28 Best Travel Shoes For Ultimate Comfort and Support

Best: Sockless shoe

Category: Daily Driver

Wanting to feel like you're walking on air all day long is for the birds—Allbirds, that is. Whether waiting in line for Space Mountain or trekking to the Trevi Fountain, you’ll appreciate Allbirds Wool Runners' comfortable sole that conforms to the flexibility of your foot.

We recommend Merino wool travel gear for many reasons, including its being naturally antimicrobial. Since Allbirds uses it for these shoes, you can rock the sockless look without worrying about them stinking up your luggage when you repack for the trip home. In fact, we recommend going sockless no matter what, as we’ve found that the shoe’s shape often makes ankle socks fall out of place.

While you could just raid your gym bag for comfortable walking shoes, we prefer a more streamlined look when considering the best shoes for travel. The Allbirds Wool Runners have a more trendy style and will complement the various pieces in your capsule wardrobe. Plus, each shoe is only 1 lb (453.6 g), so they won’t weigh down your bag like other bulky footwear does. And, bonus, you'll save space by leaving your socks home!

• The materials conform to your feet for supreme comfort
• We’ve had no issues with stinky feet even when wearing these without socks due to the moisture-wicking and antimicrobal properties of Merino wool

• These aren’t the best for a serious working out, so we only recommend them for everyday wear
• Users with sensitive skin might still need to wear socks, as the primary material is Merino wool

Best: Vegan friendly

Category: Daily Driver

The best travel shoes are ones you reach for every day of your trip. When you’re looking for a minimalist shoe to take you through the morning trip to the cafe, a day spent exploring museums and the local park, and that still looks good when you hit the pub for some local flavor, the Xero Shoes Prio are good to grab.

These are an excellent choice for vegan world travelers since Xero uses 100% vegan-friendly products, including rubber, canvas, and microfiber. We love that don't skimp on comfort and durability, either—we barely feel like we’re wearing shoes when we have them on If you start to feel like you need a refresh, there’s a 5,000-mile warranty on the soles. Xero says if they've worn down to a 1 mm thickness on the outsoles at the heel or ball of your foot within that time, you can get a new pair for 60% off.

Unlike many other comfortable walking shoes, these compress to fit easily in your daypack. You can even roll them up, though we don’t recommend leaving them that way as it may put an undue strain on the materials. They're lightweight, too (between 6.4 and 7.6 ounces each, depending on your size), so they won't add much to your baggage limit.

• They’re vegan-friendly
• They have a barefoot feel that feels natural on your feet

• These are not ideal if you’ll be traveling in cold climates
• The materials will fold after a while of being packed in your bag

Best: Versatile travel shoe

Category: Daily Driver

You may read the word “Skechers” and think, “that’s not for me.” Bear with us, though, because the Skechers GOwalk4 Travel Shoes are not the clunky designs you remember from the early aughts. These lightweight loafers have a slimmer look you can wear with pants, shorts, skirts, and casual dresses, making packing for one bag travel a breeze. And if loafers aren’t your thing, they’re available in eight different versions for maximum versatility, including lace-up styles.

While you can sport no-show socks with these, the bamboo-lined inner sole resists odors, so you can opt to go sockless, too. Skechers improved the water resistance of these comfortable walking shoes from the prior version, so you're set for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

These may be the best shoes for your travels, thanks to the Goga Pillars (pillars on the bottom of the shoe that cushion any hard impacts) and responsive midsole cushioning that will put a spring in every step you take. We’ve had no issues walking around for days in this shoe—in fact, we’ve tested these for over a year across seventeen countries and various terrain. Our complaints are largely aesthetic, so if that’s not a concern (or you like the style anyway), this is a great travel shoe to consider.

At just over 5 ounces each, they won’t weigh down your bag, so you don’t have to fear the scale when you check in for your flight. If you do go over, have a look—the soles are prone to picking up rocks, so you may be able to ditch a few ounces if you spy any hiding under your feet.

• They’re easy to slip on and go
• After over a year of testing, they’re still shockingly comfortable/li>

• The style isn’t very versatile, so they won’t work for a fancy dress event
• You won’t be able to work out with these

Best: Hiking sandal

Category: Sandal/Flip Flop

Feel the air on your feet as you traverse the trails and woods of the world with these travel shoes from Teva. The sturdy EVA footbed will take on all-day adventures, and you can adjust the straps to get the right fit. This version of the iconic Hurricane has soft padding on the heel strap to prevent rubbing and blisters, and the updated sole has even better traction than before, so you can grip the ground as you climb the forest floor or the pyramid steps. Plus, the upper is adjustable in three different spots, so it’s really easy to get a customized fit.

