For frequent travelers, packing light is an art form, and when luggage is restricted to a single carry-on, footwear choices require careful strategic planning. While personal closets may overflow with an excess of sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, boots, flip-flops, and clogs collected over the years, vacation packing demands a strict adherence to versatility. Above all, comfort reigns supreme. Whether an itinerary calls for an all-day hike through rugged terrain, a leisurely stroll across a historic city center, or simply lounging around a cruise ship pool deck, the right pair of walking shoes can make or break a trip.
Editors at Condé Nast Traveler understand this struggle intimately, maintaining a constant lookout for truly comfortable, walk-all-day shoes that can withstand global travel. The benchmark for an ideal travel shoe is rigorous: it must leave the wearer blister-free, with zero irritated heels or sore arches. Shoes must feature adequate cushioning and, ideally, require minimal break-in time—though editors note that certain long-lasting investments, such as heavy-duty hiking boots or premium leather sandals, occasionally demand a little extra tender loving care at the start.
Drawing from these criteria, the publication has compiled nearly two dozen all-time favorite picks. Encompassing the best sneakers, boots, sandals, and flats personally worn on vacations and work trips around the world, the collection spans a diverse range of styles and price points to suit every traveler’s needs.
Casual Sneakers
For everyday wear, city exploration, and airport transits, casual sneakers provide the ideal intersection of style and utility.
Rothy’s has long been a favorite among the team for its flats and loafers, but the brand’s newer sneaker offerings have also captured attention. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny highlights the Ivy sneaker, noting its durability, grippy outsole, and water-resistant properties. Similarly, Adidas Sambas have enjoyed a massive street style revival. Editorial assistant Kat Chen calls them her "ride or die," praising their longevity after wearing a previous pair for a decade, while Kenny notes wearing them across New York, Washington, D.C., and Banff.
For those leaning toward bright white everyday kicks, Atoms Model 001 sneakers offer an antimicrobial lining and a compression-molded cushioned midsole that prevents blisters even when worn with no-show socks. Meanwhile, the Adidas Gazelle Bold shoes offer a slight platform lift with a layered sole design, proving resilient through rainy weekend trips in Nashville and hours of standing at concerts. Rounding out the casual sneaker category is the New Balance 574 Core, a classic "dad shoe" that blends a sporty silhouette with dependable arch support for long walking days in cities like Boston.
Athletic Shoes
When itineraries demand serious mileage, athletic footwear steps to the forefront to provide maximum support, shock absorption, and breathability.
Jessica Sulima, a commerce writer, swears by her Salomon XT-6 sneakers, citing their ultra-lightweight construction, laceless design for easy airport security removal, and hybrid capability to transition seamlessly from a gentle trail hike to fashionable city streets. Hoka Cliftons have also earned widespread acclaim from editors for their thick, highly cushioned soles that remain surprisingly lightweight. Whether navigating the Poconos, exploring Montauk, or visiting theme parks like Disneyland, editors praise the Clifton for delivering over 10,000 steps of pain-free wear. For rugged outdoor adventures, the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe remains a global favorite, holding up admirably against wet Icelandic roads, Central American rainforests, and local trails alike.
Flats and Slip-Ons
Balancing style with practicality, travel-friendly flats and slip-ons offer an elevated aesthetic for business trips, dinners, and light daytime wandering without sacrificing comfort.
Puma’s Speedcat ballet flats have emerged as a trendy hybrid option, combining the breathability of a sneaker with the delicate profile of a ballet shoe, as worn by commerce writer Jessica Chapel across London, New York, and Puerto Rico. For classic sophistication, Rothy’s Max Square Mary Jane flats and Almond loafers feature cushiony insoles and machine-washable fabrics that require zero break-in period. M.Gemi’s The Una flat offers butter-soft Italian leather and a modern square toe, while Melissa’s Ultragirl Futura bridges the gap between a clog and a ballet flat, providing waterproof, cushioned versatility for beachside getaways.
For effortless airport transit and everyday slip-ons, Blundstone’s Originals #2521 clogs deliver a heat-resistant TPU outsole and a supportive footbed ideal for pairing with compression socks in-flight. Sabah hand-stitched leather slip-ons, crafted in Gaziantep, mold to the foot like a glove over time, securing a permanent spot on travel packing lists. For a touch of elevation, Life Stride’s Leighton pump proves that heels can indeed be worn for long days of urban exploration, featuring a flexible microfiber toe box and a supportive foam footbed.
Sandals and Boots
When warm-weather destinations call for open-toe footwear, stability and traction remain paramount. Grenson’s Quinta sandals offer robust support that easily withstands rocky Greek beaches and uneven cobblestones, serving as a sturdy alternative to traditional styles. Teva’s Midform Universal sandals provide a quick-dry, water-friendly platform with reliable traction for beach days and bike rides. Birkenstock’s Arizona Big Buckle style continues to earn praise from editors who have logged miles of walking in cities like Barcelona without experiencing chafing, while Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals offer a retro, water-resistant option for coastal adventures.
When winter weather or rugged terrain requires sturdy footwear, Chelsea boots and hiking boots take center stage. Blundstone Classic Chelsea boots remain a reliable travel companion, featuring water-resistant leather uppers and convenient pull-tabs. Though requiring a brief break-in period, they easily transition from light hiking trails to slick city streets. Similarly, Grenson’s Nanette boots offer robust commando soles and soft leather designs, providing enduring comfort for winter travel in major metropolises like London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are these shoes tested?
Editors test these shoes through rigorous real-world travel, wearing them for extended periods across various climates and terrains. Only footwear that meets high standards for all-day comfort and durability makes the final curation.
What should I consider before buying new shoes?
Travelers should prioritize versatility, cushioning, and support, keeping packing space limitations in mind. Selecting neutral tones or strategic pops of color ensures the shoes complement multiple outfits across different trip activities and weather conditions.
Which shoes are best for walking long hours?
For heavy walking days, athletic sneakers featuring advanced cushioning and breathable construction—such as options from Hoka, Asics, and Brooks—are generally recommended to absorb impact and prevent fatigue.
