If you think about it, traveling is basically a full-body workout. Your eyes and ears are constantly receiving new information and capturing new memories, while your brain functions as an internal GPS. You’re building biceps from lugging weekender bags and rolling suitcases, and of course, no other part of your body gets nearly as much action as the feet. When you’re clocking upwards of 10K steps on a daily basis — hopping from sight to sight and running around to catch flights — you better make sure that your choice of comfortable footwear is up for the challenge.
“The best shoes for traveling are shoes that you can walk and stand in for long distances and periods of time,” says Dr. Bradley Schaeffer DPM, a podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Central Park Sole, a practice in NYC. “I always say: our feet are our body’s shock absorbers and need to be taken care of, with cushioning, support, and stabilization.” As the star of the popular TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me, Dr. Bradley is the expert when it comes to the best travel shoes that are stylish, practical, and kind to your feet. Read ahead for his top recommendations for shoes you can comfortably jet-set in.
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“The cause of most pain and irritation comes from repeated tearing and stretching when standing a lot, walking, or running,” says Dr. Bradley. “Arch support is one of the most important things to look for when buying any shoe, but especially for strenuous or long-range activities. It affects comfort and can help prevent a myriad of issues.”
The award-winning sneaker brand HOKA is his top pick. This bestselling Clifton style features a compression-molded midsole — made from recycled foam — and an extended heel crash pad, both of which makes a huge difference in protecting your arches by absorbing friction.
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Hoka Clifton 8, $, available at Hoka
Dr. Bradley also recommends looking for shoes made with breathable fabrics, mainly woven materials like nylon and cotton. These slip-resistant shoes come in a breathable mesh upper, and reviews have sung many praises for the memory foam insoles that mold to your feet. The deep discount sweetens the deal.
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AKK Walking Tennis Shoes, $, available at Amazon
Natural leathers, such as suede and calf, are also breathable materials for shoes. Adidas has just reissued new colorways for its highly popular Gazelle 85 shoe range, with a modified toe design and a more eye-catching take on its iconic triple stripes. The suede upper and leather lining keep your feet cool and comfy, and the bright orange hue will put an extra spring in your step.
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Adidas Gazelle 85 Shoes, $, available at Adidas
According to Dr. Bradley, your shoes should also provide a good balance transfer for one’s gait — that’s the movement from when your heel strikes the ground until the toe lifts off, propelling forward at the end of one’s step. A heel that is too high or too flat will affect your gait and tire your feet, legs, knees, and even hips and back.
With a low heel that comes at a slight curve, these lace-up loafers have just the right type of rubber outsole for a uniform step. The elastic shoelaces also stretch out with the movement of the foot to allow more breathing room. Combined with the barely-there weight of the shoe (at under five ounces), and you get why the product has nabbed over 100,000 and counting positive reviews. These can also be rolled up for easier packing.
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Hey Dude Wendy Lace-Up Loafers, $, available at Amazon
Even though sneakers might seem like the default travel shoe, there are plenty of travel-friendly boots and more formal shoes out there as well. Dr. Bradley explains it’s all about the cushioning: “Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage,” he says. “The length and width of the shoe, especially the toe box room, matters because you don’t want your heel or foot slipping around, your toes jamming into the front of the shoe, or the sides of your feet rubbing”
These slick black boots will kick nasty blisters to the curb, thanks to their contoured footbed and ultra-spongy cushioning. There is extra room in the toe box to accommodate wearers suffering from bunions and swelling feet.
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Sole Bliss Roxy Boot In Black Leather, $, available at Sole Bliss
If you’re on a vacation that requires lots of walking around, keeping your feet stable is the key. “Look for shoes with a quality tread so that you’re stable and balanced when coming in contact with the ground,” Dr. Bradley says. These lightweight shoes from Ryka are quite literally made for walking, with soft cushioning that molds to the shape of your foot and high-performance arch support. Most of the feedback is from reviewers that have to stand for long periods of time at work — and they all swear by the shoe.
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Ryka Sky Walking Shoe, $, available at Amazon
FitFlop never misses when it comes to making shoes that feel like a dream to walk in, and these strappy leather sandals are no exception. This writer has made several repeated purchases of this shoe style from FlipFlop over the years, I and can vouch for the high quality. These shoes weigh next to nothing, and the double straps are perfect for keeping my feet secure. The cushioning is also top-notch: I’ve done eight-plus hours of walking on city streets and didn’t feel a thing. They also look so cute with any travel outfit, from casual summer dresses to flare jeans. Sign up for the brand’s newsletter to knock 15% off the price.
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FitFlop Gracie Leather Sandals, $, available at FitFlop
If you’re dealing with limited space in a suitcase, Alterre’s line of shapeshifting footwear — flats, sandals, and boots with interchangeable straps — feels like a true godsend. This AAPI-founded brand sells modular shoe parts in a wide variety of prints and colors that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. All you need to do is hook the interchangeable straps to the fixture at the bottom. Our favorite is the classic black sandal, which can be worn as a mule on its own or with black suede, snakeskin print, or gold ankle straps. The stacked heel is sturdy enough to handle all matters of activities, while the bottom of the heel is capped with recycled plastic to prevent wear and tear.
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Alterre Black Sandal + Gold Elsie Strap, $, available at Alterre
While it’d be nice to have a pair of rain boots handy when you are going somewhere that rains and snows a lot (or you know you’ll be trekking through mud), it’s not always practical given their weight and bulkiness. These ankle-length rain boots are a much more travel-friendly option, thanks to a cropped shaft and thickly padded, shock-resistant insole. The anti-odor lining means it will keep your feet bone dry and stench-free.
Shop Grundéns
Grundéns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots, $, available at Grundéns
When it comes comfy travel footwear that’s also dressy enough for more formal occasions, you can’t go wrong with a pair of loafers. These well-made leather slides are cushy enough for all-day strolling. The higher tongue (the front piece of the shoes) means that your feet won’t slip out by accident. Fans of the brand have also commented on how much they love the cloud-like padding.
Shop Everlane
Everlane The Modern Loafer, $, available at Everlane
Anyone who’s ever struggled to remove their shoes quickly at the TSA checkpoint will know the importance of wearing something that slides off easily. These cleverly designed canvas sneakers are just the right ticket to breezy airport travels, thanks to back panels that can be quickly folded down at the heel, making it a lot easier for the foot to slide in and out. The footwear startup’s patented Rabbit Foam outsoles are so soft and enveloping, you’ll feel like these shoes have been broken into forever ago. The insoles are machine-washable, too.
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Kizik Prague Sneakers, $, available at Kizik
Ballet flats are popular choices for flying, but unfortunately, they are not the most naturally supportive. “If you are locked in on ballet flats, look for a pair that has appropriate arch support built in and some proper cushioning, or put in new insoles,” says Dr. Bradley. These machine-washable flats have a spongey, moisture-wicking foam insole that’s been likened to yoga mats. Generous padding is added to the heels to prevent blisters.
Shop Vivaia
Vivaia Margot Square-Toe V-Cut Flats, $, available at Vivaia
Vionic is another shoe brand that has won top marks from Dr. Bradley, and the podiatrist gives a special shoutout to its non-slip insoles that come with arch support aplenty. These canvas slip-ons are made from sustainable materials and with a footbed designed for orthotic comfort. The best part? You can throw them into the washer — just make sure that you take the insoles out first.
Shop Vionic
Vionic Beach Pismo Casual Sneaker, $, available at Vionic
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