They’re environmentally friendly, too: the fast-drying webbing is made with recycled plastic, saving four plastic bottles from landfills. Teva will also keep them out of the trash when you’re ready for an upgrade—the TevaForever recycling program accepts any style of your well-loved Teva travel shoes to save them from the dump.

In our experience, these are excellent shoes for activities like rock hunting because you can wear them into the water. They're secured onto your feet so you won't lose them, and you can pick up all the pretty rocks and shells you want while wading through the water. Since they're small enough to save space in your pack, you can bring your finds home!

• They’re lightweight but sturdy, so you can wear them anywhere
• Because of the design, they’re incredibly packable

• If you get cold feet, these aren’t for you
• Rocks can sneak inside under your foot and be hard to remove

Best: Versatile adventure shoe

Category: Daily Driver

The Hoka Transport blends style, comfort, and versatility that can take you nearly anywhere, from city streets to Disney World and a rugged mountain trail. There are men's and women's versions available, so you can get a shoe that works perfectly for your foot. Plus, there are seven colorways available at the time of writing, so you can get a shoe that'll go with your travel clothing or go with something more generic like black, white, or gray to go with any outfit.

The Vibram® EcoStep Natural outsole is durable and will give you a pep in your step to explore new places or head into the office the morning before your weekend getaway. The upper is crafted from CORDURA® RE/CORETM with 100% rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is sustainable, durable, and breathable. Plus, you can go for a run once you arrive if you're feeling sporty the morning after you arrive at your destination. These might be the best travel shoes for your next trip based on the fit, comfort, and versatility!

• They offer maximum support on all sides
• The upper is durable and recycled, making it more sustainable

• They’re a bit sporty looking for some outfits
• They don’t pack down very small

Best: Hybrid running/walking shoe

Category: Daily Driver

Brooks Ghost Running Shoes are some of the most popular trainers for runners, walkers, and adventure seekers. Whether you're hitting the asphalt to train for a 5K, walking all day, or want to be comfortable on your feet, these shoes are a solid option. Plus, there are 40 colorways at the time of writing, men's and women's versions, and four widths to choose from. That way, you can find a shoe that matches your vibe and fits your foot with precision!

Despite being lightweight for running, the soles on these shoes are no slouch. It offers support and protection without slowing you down. They look sporty, which is going to only work for some travelers and some trips; however, you can always find a use for a pair of comfortable walking shoes!

• They’re great for running, hiking, and general use
• There are a ton of colorways to choose from

• They look like running shoes, which won’t work for everyone
• If you take your running shoes while traveling, your pack might smell

Best: Barefoot boot

Category: Taking Care of Business

Tossing boots, dress shoes, and tennis shoes in your pack takes up a lot of room in your bag. Luckily, the Vivobarefoot Gobi III may be the best travel shoes on the market for you, since its minimalist boot-like look complements plenty of styles. The Gobi III desert boots strike a balance between urban and rural fashion so you can pack just one pair of shoes for your business meeting and your after-work stroll—you can wear these for the entire trip!

They're made primarily of biodegradable Portuguese leather, with the remainder of the shoe made from other renewable natural materials like organic cotton and an insole made from sugar cane. We’ve noticed that they take a little getting used to because of the barefoot design and stiff (to start) leather, but they’ll soon become the most comfortable walking shoes you own. The cork insole is very slim and flexible, and it helps ease the transition to barefoot soles. Don't be surprised if once you turn minimalist, you don't want to go back; we love feeling grounded as we do with Vivobarefoot.

• You can use these as boots, dress shoes, and athletic shoes in a pinch
• They offer a unique, sleek look that isn’t common for barefoot shoes

• The fit takes some getting used to, both because of the barefoot design and leather upper that requires some breaking in
• Some users don’t like the cork insole–it can get slimy

Best: Slip-on sneaker

Category: Daily Driver

Set it and forget it with the Vessi Cityscape. We streamline the travel process whenever possible, and the stretch knit upper of the Cityscape lets us lace these comfortable walking shoes up once, then slip them on and off with ease at the airport or Airbnb. These shoes are the best for travel because they have a lightweight but grippy sole and extremely-supportive molded insoles.

