18 Best Travel Shoes, Approved by Podiatrists & Tested by Editors
As a longtime travel writer, I can tell you: The last thing you need on any trip is a blister. That’s why it pays to invest in the best travel shoes, from comfortable walking sneakers with arch support to cushioned slip-ons that can carry you all day long.
What exactly makes a great travel shoe? Miguel Cunha, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of New York City’s Gotham Footcare, recommends looking for shoes with adequate arch support in order to reduce pain and discomfort, and with enough cushioning in the heel and midsole to reduce impact on joints. Some other key features include a proper fit, a spacious toe box, breathability, and stability.
I’ve tested a variety of shoes on my travels and have found the best pairs for just about any situation, including rainy weather, hikes, dressy dinners, and standing all day on walking tours. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice on style. Yes, even if you have bunions, plantar fasciitis, or wide feet, these stylish picks are podiatrist-approved and editor-tested so your next journey will feel like walking on a cloud.
The best travel shoes, at a glance
- Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 9, $145
- Best for Arch Support: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers, $70
- Best for Wide Feet: New Balance 574 Sneakers, $90
- Best for Bunions: Kizik Athens Comfortable Breathable Knit Slip-On Sneakers, $129
- Best Travel Sandals: Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges, $55
- Most Stylish Travel Shoes: Veja V-10 Sneakers, $195
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/18
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
With a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), Hoka’s ultracushioned sneakers are popular for a reason: They have layers of foam padding that make walking and running in them a dream. The wide and spacious toe box, plus standard and wide-width sizing are ideal for travelers with wide feet or bunions, says Dr. Cunha. Plus, the pops of color make it easy to personalize your look and help you stand out, especially the cute wavelike pattern on this limited edition pair that Allure shopping editor Sarah Han owns. “I’m not a sneaker enthusiast, but even I’ve caught the Hoka bug. Out of my collection, they’re by the far the most cushioned and comfortable sneakers for longer stretches of walking (my preferred method of exercising and seeing sights while traveling). I don’t know why I didn’t try them sooner,” she says.
- 2/18
Veja V-10 Sneakers
Stylish travel shoes that match with everything in your suitcase, from summer dresses to joggers, are hard to come by—but the Veja V-10 Sneakers are just that pair. Over the last four years, I’ve worn mine everywhere from Greece and Egypt to running errands at home, and I’ve never found a more versatile white sneaker that polishes off just about any look. (No wonder even celebrities like Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing them.) I personally own these effortless leather and suede lace-tie shoes in white and black, but I love that this Platine color hits on the metallic shoe trend that’s so popular right now. Pro tip: Take out the removable insole and wear them with orthotics for the most supportive fit.
- 3/18
New Balance 574 Sneakers
Travelers with wide feet, this pair is for you. These APMA-approved sneakers are available in medium and wide sizing so you can customize your fit. They have thoughtful details like a removable insole, a padded tongue and collar, and a padded footbed make thems as comfortable as can be. The classic style nails the dad-sneakers trend with a timeless lace-up look that’ll be fashionable for years to come and pairs well with countless outfits like breezy white dresses. For an even trendier (and no less supportive) style, I recently picked up the New Balance 327 sneakers because I always trust the brand for supportive walking shoes and have yet to find a long travel day they don’t make comfier.
- 4/18
Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzle Sneakers
If you’re visiting a rainy destination, it pays to pack waterproof shoes—but who wants to lug around rain boots in their suitcase? Not this carry-on-only traveler. I found the perfect solution with these lightweight sneakers that have a genius water-repellent coating to help keep toes dry in rainy weather. From the drizzly cobblestone streets of Paris to the soggy cliffs of Ireland, these have kept me comfortable, dry, and stable on slippery surfaces during long distances. Plus, they’re pretty flexible so they don’t take up too much space in carry-on luggage. The brand also gets points from podiatrists like Dr. Cunha, who is a fan of the Allbirds Tree Runners. “They’re lightweight, sustainable, and machine washable. They can be worn with or without socks and feel cozy in both cold and hot temperatures,” he says.
