Over a decade of globetrotting has taught me invaluable lessons, especially when it comes to footwear. Finding the right Travel Sandals can be a game-changer for any trip. Through years of trials and (many) errors, I’ve compiled insights on what truly makes for the ideal travel sandal – focusing on comfort, practicality, and even style. Let my experiences guide you to choosing the best, most comfortable, and most versatile sandals to accompany you on all your adventures.
This article, originally published in 2013 and updated regularly since 2018, reflects my ongoing journey to find the ultimate travel sandal. I continually update it with new experiences and sandal strategies. Discover how my sandal preferences have evolved, especially in the “barefoot sandals” section.
Transparency is key: some sandals were provided for review, while others were purchased. If not explicitly mentioned, assume I paid full price. Also, please note this post contains affiliate links. Clicking and purchasing through these links supports this site at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Woman standing on a cobblestone street wearing stylish black travel sandals
My First Attempt: Crocs
Black Crocs Cleo sandals, a comfortable and waterproof travel sandal option
For years, Crocs, particularly the Cleo style, were my trusted travel companions. They seemed to blend fashion with functionality.
The Pros of Crocs for Travel
Crocs are undeniably waterproof. This was a huge advantage, making them perfect for questionable hostel showers and unexpected muddy paths. The built-in arch support was also crucial for long days of walking, preventing foot pain and fatigue.
The Cleo style I opted for was versatile enough to be dressed up or down, a significant plus for travelers aiming to pack light but still look presentable.
Packing Crocs is a breeze. They are incredibly lightweight and slim, taking up minimal space in luggage.
And if the Cleo isn’t your style, Crocs offers an extensive variety of styles, ensuring there’s something for almost everyone.
For many years, these were my everyday shoes, both at home and on the road.
The Cons of Crocs for Travel
However, my love affair with Crocs wasn’t without its downsides. Wearing them daily, especially with my love for walking, meant I wore out a pair roughly every year.
While Crocs aren’t the most expensive sandals, the annual replacement cost added up. Finding a new pair while traveling full-time, especially in less accessible locations, wasn’t always convenient.
More concerning was how incredibly slippery Crocs became on wet surfaces. Wet sidewalks, stone paths, and indoor flooring transformed into treacherous hazards. I experienced several slips, particularly as the sole tread wore down. (Ironically, Crocs were originally designed as boat shoes!)
Lastly, the slip-on Cleo style, while convenient for daily wear, proved unsuitable for trail walking or water sports. They would easily slip off in such activities.
To address this, I experimented with other Crocs styles: the Isabella Strappy Sandal and the Tulum (both seemingly discontinued as of March 2024, though Crocs constantly introduces new styles). While more secure, the Isabella chafed my heels, and the Tulum’s fit wasn’t quite right for my foot shape, causing me to slip off the side. The Tulum, however, was more stable and could potentially handle light water activities, but still not ideal for trails. (More on sport sandals later in this article.)
Final Thoughts on Crocs for Travel
In my initial years of full-time travel, I went through three pairs of Cleo slip-on Crocs. Their variety of styles and practical features definitely made them valuable travel sandals.
However, keep reading for alternative travel sandal options and different perspectives. My needs might not perfectly align with yours when it comes to the perfect travel sandal.
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Attempt #2: Naot Sandals
Naot sandals, known for their comfortable footbeds and suitability for walking
My history with Naot sandals goes way back. A pair I owned as a teenager lasted nearly a decade of heavy use. So, when Naot offered me a complimentary pair for review, I was thrilled to reconnect with this brand.
The Advantages of Naot Sandals for Travel
Naot offers a diverse range of styles, but they are particularly known for their Birkenstock-like footbeds. These footbeds provide excellent support, mold to your feet over time, possess anti-microbial properties, and become even more comfortable with wear.
I chose a Naot style that suited my personal aesthetic, ensuring they could be easily dressed up or down.
They proved to be fantastic for walking miles in urban environments without any foot discomfort. Plus, I received numerous compliments on their appearance!
The Disadvantages of Naot Sandals for Travel
The deep, substantial footbed of my Naots meant they were not particularly compact or lightweight. However, Naot does offer various footbed styles, including less bulky options. I currently have my eye on their Marita style.
Unfortunately, my Naots met an untimely end in a head-on collision in Grenada, shortly after I started using them. My ownership lasted only a few months.
Overall Impression of Naot Sandals for Travel
I remain a fan of Naot sandals. However, I recognize that the style I chose wasn’t ideal for my travel needs and foot shape. Not having the chance to try them on beforehand was also a drawback. (If ordering Naots online, ensure easy returns in case of fit issues.) With the right style, Naots could indeed be excellent travel sandals, particularly for those prioritizing support and comfort for extensive walking.
Attempt #3: Taos Sandals
Taos is another brand known for high-quality footwear, offering an impressive variety of sandals and shoes.
After my Naots were destroyed, Taos reached out to offer a complimentary pair for testing. I aimed to apply the lessons learned from my previous sandal experiences to select the perfect travel sandals this time.
