The 10 Best Walking Shoes For Traveling

Walking is such a fun way to explore a destination, so I’m sharing with you the 10 BEST walking shoes for traveling! The most memorable experiences I’ve had were the times we ditched our itinerary explored on foot.

10 Best Walking Shoes For Traveling

When you’re on your feet all day long, it’s SO important to choose comfortable travel shoes that won’t leave you in agony. Why is that so hard?? Here’s the problem – the majority of shoe brands that focus on comfortable designs aren’t exactly cute.

The good news is there are a few brands that make super comfortable shoes you’ll actually want to wear! I’ve done all the research for you. Below are the best walking shoes for traveling that I’ve personally used and loved, so you can make the most out of your trip!

1. Birdies – The Starling Ballet Flat

Look familiar? You might have seen these all over my Instagram page. I can personally vouch for this cult-favored shoe brand. I have two pairs! They are the perfect shoe to wear with any outfit when you want to look trendy and put-together.

My favorite thing about Birdies is that these have ZERO break-in time. The first time I wore them I was running around downtown Los Angeles for six hours and did not experience any break-in pains. I recommend these first to anyone planning on long walks or long days on your feet while traveling. My Mom is obsessed with the cognac ones! She borrowed mine while I was home for the holidays and immediately ordered them as soon as I went home.

The footbed has a silky, quilted cushion I imagine is the Temperpedic version of a shoe. These are so easy to pack and really are one of the best walking shoes for traveling. The best part? They come in 16 different combinations of color options. I also own the cheetah ones.

Just make sure to size up a HALF size, as they run small.

My favorite way to style this shoe is with a midi dress and a leather or suede jacket. Another cute and comfy option is jeans paired with a blazer.

Here’s how I’d style it:

Latest review – “So comfy! I’ve been wearing them around my house for weeks now and they’re so cute and comfy and there was no break-in period at all. Cannot wait to wear these for teaching!”

2. BORN – Olio Ankle Boots

These pointed-toe, full-grain leather ankle boots are a best seller on Amazon for a reason! They are a bit of an investment price-wise, but totally worth it in my opinion for the quality and length of time they will last. I’ve been really into researching the estimated price per wear of my most-worn items. These boots have been in my capsule closet for almost 5 years, so my current price per wear for them is about $0.80.

The Olio ankle boots come in grey, brown, and black full-grain leather. The interior has a cushioned microfiber sock with a removable footbed insert. The rubber outsole makes for easy and supported walking for hours on end. With a 1 & 1/3 inch heel height, your outfit will look elevated without any discomfort.

If you’re looking for a capsule wardrobe staple that will be one of the best walking shoes for traveling, these are for you. They match with so many types of outfits – maxi dresses, midi skirts with sweaters, leggings, and denim. A total crowd pleaser and these make a great gift for the wanderluster.

How to Style:

Latest review – “Great boots! Born is one of my go-to brands that will accommodate my orthotics! Very comfy and at a great price as well!”

3. Vionic – Robyn Flat

Offering all-day support and comfort, the Vionic Robyn Flat is absolutely essential for a tour-packed day. Oh, and did I mention it comes in five different colors? I also have the brown ones and they look amazing with every outfit I packed.

With a super breathable upper perforated design, this upgraded ballet flat gives a causal outfit a luxurious twist.

The arch support is top-notch and provides comfort at every step. I added these to the best walking shoes for traveling list because wore my brown ones through Lisbon. I was pleasantly surprised by how well they gripped the cobblestone streets. After exploring Europe with just this pair of shoes two Summers ago (I lost my luggage haha!) they have become my favorite shoes I own. I think it’s a fun take on the ballet flat, plus the comfort and support are unmatched in my opinion.

I felt like I could walk for days in these shoes and recommend them to anyone going on a warm weather trip! The high quality is worth the initial investment and will save you serious pain from being on your feet all day.

I buy mine directly from Vionic’s website, but you can also find them in Nordstrom stores!

These shoes look best paired with a midi dress & belt. Here are the pieces I styled them with:

Latest review – “These shoes are my new Fav! I bought these a few weeks before a trip to Italy where I knew we would be walking on cobblestone streets and other various surfaces…And THEY ARE GREAT! Cute, comfortable and supportive!”

4. Tory Burch – Miller Sandal

I’m guilty of buying more of these shoes than I actually need – they are THAT good. This high-quality flip flop is a best seller year over year and I can’t recommend them enough. They usually come in 14 different colors, with a few new additions each Spring season.

The neutral colors make any outfit look so elevated and put-together. These are known as my “packing shoes” because I always thought of them in my carry-on or purse and they take up such little space. The arch support is minimal BUT I experienced no break-in discomfort and walked in them for four days straight during our trip to Dubai with no complaints.

Nordstrom usually has the best stock of these sandals. I would buy these for warm weather, tropical destinations and pair them with either a romper, bikini + cover-up, or shorts and a linen tee.

5. Allbirds – Women’s Wool Runners

Okay, on to options for colder weather. Sustainable, comfortable, and stylish? Say no more. These lightweight, breathable pair of sneakers are made of 100% merino wool.

The fabric wool is temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking without any irritating scratchiness. These have a rubber sole, arch support and make for excellent running shoes.

I love to wear these comfortable walking shoes in the Fall and at colder locals, like Northern Ireland. These kept me warm and happy while hiking Giant’s Causeway. The kicker (ha! pun intended) these are machine washable! I just ordered them in baby blue and pink cause why not, I’ll use them.

These transition into Fall and Winter seamlessly and look amazing with dark jeans and athleisure outfits. I’ll link some styling ideas below!