In our experience, these shoes feel as if you're wearing a comfortable pair of socks all the time, no matter what you're doing. That doesn't mean it won't eventually get a little sweaty in there, but it's still comfortable.

They’ve got an urban look and feel that’s just as stylish in the beer garden as they are at the Met. They’re waterproof, too—it's built right into the knit fabric so your feet are protected from winter slush and spring rains. Its breathable, though, so your feet won't sweat. If they start developing unsavory aromas, slip the built-in anti-odor layer out for washing to be a good travel companion. You don't want your hotel room to smell like a locker.

• You can slip them on so you’re ready to roll at a moment’s notice
• The design works as well at the bar as it does on a first date

• The sole is squeaky for longer than expected, though it fades with time
• They run a little small

Best: Comfortable walking shoes

Category: Daily Driver

Diving into the world of barefoot shoes can be jarring for first-time users. The good news is that the Lems Chillum is a good entry point for those who want to try out the style. The pair's relatively thick soles make them comfortable walking shoes while still delivering that barefoot sensation. They're also easy to pack thanks to their lightweight and flexible construction. And, because of its clean style, it also doesn't look radically different from regular shoes if you want to blend in more naturally.

That said, if you're looking for the (nearly) full barefoot shoe experience, then the Chillum probably isn't for you. The thick soles also have a zero drop design that is uniform and level from heel to toe. In other words, while the Chillum is a beginner-friendly best travel shoes pick, it may not satisfy enthusiasts.

• They’re barefoot shoes that aren’t as shocking for those looking to get into the style
• The shoes are lightweight and easy to pack

• They don’t offer the whole barefoot experience, so we recommend enthusiasts look elsewhere
• There are limited colorways available, though they’re pretty basic, so there’s a chance one will work for you

Best: Day-to-night travel sandals

Category: Sandal/Flip Flop

Sometimes you want to take your travel shoe style up a notch. You can with the Townes, a sleek sandal that adapts to many situations. The leather construction is comfortable when you detour onto a dusty trail to take in the views of a national park or the sights of the river walk.

They look just as nice with jeans as with dresses, and we appreciate the duality when looking for the best sandals for one-bag travel. You can slip these on at home, get through security and your flight, and then hit the ground running to take in all the sights when you reach your destination, all without switching shoes (though we’d opt for the socks and sandals look before walking barefoot at the airport).

The full-grain leather Chaco Townes is available in a few different designs topped with a metal buckle. Choose from neutral colorways knowing you’ll have comfortable walking shoes, thanks to the cushy footbed that cradles your feet with substantial arch support. Just be prepared for some squeaking until they break in—we’ve noticed the soles are a pretty loud right of the box.

• They have a more formal feel without losing the athletic look we often see in similar sandals from Chaco
• You can wear them at the beach, around town, and in the store

• Avoid getting them wet if possible, as we’ve noticed they can get a bit slimy and the leather takes a while to dry
• We don’t love them for days with a ton of walking—at least not until they’re fully broken in

Best: Easy on and off

Category: Daily Driver

What makes the Vessi Weekend the best travel shoes is their easy use. Even with the lace-up tennis shoe design, they can be slipped on quickly when you need to rush out the door—great for making it on time for your flight and removing them at TSA without holding up the line. They also have a surprisingly breathable waterproof design and a soft footbed that won't leave you sore after a long day of touring the city.

Watch out for dirt, though. The Weekend's fabric is fairly susceptible to soot and mud and may catch some blemishes as you walk down the sidewalk. We dig the light colorways, but it's a shame whenever it gets marked up. That said, it's no harder to clean than other casual shoes.

• We can slip them on and off quickly and easily
• It’s a pretty versatile look even though they lean on the more casual side

• They pick up dirt and grime easily; we still haven’t been able to remove a mysterious stain from a trip to Thailand
• The white soles dirty quicker than the upper (unless you go with the all-white shoe, in which case all bets are off)

Best: Minimalist sandal

Category: Sandal/Flip Flop

When Pack Hacker team members dream about the best sandal for travel, this is the footwear we're wearing. Seriously, though, the Earth Runners Primal Sandals are a minimalist packer's dream: they're extremely thin, lightweight, and flexible. You can run in them or stroll down the beach without that slapping noise you get with flip-flops. We recommend just walking in the rain since it gets a bit slippery, though the bottom tread provides excellent traction otherwise.