- 5/18
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers
White sneakers are worth their weight in gold for any traveler because they can easily pair with most outfits, whether it’s athleisure or a cute linen dress. This pair is by trusted footwear brand Dr. Scholl’s, founded by a physician who patented arch support for his company a century ago, and well known for the insole and arch support of its shoes. Over at Amazon, this style has more than 2,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, including travelers who said they’re great walking shoes for standing all day.
- 6/18
Kizik Athens Knit Slip-On Sneakers
With all the support of athletic sneakers but the ease of slip-on shoes, these no-lace wonders may just be some of the most comfortable shoes for travel. They’re convenient for taking on and off when going through airport security, and professional travelers are taking note too. “I’m a big fan of Kiziks—specifically their Milan style. They come in a ton of colors, they’re super comfortable and cloudlike, and I really love that they’re a hands-free, easy-to-slide-on shoe that I can wear all day long with ease,” says Amber Love Bond, a travel writer. Glamour fashion curator Leilani McQuay is also a fan of Kizik’s Milan style and wore them recently on a trip to Paris. “They were cushioned enough that my bunions weren’t aggravated, and they have great arch support, so even after standing for long periods waiting to enter museums (and yes, waiting on line for croissants), I didn’t have any lower back aches,” she says.
- 7/18
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Sneakers
Ideal for travelers with overpronation and low arches, these supportive white sneakers have a stylish leather upper, cushioned midsole, and breathable mesh lining—essentially a traveler’s dream shoe. “They provide increased durability, superior arch cushioning, and shock absorption, with a responsive midsole design that allows you to propel forward for a smooth balanced ride when traveling,” Dr. Cunha says.
- 8/18
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers
With their effortlessly chic old-school look that’s ultraversatile, this comfy pair is one that Paris-based travel writer Lane Nieset swears by. “I’ve tried tons of sneakers and find they can look too wide and bulky on my petite frame. These vintage-inspired Reeboks do the opposite—I feel like my legs have never been longer. I’ve worn them practically daily in Paris since purchasing them, and even as summer is off to a balmy start, my feet are cozy and comfortable in the breathable sneakers. They’re definitely going to be my summer plane shoes now that I’ve packed away my Chelsea boots for the season.” Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein is also a fan. “Ever since I bought myself a pair of Reebok Club Cs during a Black Friday sale, all other white sneakers have been collecting dust in my closet,” she says. “They sit perfectly just below the ankle, which makes them work with just about any pants style, cropped or otherwise, as well as skirts, dresses, and shorts.”
- 9/18
On Cloud 5 Shoes
Made with an ultracomfy zero-gravity foam footbed, these On shoes have gained a strong following with active travelers. Whether you love long walks or runs, the mesh uppers of the Cloud 5 will keep your feet from overheating while the bouncy sole will keep you light on your feet. “Choosing shoes that are lighter with adequate support and cushioning soles can help reduce energy expenditure and fatigue during long travels. These shoes are stylish, comfortable, and designed to be the most lightweight fully cushioned running shoes available,” says Dr. Cunha.
- 10/18
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Sneakers
A classic sneaker with a 1.5-inch lift, this Converse platform shoe gives me a slight height boost and feels extra cushioned. I particularly love that the flattering style elongates my legs and puts another layer of protection between my soles and the ground. And though they’re far from waterproof, the cap toe protects my toes from any water I might step in. Bottom line: You can’t beat this style for versatility, and they’ve never failed me for long travel days filled with sightseeing.
- 11/18
Birkenstock Arizona EVA Slides
These foamy EVA Birkenstocks with adjustable buckle straps mold to the footbed perfectly for a stable fit with arch support, and I love the deep toe box and lip that protect my toes from touching the dusty, dirty ground. Not only are these slides less expensive than the brand’s leather versions (don’t get me wrong, I love my Birkenstock Mayari sandals), but they’re water-resistant, too, so they’re my go-to for the beach or pool—since they’re a tad more stylish and secure than your average flip-flops. It’s safe to say they may just be the most comfortable sandals I own.
