The Most Comfortable Shoe Styles To Wear While Traveling

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If you're a seasoned traveler hopping on a minimum of 10 flights a year, you probably know that the most important aspect of your outfit is the shoes, and not just in an aesthetic sense. When you're sprinting from Terminal D to Terminal B during a tight layover or walking 20k+ steps on European cobblestone, the wrong pair won't just give you a blister — it can ruin your trip. Trust us, our writer learned the hard way when she decided to pack various flat sandals for her summer trip to Italy, only to end up buying sneakers when she got there. 

Being a smart traveler means you're thinking twice about wearing certain accessories to the airport and auditing every single pair of shoes that make it into your suitcase. While there's nothing wrong with planning stylish outfits you can wear to the airport, shoes that are comfortable and stylish are the real key to a chic trip. Finding footwear that survives long-haul travel and all-day sightseeing without compromising your outfit comes down to asking yourself three things: Are they podiatrist- and traveler-approved? Are they durable? Do they match with the outfits in your suitcase? 

That said, Women decided it was time to help our readers on their search to find the most comfortable shoes to wear while traveling. Beyond our personal experiences, we analyzed expert podiatric guidelines and social media posts from frequent travellers to pinpoint the essential shoe styles that check every box.

Regardless of how sweaty your feet get, breathable material is a non-negotiable when you're wearing the same shoes through a 20-hour travel day. As Mike Daniels, D.P.M., FACFAS, of WeTreatFeet Podiatry pointed out to EatingWell, a good travel shoe is one with 'a cushioned midsole that does not bottom out by lunch, a breathable mesh upper so your feet are not soaked in sweat and a stable base that bends at the toes and resists twisting in the middle.' This perfectly describes the architecture of cushioned sneakers. 

Comfortable sneakers are a go-to choice for many seasoned travelers, and Reddit forums dedicated to travel and packing are filled with endless praise for low-top sneakers with cushioned soles. Reddit users who suggest sneakers offer one key styling tip when it comes to color: opt for white. A reply in a Reddit discussion post regarding the perfect travel shoe noted, "A good pair of white sneakers with good insoles will work in just about any capacity, depending on where you are." They're not wrong. 

White sneakers are sleek and really do go with just about any outfit. The Salomon XT-6 sneakers in white offer cool, edgy vibes with an easy lace system that makes taking them on and off a breeze. Meanwhile, our writer travels quite a bit throughout the year and loves her On Cloudmonster sneakers in glacier white for 30k-step days at Disney World. 

The best part about summer is being able to show off your fresh pedicure while letting your feet breathe, but when you're traveling, flip flops aren't going to cut it. Flat sandals might feel like the perfect pair of shoes to pack, but they offer zero shock absorption. And that's not the only issue — Casey Ann Pidich, D.P.M., told Travel + Leisure, "A common issue with open-toe sandals is that they lack extra straps or support, causing the foot to become fatigued from constantly keeping the sandal in place." 

That's why it's crucial to opt for sandals that have a thick footbed and secure straps. Of the many options out there, perhaps the most aesthetic, supportive chunky sandals are Birkenstock sandals, which also happen to be one of the most comfortable sandal trends for summer 2026. During our research, we found them to be the most frequently recommended sandals across travel subreddits and social media platforms. While Arizonas might be the most recognizable model from the brand, the Milanos are another great option as they have a supportive ankle strap.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, frequent travelers rave about the KEEN Elle Backstrap Wedge Sandal. A Redditor shared their own experience with the shoes, saying, "Highly recommend these, took them with me on my Europe trip this summer and they were great! Basically broken in out of the box."

Whether or not structured slip-ons are fit for long walking days is up for debate, but they're a great option for long drives, flights, and getting around the airport. Depending on the type of structured slip on, like loafers, moccasins, or slip-on sneakers, they can also double as your dressy shoe, seamlessly elevating a pair of tailored pants or a midi skirt and shirt ensemble. 

Whenever our writer takes a trip to Japan, she always throws a pair of structured slip-ons in her bag, because hassle-free footwear that's easy to take on and off is essential in a country that has tatami-style restaurants and traditional ryokans. Depending on your preference, there are several style options that frequent travelers swear by. For instance, the Amazon Essentials Women's Loafer Flat has more than 11k reviews with 60% of reviewers giving the footwear a 5-star rating for its budget-friendly price point and built-in memory foam. 

A reviewer of the loafer said, "Really love these loafers! They look way more expensive than they are, and were great travel shoes- comfortable in airport and flights! Would absolutely repurchase!" Another excellent structured slip-on option is the Rothy's Original Slip-On Sneaker. Beyond reviewers loving the shoe for being super comfortable for all day wear and walking, they're also super versatile and machine washable. 

For those who are super style conscious, a clean white sneaker or a black structured slip-on simply might not cut it for one of your dressier sightseeing days. Whether it's your favorite linen shirt dress and scarf look or a pleated skirt and knit top, a sleek ankle boot brings instant polish and all day comfort. It might be the only shoe option that bridges the gap between effortless high fashion and practical travel utility. 

Various ankle boots have made their way onto top podiatrist-approved travel shoes lists and it's not hard to see why. As long as you know what to look for, an ankle boot can provide a ton of arch and ankle support, heel stability, and shock absorption. Many options are also weatherproof, so they're perfect for getting caught in a quick passing rainstorm or navigating damp city streets without the awful feeling of soaking-wet socks.

On a Reddit post asking whether or not boots were good for traveling, the most liked reply said, "I'm a dedicated boot wearer and would not think of traveling anywhere temperate or cold without a pair. Docs and [Blundstones] for the last thirty five years or so." Based on our research, two of the most commonly recommended ankle boots were the Blundstone Chelsea Boots and the Vivaia Everly Ankle Boots.