For many travelers, the shoe dilemma begins long before the suitcase is zipped. While everyday wardrobes can effortlessly accommodate dozens of sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs, the reality of carry-on luggage imposes strict limitations. When space allows for only a carefully curated few pairs, versatility becomes the absolute baseline requirement, while comfort reigns supreme. Whether a vacation involves navigating an all-day hike, exploring a new city center on foot, or simply lounging by a pool deck, comfortable walking shoes remain the single most critical item in any travel itinerary.
Recognizing this perennial packing struggle, editors at Condé Nast Traveler are continuously evaluating footwear designed to endure all-day wear across the globe. The benchmark for an ideal travel shoe is rigorous: it must leave the wearer blister-free, protecting sensitive heels and arches from irritation while offering substantial cushioning. Ideally, these pairs should require minimal break-in time, though seasoned travelers often make exceptions for long-lasting investments like heavy-duty hiking boots or premium leather sandals that demand extra care at the outset.
Drawing from extensive personal experience across countless international vacations and professional assignments, the editorial team has compiled a comprehensive roster of top-tier footwear. Spanning various styles and price points, these selections represent the sneakers, boots, sandals, and flats that have genuinely earned a permanent place in their luggage.
Casual Sneakers
For everyday urban exploration, editors lean heavily toward casual sneakers that balance aesthetics with endurance. Rothy’s has long maintained a strong reputation for flats and loafers, but the brand’s newer footwear iterations have recently captured significant attention. Meaghan Kenny, a commerce editor, notes that she has relied on the Ivy sneaker for city strolls, office commutes, and seasonal outings, praising its durable, highly grippy outsole and machine-washable design.
Similarly, Adidas Sambas continue to enjoy a remarkable street style resurgence. Kat Chen, an editorial assistant, describes her Sambas as her absolute ride-or-die footwear, noting that her previous pair lasted an entire decade before finally wearing down. Alongside the classic Sambas, the Adidas Gazelle Bold offers a slight platform height increase while retaining the brand’s signature aesthetic, proving resilient even during rainy weekend trips to destinations like Nashville.
New Balance has also secured its place in the frequent traveler’s rotation. The classic 574 Core sneaker, frequently worn by Kenny, delivers a balanced mix of sporty style and long-term durability. Having accompanied editors on weekend getaways to Boston and numerous airport commutes, these sneakers have demonstrated an impressive ability to withstand travel wear while maintaining a clean, neutral appearance. For those prioritizing a bright white minimalist aesthetic, Atoms Model 001 sneakers offer an antimicrobial lining and compression-molded cushioning that prevent odor and blisters, even when worn without traditional socks.
Athletic Shoes
When itineraries demand serious mileage, athletic and outdoor performance shoes take center stage. Jessica Sulima, a commerce writer, swears by her Salomon XT-6 sneakers, citing their lightweight construction, lace-free design that simplifies airport security checks, and rugged versatility that transitions effortlessly from light hiking trails to fashionable city streets.
Hoka Cliftons have likewise earned widespread acclaim among the editorial staff. Despite their thick soles, which suggest a clunky profile, these sneakers are remarkably lightweight and heavily cushioned, making them ideal for long days at amusement parks or urban sightseeing. For more rugged terrain, the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe remains a powerhouse. Having logged miles on wet roads in Iceland and muddy trails in Central America, this footwear provides exceptional traction, a protective toe cap, and a comfortable fit that easily accommodates carry-on packing constraints.
Flats
The resurgence of ballet flats and hybrid designs has provided travelers with refined options that pack flat without sacrificing support. Puma’s Speedcat ballet flats bridge the gap between athletic heritage and delicate footwear, offering breathability and vibrant color pops across cities like New York, London, and Puerto Rico.
Rothy’s Mary Jane flats offer another reliable alternative, combining a flexible security strap with a machine-washable knit upper that eliminates the typical break-in period associated with traditional flats. For a more elevated appearance, M.Gemi’s The Una flat features butter-soft Italian leather and a modern square toe, proving sturdy enough for urban exploration while maintaining a sleek silhouette suitable for formal dining.
For business trips or office commutes, Rothy’s Almond loafer provides a polished aesthetic with a removable, cushiony insole. Meanwhile, Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura delivers an unconventional blend of a clog and a ballet flat, offering waterproof versatility that transitions seamlessly from airport terminals to beachside walks.
Slip-Ons and Clogs
Slip-on footwear offers unmatched convenience for air travel, allowing passengers to easily slide on compression socks mid-flight and remove them upon landing. Blundstone’s Originals clogs have quickly become a favorite for their supportive insoles and heat-resistant TPU outsoles, striking a balance between relaxed comfort and urban style.
Similarly, Sabah’s hand-stitched leather slip-ons, crafted in Gaziantep, are celebrated for their ability to mold to the foot like a glove over time, making them a permanent fixture on international packing lists. For a slight elevation, LifeStride’s Leighton pump challenges the notion that heels cannot be practical, utilizing a flexible microfiber toe box and a cushioned footbed to support long days of walking without compromising elegance.
Sandals and Boots
Warm-weather travel often demands footwear that can handle both sandy shores and slick city sidewalks. Bared’s Bittern fisherman sandals provide mid-foot arch support and a protective enclosed toe, while Teva’s Midform Universal sandals offer quick-dry materials and a reliable rubber outsole for traction during beach excursions and active days.
For more rugged summer adventures, Grenson’s Quinta sandals deliver robust leather construction and secure buckle closures that easily withstand rocky beaches and heavy transit days. Meanwhile, Birkenstock’s Arizona Big Buckle style continues to be a trusted companion for high-mileage walking tours, pairing a contoured cork-latex footbed with elevated metal hardware. For water-centric destinations, Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals offer a retro aesthetic equipped with an adjustable strap, serving as reliable water shoes for rocky coastlines.
When temperatures drop, boots become an essential yet challenging packing item due to their bulk. Blundstone Classic Chelsea boots solve this dilemma through their durable, water-resistant leather uppers and convenient pull-tabs, transitioning effortlessly from light hiking paths to historic cobblestone streets after a brief break-in period. For winter urban travel, Grenson’s Nanette boots offer robust commando soles and soft leather materials designed to handle extensive walking in major metropolitan areas like London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Editors evaluate these walking shoes through extensive real-world testing, wearing them repeatedly across various climates and itineraries before recommending them to readers. When selecting new travel footwear, experts advise prioritizing cushioning, support, and versatility to maximize carry-on efficiency. Travelers are encouraged to balance their core wardrobe colors; those who favor neutral apparel can introduce vibrant footwear as an accent, while individuals with colorful wardrobes benefit from versatile black, white, or brown shoes.
Activity types and local climates should ultimately dictate the final packing list, ensuring that closed-toe sneakers or weather-resistant boots take precedence over open sandals when adverse weather is anticipated. While athletic brands like Hoka, Asics, and Brooks remain the top choice for high-mileage walking days, everyday casual wear is well-served by Adidas, New Balance, and Rothy’s, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable pairing for their specific journey.