What sets these apart from other best travel shoes is how form-fitting they are. Once you break them in, you won't even notice they're there because of the barefoot sandal design. You want to focus on that once-in-a-lifetime sunset or the friends you're on safari with, after all—not your shoes. The best travel shoes blend into the background, so you don't feel your feet after a day spent standing on them, and these fit the bill.

• They don’t slap onto the ground while you’re wearing them
• The ultra-minimalist design takes up virtually no space in a travel backpack

• The thin strap isn’t as secure as other everyday sandals
• These have a barefoot design that takes some getting used to

Best: Eco-friendly travel shoe

Category: Daily Driver

We love exploring the world, so we like to be kind to Mother Earth. These travel shoes from Rothy’s check that mark—they spin their signature thread from recycled plastic, and about 13 bottles are kept from landfills with each pair of these sneakers. The company is working to be LEED- and TRUE-certified by using green building practices and getting down to zero waste.

Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style, either. These comfortable walking shoes slip on for easy traveling—just pop them off and on as you wend your way through TSA. Pick from a variety of classic and seasonal colorways and patterns—from solid navy or white to leopard—and pop them in the washing machine when needed. The shoe fits true to size for most, though we recommend sizing up if you like to pair them with no-show socks, as they don’t stretch over time. If you’re hunting for the best travel shoes that are sustainable, these hit the mark.

• They’re crafted from recycled plastic but don’t feel like it
• We dig how easy it is to slip them on

• They work for every occasion—well, within reason
• We don’t think they’re the best choice for multiple days of extended walking

Best: Beach sandals

Category: Sandal/Flip Flop

BIRKENSTOCKS aren’t typically what we reach for when combing the beach, but since the Arizona Essentials are made with EVA instead of cork and leather, we feel free to dash into the waves to rescue the Frisbee without fear of ruining them.

Let the jokes about “BIRKEN-Crocs” fly, but these are lightweight, waterproof travel shoes that still rock the contoured footbed we love in our #birkies. Depending on the colorway you’re sporting, they can resemble leather, and the sides of the soles have a textured look that mimics a traditional pair. The adjustable straps allow us to find the perfect fit, and the bold colorway options let us sport our style.

In our experience, these shoes are the perfect option for a road trip because of how durable and easy to slip on they are. If you need to run into the gas station to pay or get snacks, you can easily throw them on and go. If you want to unwind in the car without shoes on, pop them back off. They’re rugged enough to hold up to short hikes or walks around the campground. After you’re done climbing the dunes, just rinse the sand off—they’ll be clean and dry in no time. If you plan to hit the beach frequently, these might be the best travel shoes for you. Just don’t be surprised when the lighter colorways start to show dirt—our white pair isn’t quite as shiny as it used to be, though we’ve noticed stains only stick around if you leave them on for a while.

• You can pop them on and off quickly, whether you’re barefoot or wearing socks
• They’re durable and waterproof, so they’re great for vacations or beach trips

• The entire shoe is one material, so there’s no cushy footbed to add insulation or grip
• You probably won’t get any compliments if you choose to wear socks with them

Best: Women’s dress shoe

Category: Taking Care of Business

A little black dress can fit the bill for nearly every occasion, so why not a little black shoe? Tieks has taken this closet staple and turned it into the best shoe for travel with a split sole that allows the ballet slippers to fold in half, with the toe tucking into the heel to fit easily in your carry-on bag. The soles are non-skid and have a cushioned instep to keep you comfortable throughout the day and into the night, and the padded back protects against rubbing.

While we’re recommending a neutral color for versatility, they come in a wide variety of shades and patterns if monochrome isn’t your thing—all with the same bright teal sole. The disadvantage is that the sole is visible even when you’re wearing the shoe, giving you a pop of color whether you want it or not. However, we like that the full-grain Italian leather develops a patina over time, and the simple design looks just as well with lululemon leggings as with a flowy dress, so these are the best travel shoes for day to night.

• They fold up to pack down incredibly small to fit into your pack
• They’re easy to dress up or down for everyday or formal wear

• Every model has a teal sole, which is visible even when you’re wearing the shoe
• The folding design is great for storage, though we find them hard to flatten out again

Best: Vacation running shoe

Category: Daily Driver

You may be on vacation, but training waits for no one. What to do? Pack a running shoe that's the best for travel with its malleable upper, of course.