Latest review – “Best self-care purchase this year! So cozy & comfy straight out of the box! I have worn these almost every single day since they came. Love that socks are not required! Am already looking ahead to order another style for warm weather.”

6. Cole Haan – GrandExpløre Hiker Boot

A classic hiking boot that doubles as a comfortable walking shoe for cold weather travel destinations. If you are considering purchasing UGGs to stay warm, grab these instead! Your ankles will stay warm and cozy thanks to the faux shearling lining and you will not have to sacrifice looking stylish.

These are fabulous because they are already water-proofed when you buy them and look brand new after multiple wears. I loved wearing these in Tahoe and Western Canada last year. They double as hiking shoes and have excellent support.

Here’s a review –

I usually style these with faux leather leggings, a blanket scarf, and a cozy sweater.

7. CLARKS – Clarkdale Ankle Boot

These cuties come in four colors and are a bestseller on Nordstrom.com. This is such a classic Chelsea boot and a must-have for the girl on go or anyone looking for the best walking shoes for traveling. I love the chic, contemporary look of the shoe and so appreciate these are super easy to pull on.

With its contemporary-chic style and everyday comfort, this Chelsea boot is a must-have for every woman on the go. The chunky block heel is 1 inch and has a removable insole with extra comfy cushioning. The leather color options are olive green, navy blue, and black. These also come in a gorgeous tan leather option that I’m adding to my closet this Fall!

The top of the ankle does stretch a bit over time with lots of use, but if you are worried about it cutting into your ankle, size up a half size! Here’s how I wear these:

Latest review – “Wonderfully made! I love these shoes! The suede is easy to wipe off and very comfortable as usual. All my boots are Clark’s and I’ve never been disappointed! Great quality and they last forever!”

8. Vionic – Demetra Slip-on Sneaker

This slip-on sneaker is the ultimate comfort shoe. With a rubber sole, removable arch support insert, and leather canvas, they are sure to keep your feet happy while looking stylish. I’d recommend opting for a neutral shade, like black, and a fun print like the snakeskin. They come in four different colors and do require a maximum two-week break-in period, but they are totally worth it!

The Demetra is the most comfortable walking shoe I’ve tried yet and even comes in half sizes and has width sizing too! They are available on the Vionic website as well as Nordstrom.

These look so incredible classically styled with faux leather leggings and a comfy sweater.

9. TOMS – Platform Espadrille Alpargata

I came across these TOMS espadrilles over quarantine and cannot wait to take them traveling with me later this year! I’m a huge fan of the company because TOMS donates a pair to kids in need for every pair purchased.

I have these ones in leopard and in white. Both are incredibly comfortable and easy to clean. I just throw them in my washing machine with some Borax and let them dry outside overnight. The arch support is fantastic for an espadrille and they come in four colors: black, cloud grey, white, and leopard.

How cute would these shoes be with a white sundress or denim shorts, a white lace camisole, and a straw hat? I would totally wear either of those outfits on a trip to Positano or Barcellona. Hopefully, Euro travel will open again soon, but until then I will be wearing the heck out of these in San Diego all Summer.

How to Style these Best Walking Shoes for Traveling:

10. Adidas – Ultra Boost 5.0 DNA Running Shoes

I did a full review on this shoe here and have them in black and white. These are some of the best walking shoes for traveling because they double as workout shoes and are fantastic for travel. The cool and crisp style looks great with leggings, sweats, and even denim shorts. Bonus – they are partially made with recycled ocean plastics.

These sneakers are made with is made with Primeblue, a high-performance recycled material made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic.

They match all my existing athleisure and activewear outfits! The fit is actually sock-like, super comfortable, and lightweight.

Latest review – “THE MOST COMFORTABLE PAIR OF SNEAKERS I EVER OWNED. I WORK OUT A LOT AND THIS MAKES IT SO MUCH EASIER FOR ME :)”

I wear mine with sweats, black leggings with a white tee & denim jacket and with track pants.

How to Style these best walking shoes for traveling :

Top-Tips to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Traveling

Okay, now that we’ve reviewed the best of the best, which one suits you??

TIP 1: Decide on How Much Arch Support You Need

If arch support is your number one concern, Vionic shoes are my first recommendation. Each style they come out with has incredible arch support inserts that can be removed. The Demetra shoe is fabulous for cold weather and the Robyn flat is my go-to comfort shoe for Spring and Summer since it is so breathable.

The best walking shoes for traveling must have arch support to keep you feeling great throughout the trip.

TIP 2: Consider the Length of Your Trip + Packing Space

The Tory Burch sandals and Vionic Ruby flats are easy to condense, fold and pack away. If your destination is icy and you need hiking boots, think about how much you really have room for!

TIP 3: Neutral Colors are the Most Versatile

Before making an impulse purchase on a trendy color or style, consider how long you want to keep these shoes for! I would definitely recommend starting your best walking shoes for traveling collection with a black, camel, or grey-colored shoe. These are the easiest to match with any color/style of clothing and don’t show stains as easily!

TIP 4: Can You Style the Shoe Three Ways?

Before making a purchase, take inventory of what is already in your closet and see if you can style the shoe three or four ways, with items you already own. When adding one or a couple of the best walking shoes for traveling to your closet, make sure you’ll wear them in various ways to minimize the price per wear.

TIP 5: Comfort and Quality VS Style

There are so many gorgeous (but medium to lower quality) shoes out there and trust me, I have a closet full of them! There’s something to be said about investing in a pair or two that dramatically improve the quality of your time on your feet. Travel is definitely one of those times for me.

Let me know which of the best walking shoes for traveling was your favorite!