fresh foam x 1080 v12.

Best Vintage Travel Shoes

Reebok club c 85.

Best Comfortable Travel Shoes

Rothys slip on sneakers.

Best Travel Shoes for Walking

Allbirds tree runners.

Best Travel Flats

Birdies goldfinch.

Best Travel Sandal

Chaco z/1 classic sandals.

Best Lightweight Travel Shoes

New balance fuelcore nergize v1 sneaker.

Best Travel Fashion Sandals

Vionic rest amber backstrap sandal.

Best Versatile Travel Shoes

Brooks ghost 15 neutral running shoe.

Best Travel Slides

Birkenstock arizona soft footbed.

The fiber scientists and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab have been testing travel gear and footwear for decades, from the best running shoes for women to walking sandals , sneakers and more. We’ve evaluated and vetted hundreds of shoe styles for their construction, durability and performance in the Lab and sent consumer testers home with travel shoes. Testers report back on their fit, style and comfort over extended periods of wear. According to our footwear experts, travel enthusiasts and testers, these are the best travel shoes for your next trip.

After our top picks, keep reading to learn about what to look for when shopping for the best pair of travel shoes.

Tackle the Trevi fountain, the Louvre and Big Ben with these New Balance sneakers that will make you want to walk for miles. Featuring a roomy toe box for wider feet, a flexible knit upper and a lightweight design , they’re the perfect pair for all types of travelers. This style is a go-to among our testers thanks to their plush cushioning. Our pros also love that they’re available in a variety of colors so you can choose one that stands out or blends into the crowd.

READ MORE: The Best New Balance Shoes for Every Lifestyle

For a trendy, vintage look, consider these classic Reeboks that our very own product analysts own and love. "I love the simple, classic look that’s easy to dress up or dow n ," says Senior Textiles Analyst, Emma Seymour. "I find them comfortable to wear, but they’re stiffer and offer less cushioning," she warns, so anyone with joint pain or sensitivity should be cautious before purchasing. Still, their goes-with-anything vibe will easily take you from planes, trains and automobiles to restaurants and bars.

We all know that classic sneakers don’t always make you look like a local (or pair well with your cute dinner outfit), so why not consider these trendy slip-ons from Rothy’s? They’re casual, super comfortable and require very little breaking in, according to our footwear experts. Better yet, they’re machine washable so they’ll look as good as new even after your trip.

A Family Travel Awards winner , these popular Allbirds will easily squeeze into any suitcase without adding much weight or taking up much precious space. Our editors swear by how comfortable they are , naming them a must-have for trips to European capitals or destinations that require a lot of walking. On top of their lightweight design, breathability and supportive cushioning, We love the Tree Runners' classic style that comes in a variety of colors.

Sneakers aren’t the only shoes that can be comfortable, we promise. For those looking for a stylish flat for chicer destinations, our fiber scientists turn to this super cute pair of travel shoes from Birdies. Perfect for evenings out to dinner or visits to museums, we're fond of the seven-layer footbed that conforms to your foot and were impressed by the shoe's support and softness. Plus, they’re available in a variety of prints, patterns, colors and even half sizes.

Featuring support that rivals some sneakers, Chacos are a go-to if you hate being stuck inside sneakers or you're heading to a warm destination but still want plenty of security. A 2024 Travel Awards Winner , testers were impressed not only by the sandals’ support but also by the shoe’s built-in traction that helps prevent slipping on a variety of surfaces . Our experts also appreciate that the straps are adjustable so you can customize the perfect fit and that they're offered in a range of colors and prints.

Whether you’re bringing a carry-on or checking your luggage, it’s best to stick with lightweight travel shoes. To keep your total weight to a minimum without sacrificing comfort, our pros suggest this versatile pair of sneakers from New Balance that weighs just 150 grams per shoe . A favorite among our pros, these travel shoes allow for freedom of movement thanks to their breathable, mesh design at the front and can be easily slipped on. They were also recommended by the podiatrists we worked with to put together our list of the best walking shoes .

Vionic shoes are popular among our Lab experts for their high-quality construction and supportive designs. We love this orthotic disguised as a fashionable sandal for all occasions, whether you want to wear them during daytime tours or out for drinks in the evening. We appreciate that the footbed is made of soft microfiber so you’re comfy at all times and that the style is available in various sizes, widths and shades.