The Nike Free Run 2018 is good for getting in shorter runs, and its flexible design is easy to fit in your tote or backpack for that last-minute trip to Chicago. They weigh less than many other running shoes, though you don't have to sacrifice performance. The rounded heel rolls with the ground as you stride, providing support in a lightweight option.

Lace them up and live like a local, running along Lake Michigan and seeing the pleasure boaters, water taxis, and more while you get in your morning exercise. The soft, lightweight sole mimics your foot's natural movement by expanding and contracting with every landing and push-off, so you'll still have a spring in your step when it's time to hit Navy Pier and the Field Museum. For trips short and long, these are some of the best travel shoes to get you there.

• You can wear them for more intense workouts or long walks across the city
• They slip in quickly and easily

• They look sporty (maybe in a good way)
• They aren’t the best running shoes on this list

Best: Dad shoe

Category: Daily Driver

Everybody needs a pair of dad shoes. That might seem like an insult, but we don't mean it as one. A dad shoe is where comfort, practicality, and price take priority over style. That's not to say that the New Balance 574 Core isn't a stylish shoe (we think it is); however, you won't see these strolling down the runway at fashion week. That said, what they don't have in cutting-edge fashion sense, they make up for in versatility, comfort, and support for your feet. Those are important things to think about while traveling!

These shoes can be dressed up or down. You probably shouldn't wear them to a wedding, but if you did, you'd probably get less crap than you think you might. These aren't active shoes, but because of their design, you can wear them walking around all day without much discomfort. You won't find them in vibrant colorways, but their subdued look, combined with the versatility we've gone over, make them one of the best travel shoes on this list.

• These shoes have support, comfort, and stability without going over-the-top in design to get it
• We dig the colorway options available

• They’re dad shoes, for better or worse
• You can’t easily work out in them, so they’re best as a daily driver

Best: Boat shoe

Category: Taking Care of Business

Be the captain of your adventure when you slip on Sperry travel shoes. These are the original boat shoe, and they stand the test of time, getting more comfortable with each wear. The hand-sewn full-grain leather moccasins mold to fit your feet like a comfy pair of slippers. Lace them up to get the perfect fit, and they also go on and off with ease, smoothing the path through security. We’ve noticed they run a little big, so we recommend sizing down a half size. Plus, the leather will break in over time, so they’ll loosen up even more.

Luckily, you'll look stylish in one of several neutral colorways, which pair well with jeans, shorts, and skirts. The whole family can get set in Sperry and stay comfortable walking for hours staring at new sights, thanks to the Ortholite cushioning. Then take an evening stroll along the boardwalk and salute the Skipper—you'll feel right at home. If you love being on the water, these are some of the best travel shoes on the market.

• They slip on fast and easy
• They’re on the dressier side for a slip-on shoe

• You’ll need to take care of them to keep them from smelling over time (or just wear socks more often than not)
• Your feet might get cold on chillier evenings on the water

Best: Support for bad feet

Category: Sandal/Flip Flop

The high-density foam and EVA midsole Clarks uses in its Breeze Sea sandals make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud—we think that’s why they call them Cloudsteppers. What’s in a name, though? A rose is still a rose, and these sandals have a supportive, softly-lined Ortholite footbed to cushion your soles throughout your travel adventures. Clarks built its brand on designing shoes for those with foot problems, and these sandals are no exception. They’re travel shoes that will keep you going throughout the day, whether at the beach, the farmer’s market, or the museum, so you don’t have aching arches by dinnertime.

They tend to run a little big, although there’s a hook-and-loop closure so you can find the perfect fit, and the narrower design helps keep them from feeling too loose. Choose from a rainbow of colors to match every outfit and occasion, including some fun metallic options, to be set for wherever the breeze blows you.

• They’re incredibly comfortable thanks to high-density foam and EVA
• They offer support for those with foot issues

• They run slightly large while still being on the narrow side of things
• They can look a little—ahem—outdated depending on the color you choose

Best: Supportive sandal

Category: Sandal/Flip Flop

The OOFOS OOriginal Sandal comes highly recommended by Pack Hacker Pro Member William, so we knew we had to try them for ourselves. William raved about their comfort and how long they last and described to us that he’s had multiple pairs over the years. Once we got them at our HQ in Detroit and saw their durability first-hand, it was game over! In addition to being a more durable thong-style flip flop, the sole is thick enough to offer more support than we're used to getting from this kind of shoe.