- 12/18
Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges
With a thick rubber wedge that provides ample heel support for all-day travel, these platform walking sandals are comfortable and easy to spot clean. When I first tried them on, I thought they were so stylish that I couldn’t believe they were made by Crocs. They immediately became my go-to sandal for all-day wear. They’re basically a dressier sandal option to wear with flowy white maxiskirts, but they can still pair well with casual shorts for city walks. The shoe has more than 11,000 five-star reviews at Amazon, where shoppers with plantar fasciitis say they love this style for support and all-day comfort.
- 13/18
Teva Tirra Sandals
Perfect for summer hikes, these functional open-toe hiking sandals with adjustable straps and contoured arch support are super comfortable and provide outstanding traction on trails. I pack my Tevas for adventure travel when I know I’ll need shoes that are more practical than stylish and will allow my toes to breathe in case any water splashes on them—in places like Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and North Carolina’s white rapids. Teva sandals are beloved by Glamour shopping editor Malia Griggs who owns the Midform style. “They’re so comfortable, not too flat or too blocky, and cute with whatever I wear (paired with an exercise dresses is my fave look),” she says.
- 14/18
Birdies Hummingbird Flats
A pair of ballet flats is essential to every traveler (not to mention mesh ballet flats are on trend right now), and this round-toe pair delivers on comfort with the brand’s signature seven layers of quilted cushion. They also manage to have arch support and a no-slip rubber sole while being flexible enough to pack into a small purse for a quick shoe swap on the go. I’ll never forget the moment I was first recommended these sleek, elegant shoes while attending a Michelin-starred dinner in Norway, and the stylish dinner guest raved about their comfort so much that I was convinced to order a pair. With both comfort and style, it’s easy to see why even globe-trotting celebrities like Meghan Markle have been spotted wearing the brand.
- 15/18
Rothy’s Almond Loafers
Not only are these sleek loafers stylish enough to take you from the airport straight to a fancy dinner in a European country, but they’re also machine-washable, a rarity that ensures these are good to go for trips to come. They get bonus points for being flexible and thin for quick packing (or stuffing into a purse for a quick wardrobe change after a commute). The 15 color options range from neutral black to bold, statement-making red, so there’s a look for anything you’ve got planned in your itinerary.
- 16/18
Vionic Uptown Loafers
From an APMA podiatrist-approved brand that even Oprah has said she loves, this casual slip-on is stylish and polished enough for a work trip. The ankle pull tab makes things easy to kick on and off, too, which comes in handy when you’re zipping through airport security, and I love the super-grippy bottom and comfy footbed that feels stable just about anywhere.
- 17/18
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
These trendy Adidas sneakers may just be the It shoe of 2024, and you’re lucky if you find the excellent walking shoes in stock. “I’m almost embarrassed to say how often I wear my Sambas,” says Andrea Navarro, Glamour contributor. “I have two different pairs. They’re just the perfect pair of sneakers for everyday activities, but I also love them for travel. I always pair them with scrunchie socks or compression socks and leggings for longer flights. Since they’re flat and flexible, they’re a breeze for walking through the airport, and they’re so lightweight that sometimes I won’t even take them off during the flight. As someone with wider feet, these are hands down my favorite sneakers for on the go.”
- 18/18
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes
I wore these waterproof, lightweight hiking boots with ankle support straight out of the box on a four-hour hike in Greenland, and they were comfortable the entire time—so I wore them every day for the rest of my trip. The terrain was spongy with moss at times, slippery with loose rocks at others, and mostly slick due to rain and ice, and these kept my feet supported and dry with their Gore-Tex coating that kept all the water out. Compared to other hiking boots I’ve tried from Columbia or Merrell, I loved that they’re more lightweight than the average boot (and in my opinion, more stylish too).