If you like to work out while you’re on vacation or think the best way to discover a town is by foot, consider bringing the Brooks Ghost 15 along for the trip. This neutral sneaker can be used for running and walking and is a top choice for anyone seeking stability and control. Our testers loved the Ghost 15 for its cushioning, support and traction and raved about their comfort.

Birkenstocks have even around since 1744 for a reason, and our product analysts and editors swear by the brand’s shoes for those who suffer from foot pain, bunions or other common issues. The Arizona is one of the brand’s most iconic designs and will look stylish (and feel comfortable) as you make your way around a new city while letting your toes breathe. We appreciate the shoe’s durable construction, which features a supportive cork footbed and genuine leather straps . For an even lighter option that’s perfect for the pool, consider the Arizona EVA model that's made entirely from plastic.

HOKA Bondi 8

Look around and you’ll probably see someone wearing HOKA sneakers . The brand's chunky sneaker style has a huge following. Though popular among runners, this French brand is also suitable for travel days thanks to its shoes' structure and support. To keep you on the move while walking through new cities (or if you’re someone with flat feet), our experts recommend the Bondi 8 for its plush cushioning and breathable mesh upper.

Crocs Classic Clogs

It’s hard to find shoes more lightweight, comfortable and convenient than Crocs, especially if you’re headed to a beach resort or plan to spend some time by the pool. Available in tons of fun colors and designs, our pros love how easy Crocs are to get on and off as well as their waterproof design. Just keep in mind that they lack the support needed for longer walks, so it’s best to keep them back at the hotel.

Merrell Moab 3

Heading to a national park this summer? These hiking shoes from Merrell are an absolute must. A top performer in Lab tests and a favorite among our testers, the Moab 3 is both super comfy and supportive. We love that they provide stability on rocky terrains and feature mesh panels to help keep your feet cool . Best of all, they’re on the lighter side for hiking shoes, so they won't weigh you down on your future adventures.

Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneakers

Our editors can't get enough of these classic sneakers from Cole Haan. They're the perfect match to any outfit , whether you're wearing a sun dress or a casual pair of jeans. We love their lightweight construction, soft cushioning and all-leather design that's built to last. They may be the only pair of shoes you'll need for a casual weekend getaway.

Asgard Chelsea Boots

Our Textiles Lab analysts rave about these small, lightweight waterproof booties that are perfect for a city break, whether you're heading to Seattle, London, Paris or another rainy destination. The waterproof design should keep your feet dry throughout your travels, and their value (under $40) is hard to beat. We also appreciate that they're available in other fun colors like red or yellow so you can match them to your raincoat .

Teva Universal Sandal

Not only are these fan-favorite Teva sandals extremely lightweight, but they’re super comfortable and perfect for all types of beachwear or water adventures . They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns, as well as a platform style for those who want a little added height. We also appreciate that they feature adjustable straps for a secure fit around your foot, whether you have wider or narrower feet. Plus, they pack down so small that they make great backpacking shoes.

Columbia Ice Maiden II

Planning a trip to a snowy destination or hitting the ski slopes ? These snow boots from Columbia are a favorite among GH Institute analysts. Not only are they noticeably lighter and more flexible than many other snow boots, but this A mazon bestseller has a wide, roomy toe box so your feet never feel cramped. Testers found that the boots offer excellent traction, generous cushioning and just enough warmth and support.

OOFOS OOahh Slide

OOFOS are technically recovery shoes that aren’t meant to be worn all day, but you'll be grateful to slip them on at your hotel after a long day of getting your steps in . We also don't see the harm in wearing them during a long flight or by the pool (just rinse them off in the shower should they get dirty). Consumer testers rave about OOFOS' arch support and comfort, as well as how easy they are to slip on and off. Plus, they're so light that you likely won't notice any added weight in your suitcase.

Blundstone Classics Chelsea Boots

The Blundstone brand hails from Australia so you can count on these rugged shoes for your next outdoor adventure. Not only are these Chelsea boots durable, but they’re made of water-resistant leather so your feet stay dry no matter the weather . Testers found this model to be both stylish and super comfortable once broken in and appreciate the built-in pull tabs to make it easier to take the shoes on and off.

ECCO Yucatan Sport Sandal

Heading to the Yucatan? Whether or not a trip to Mexico is in the books, our pros recommend these sandals for hikes, walks and outdoor activities. Those seeking arch support and stability will appreciate the sandal’s high-quality design and soft, EVA molded footbed , in addition to three adjustable straps. Our testers also claim that the sandals don’t cause blisters and have great traction on all types of terrain.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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