That said, they don't pack down as small as other flip flops and sandals, which might not be ideal for ultralight packers. That said, you can compress them small enough, and the comfort offered by this model makes them a worthy addition to the best travel shoes post!

• They’re more durable than others of a similar style
• They have more support than you’d expect

• They don’t pack down as small as other sandals
• Some users don’t like how thick the upper is

Best: Water shoe

Category: Daily Driver

Climbing Dunn River Falls is an iconic excursion in Jamaica, but there’s nothing more creepy than renting swim shoes from a stand by the side of the road. Plan ahead and pack your Tropicfeel Monsoon Sneakers since these are water-resistant travel shoes you can wear on land or in the sea.

They’re super lightweight and packable, which is why they made it on our Vacation Packing List, and the breathable mesh and built-in drainage holes make them a no-brainer for dashing into the waves. In fact, they’re so breathable that we can actively feel a breeze come through the shoe when we’re wearing them outside. That’s great for keeping your feet cool, though it’s also why we recommend wearing socks on colder days and putting these shoes away for the winter.

Tropicfeel has sped up the process of tying your shoes with sprint laces, although there’s a learning curve: if the knots are tight, the laces can stick out, but when we move the knots to the end, the shoes can get a little loose. Play around to find what works for you, and then find the nearest waterfall to climb on your next adventure.

• They’re water-resistant and include holes to let water drain out if you wear them as water shoes
• You can comfortably wear them through the city, on sand, or in the water

• It takes a while to get used to the laces
• They aren’t as comfortable when they’re soaked

Best: Travel slipper

Category: Comfort

On a long-haul flight, we want to lay back and relax like we’re on the couch at home to help the hours speed past. Get that couch-potato feel, without the slouchy look, with The Outdoor Slipper from Greys. They are the perfect travel shoe if you’re focused on comfort because the wool blend is soft and won’t cause your feet to overheat, and the sole and reinforced toe box make them sturdy enough to wear outside without the fear of slipping you get in plush-bottomed slippers.

Yes, these are slippers, but they’ve got a sleek look you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in, thanks to the fact that they have full coverage on the heel. You don't want anyone to see that hole you're hiding in your favorite socks, after all. They’re odor-resistant, too, for the comfort of your travel companions. Once you reach your destination, switch them out or keep them on—we won’t judge your travel shoe choice!

• They’re easy to slip on and off at a moment’s notice
• The materials are incredibly cozy

• Some users note that their feet sweat more than usual in them
• They take up a lot of room while traveling, and since they’re not designed for everyday wear, we recommend bringing them on trips where you’re spending lots of time indoors

Best: For rugged adventures

Category: Daily Driver

When you're looking for a travel shoe that can conquer cobblestone streets, climb mountains and run a 10K race, look no further than the Lems Mesa. Oh, and did we mention it's also great for exploring new places and taking you from gate to gate at the airport?

While they give off an athletic shoe vibe, it's still a pretty nice aesthetic, provided you're not trying to make a business presentation. The exterior of the vegan shoes is lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying knit mesh, so wearing these shoes feels a lot like wearing socks. And since they dry so quickly, you don't have to worry about repacking them after a sudden downpour or if you end up with sweatier-than-usual feet after a day of walking around a new city.

The EVA midsole and molded PU footbed are comfortable enough to do that, though, and the outsole is a textured rubber that grips most surfaces out there, from concrete to gravel to dirt. Even so, you can fold these puppies in half to squeeze them into your travel backpack. While we wouldn't recommend doing so for long because it can strain the materials, their compressibility helps check all the boxes of a good travel shoe.

• They’re durable and rugged enough for the roughest outdoor adventures
• They’re comfortable in any environment

• Not a ton of structure compared to other outdoor shoes
• The tongue may bother those with thicker ankles because of the size

Best: Lightweight versatile shoe

Category: Daily Driver

The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 is an everyday shoe that can be worn everywhere, making it the ultimate travel companion for trips of all shapes and sizes. At the time of writing, there are 16 colorway options, so you can get a pair that matches your vibes, too. The lyocell upper is comfortable and breathable, so you can get through the day without too much foot sweat.

