7 Best Travel Shoes for Every Occasion

Cobblestone streets, long staircases, muddy parks, and fancy restaurants are all in a day when you’re a frequent traveler wishing you had the perfect shoes. One of the great joys of traveling is exploring unknown territory, wandering through that gate to see what’s on the other side or climbing up that lighthouse for 360-degree views of the ocean.

That means you need shoes that can handle the unexpected – and you need to pack smart because shoes are the biggest space hogs in your suitcase. Ideally, you’ll need one pair of dress shoes for evening or nicer occasions and one great pair of walking shoes for day. Once you take weather into account – rain, snow, sweltering heat – your choices get more challenging.

Below are ten shoes I’ve personally worn while traveling. They encompass various styles and tastes, but they all have one thing in common: These shoes are comfortable enough to walk in all day, and they are well-constructed to withstand whatever comes along.

Lightweight Women’s Sneakers For Travel

The first thing I noticed as I lifted the Allbirds Women’s Tree Runners out of the box was how featherweight they are. That’s important for both packing and wearing, so I really wanted to love them. The good news is that it didn’t take long for the love affair to begin. Sliding into this shoe feels luxurious, helped along by the elasticized tongue that eliminates tugging. Eucalyptus tree fiber makes up the bulk of the shoe, so if you like to target environmentally-friendly products with small carbon footprints, this shoe is for you. Note: This shoe runs a little wide, so even those with wide feet might benefit from the regular sizing.

A Comfortable Sandal That Looks Chic

If you’re strolling through Old Town La Quinta or soaking in the galleries at the Met, you’ll want a sandal that doesn’t necessarily look like it just came in from a hike. Fortunately, Aerosole specializes in making shoes that are comfortable across the board, so you can stand and walk in virtually any design for hours. The new Aerosole Cornelia Raffia Sandals is no exception.

The 1.5 inch platform makes them especially comfortable, with thick cork cushioning in every step, and the scooped out peep toe slingback embodies a summer vibe. Whether you’re wearing shorts, a sundress, or a swimsuit, this shoe will pull it all together.

The Ideal Dress Shoe For Day Into Night

I audibly gasped when I unwrapped these gorgeous, classy Sarah Flint Mirjana Loafers from their individual cloth bags. The Italian craftsmanship is extraordinary – these are well-made shoes that will take you around the world in style. It’s hard to find a flat with a substantial sole that transitions well from day to night; this one is super thick for extra comfort and support when walking. Luxurious suede on the black shoe really elevates the look, and the X-marks-the-spot hardware on the toe box is eye-catching and regal. These shoes are perfect for evenings out – they are the type of accessory that takes a simple capsule travel wardrobe to elegant, just like that.

A Cozy Mule For Indoors And Outdoors

The Portland Gear Haven Mule shoe feels like wrapping your foot in a blanket. Just slide into it and it is instant comfort and warmth. Here’s what makes these shoes really interesting: The rubber outsoles mean you can wear them anywhere, indoors or out, and the uppers feel like the best slippers you’ve ever owned. The unique footbed is like finding the perfect mattress – not too hard, not too soft, but just right. The satiny Velcro strap across the top isn’t just for looks; you can adjust it for width. And the super soft synthetic suede upper makes even the outside of the shoe soft and cozy.

Water Repellant Shoes For Wet-Weather Travel

Everyone talks about shoes that feel like walking on a cloud, but the Vivaia Delilah Water Repellent Sneaker Boot Sliders really live up to that description. I put these through the harshest of climates on a trip to the Christmas markets in Prague and Germany. They withstood rain, constant uneven terrain, and miles and miles of walking. Through it all, they kept my feet dry, warm, and cozy. The elasticized fabric stretches nicely, and the finger hook on the heel makes these ankle boots easy to put on and take off. Stylistic designs on the ankles add some interest, as does the large, curved sole. It’s about 1-inch thick at the bowl and about 2 inches at the heel, and that’s precisely why it feels like you’re walking on a cloud. An additional internal heel support cradles your foot for added stability.

A Statement Shoe That’s Great For Travel

The minute I saw these shearling and suede Flower Mountain Kotetsu Sneakers I smiled, and I continued for quite a while after. That’s because these shoes are works of art for your feet. One example? Every time you tie them, you’ll smile at the flower petal lace holes. A variety of colors are available, but the cream and light pink are most versatile with a travel wardrobe. Perfect for the traveler who wants to make a playful statement, they’re also serious shoes in so many ways. The thick, shock absorbing treaded sole is topped with a very feminine and comfortable upper. An Agion inner soul provides plush cushioning on the bottom, combats odor-causing bacteria, and resists fungal, mold, and mildew growth. So if you’re looking for a statement shoe that’s also practical, you’ll get a kick out of these kicks.

A Walking Shoe For Summer and Winter Travel

Love a mule but need one that really offers support? The Message Henning Mule is actually made for athlete recovery, meaning the cork footbed is designed to rest post-exercise feet in the correct anatomical position. Imagine taking that one step further and wearing these supportive shoes as you trek across town. The hugflex™ upper molds to your feet with slight compression, so there’s no danger of slipping out of the mule. If you’re prone to blisters, you’ll love this shoe – nothing rubs, yet the shoe fits snugly and comfortably. These mules are lightweight for packing and breathable for long days of walking or standing in lines. A layer of warmth is added in the Shearling Shaw Slide and Shearling Henning Mule, perfect for travel to winter destinations, so keep a cool and warm version for year-round comfort.

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