In addition to having outstanding comfort, this shoe is stylish, too. Depending on the colorway that you choose, these sneakers can be dressed up or down, worn for a light workout, or taken on a hike. No matter where you go, they’ll make you look like you belong there!

• You can wear them anywhere, from the city to the trail
• There are more than a dozen colorways available

• Those with ankle issues. might want more support
• The lighter colorways are challenging to keep clean

Best: Barefoot everyday shoe

Category: Taking Care of Business

When you’re looking for an everyday shoe that doesn’t sacrifice minimalist form for design, we dig the aesthetics of the Vivobarefoot Ra III. We like that barefoot shoes like the Ra III easily compress to fit inside limited bag space, and these shoes look nice enough to wear just about anywhere, whether you’re taking in local museums and markets or getting a little fancier for dinner out.

The Oxford-style lace-up shoe is made with Wild Hide leather, a naturally scarred leather of free-roaming cattle raised by small-scale farmers in Ethiopia. While this makes us feel good from an ethical-sourcing standpoint, we also like that the flexible and breathable shoes will continue looking as good as the day we got them because we plan to take them on trips for years. While the low-top design isn’t as good for protecting your ankles on motorbikes in our experience, the packability is a worthy trade-off. And hey, bringing these shoes along on your next trip means you can save space on socks, too.

• They compress enough so you can fit them into nearly any travel backpack
• The leather is durable and offers a unique look

• The look feels stuck in-between dressy and casual
• The design doesn’t offer much protection for your ankles

Best: To complement a variety of styles

Category: Daily Driver

With Alveomesh uppers that are light and breathable and an inner sock construction for comfort, the VEJA Condor 2 Road-Running Shoes are a supportive shoe that’s pretty easy to keep clean. VEJA uses vegan and sustainable materials throughout its product line, and while some models are sportier, we think these shoes pair well with casual attire and slightly dressier clothing. That makes them a good choice for your capsule wardrobe, provided you’re not planning to travel to a wedding or another more formal event.

More than half the materials used in the shoes are recycled or bio-based, like the uppers, linings, and laces, which come from recycled plastic bottles. The outsoles are 30% Amazonian rubber that’s naturally sticky, so you won’t slip on the trail or a wet sidewalk. And if you want to work out on your trip, these will be great travel companions.

• They offer a ton of support and sole comfort
• The materials are crafted from recycled plastic bottles

• They can run tight on the sides
• There are limited colorways available

Best: Hypebeast comfort

Category: Daily Driver

We know what you might be thinking: Ultraboosts?! On the best travel shoes post?! Well, hear us out. These Adidas kicks are stylish and have enough support to be comfortable all day, whether exploring a new city, wandering through new museums, or taking a short hike. The sole is thick so that you can rely on them on uneven city streets, too. Some users might not like the raised heel section, but we think it adds comfort and structure to the shoe. It isn't suffocating, either, which is a perk for people with sweaty feet.

In addition to being comfortable, the Adidas Ultraboost's stylish design comes in a variety of colorways. Plus, there are spin offs that stay true to the Ultraboost comfort level while adding uniqueness to an incredibly popular shoe. Watch out—sometimes, these special releases will cost you an arm and a leg! A quick search on StockX showcases unique models ranging from $100 to just under $3,000, proving that there's something here for every style and price range.

• We love the style for specific trips
• You’ll be comfortable in these all day long, even while crossing an unfamiliar city

• They don’t dress up at all
• It takes a while to get used to the heel design

Best: Leather travel shoe

Category: Taking Care of Business

The täōs Winner is one of the more unique shoes on this list, and we're here for it. The upper is crafted from leather, which is durable and looks sleek. There are white and black models available. We like both but wish something was in the middle, too. In addition to lacing like a standard pair of shoes, there's a zipper on the side to give you easier access to putting the shoe on and off. This is handy for those who like to get up and go in a jiffy and at the airport when you're putting your shoes on and off at security.

Despite looking more like a high-top in photos, these feel more like a mid-cut shoe. We find them supportive, especially on the inside of your foot, and are comfortable enough to wear around all day. If you aren't used to wearing a shoe that rides higher up on your ankle, it can take some getting used to, but we’ve noticed they break in quickly. The black model feels somewhat dressy, which has perks, but it can feel too formal for some outfits, limiting its use as a travel shoe.

• We dig the leather upper
• The zipper is handy for popping them on and off at the airport

• We wish that there was a colorway other than black and white
• Getting used to the fit takes a while