The Strengths of Taos Sandals for Travel
Taos sandals feature a high-quality footbed with contouring, support, custom molding, and anti-microbial properties. Similar to Naot, they offer different footbed types, from deep to sleeker profiles.
I chose the Trophy style (pictured below) because they seemed to strike a balance: stylish enough for various occasions, relatively lightweight and packable, and the ankle straps provided enhanced stability for walking, even light trail use, and those occasional dashes to catch transportation.
The “Taos Soft Support premium footbed with Cool Recovery Foam” made them incredibly comfortable for all-day (and night) wear.
The Velcro adjustments on both ankle and toe straps were another excellent feature. They ensured a consistently comfortable fit, even when my feet swelled, and made putting them on and taking them off almost as convenient as slip-ons.
The Weaknesses of Taos Sandals for Travel
The microfiber footbed of my Taos Trophy sandals proved problematic when wet. After a couple of years of frequent wear, they became thoroughly soaked. This led to uncomfortable pilling of the footbed and an unpleasant odor. Other users have reported similar issues. If you have sweaty feet, this might become a problem sooner than my two-year experience.
However, Taos has since updated the Trophy sandals with an antimicrobial shield for improved odor, stain, and deterioration resistance.
Honestly, beyond this moisture issue with the older microfiber footbed, I have very little negative to say about these sandals.
Overall Assessment of Taos Sandals for Travel
In this sandal comparison, Taos emerged as the frontrunner for the perfect travel sandal, at least for my needs.
But it’s crucial to understand the underlying lesson: the choice of style is as important as the brand itself.
Learning from past experiences, I prioritized a sandal that was fashionable, packable, stable, and versatile – much like other essential items in my full-time travel gear collection.
Further reading: The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel
Key Qualities of Ideal Travel Sandals
Based on my experiences, these are the qualities that define the perfect travel sandal, both for me and likely for many travelers:
- Water resistance
- Comfortable footbed suitable for extended walking
- Good sole traction for varied surfaces
- Ankle straps for foot security and versatility
- Stylish enough for diverse occasions
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight and compact for packing
Explore my Travel Lifestyle Guides for more insights on remote income, smart spending, and achieving financial sustainability for long-term travel.
Honorable Mentions: Expanding Your Travel Sandal Options
Crocs, Naot, and Taos are just the brands I initially reviewed. Many other excellent travel sandal options exist, proven and recommended by readers, fellow travelers, and my own continued exploration. If the above brands don’t resonate with your style or travel needs, consider these alternatives.
And for men, good news! Many of the following sandals offer Unisex and Men’s styles.
Waterproof Sport Travel Sandals
While Crocs are waterproof, they aren’t “technical” sport sandals for intense water activities or muddy hikes. I personally wasn’t drawn to the classic “Teva” style initially, but these waterproof sport sandals have evolved significantly since their original designs.
For example, the Teva Tirra Athletic Sandal receives consistently high reviews, featuring a compression-molded EVA midsole and impressive arch support.
Chaco is another popular brand offering a wide range of waterproof sport sandals, alongside more stylish leather and rubber options.
Birkenstock EVA waterproof sandals, a lightweight and comfortable sandal option for travel
Love the Birkenstock style but need a lightweight, waterproof version? The Birkenstock EVA (pictured above) is your answer. They are affordable, come in various styles and colors, and while not strictly sport sandals, they are waterproof and reportedly great for walking. 2024 Update: Birkenstock seems to have discontinued the EVA line, but similar options are available and are bestsellers on Amazon.
Barefoot Travel Sandals: A 2024 Update for Both Men and Women
Collage of Xero barefoot sandals, highlighting their lightweight and minimalist design
Barefoot shoes, known for their minimalist design, are gaining popularity, and barefoot sandals are ideally lightweight for travel – ultra-lightweight, in fact.
Over the past decade, I’ve become a convert to barefoot shoes for hiking, running, workouts, casual outings, and virtually all aspects of travel.
Recently, I’ve been traveling with Xero’s best-selling Xero Prio shoe, which I consider the best all-around travel shoe for urban exploration, exercise, and light hiking. See them in action in this video review.
But let’s get back to sandals.
Attempt #1: Xero Barefoot Sandals
Despite my initial reservations about sport sandals, my positive experience with Xero barefoot shoes (and my dedication to carry-on only travel) led me to try Xero barefoot sandals – specifically the Z-Trail EV style. I chose this style for its thicker sole, hoping for more protection.
Xero Z-Trail EV barefoot travel sandals in black and grey
Upon arrival, I was surprised by their sturdiness. While incredibly light at just 4.3oz each, the sole had a substantial feel.
However, after a summer of trying to embrace them, they weren’t quite right for me.
Style was a major factor. They are suitable for sports or very casual settings, but lack the versatility for broader wear. Even for sports, the strap fit wasn’t ideal. They were adequate for walking/hiking on relatively flat terrain, but my foot felt unstable, sliding around (similar to the thin-soled Tulum Crocs). This, combined with the sandal’s low profile, meant my feet and the footbeds constantly got dirty, requiring frequent washing.
I had high hopes for these to become my top travel sandal choice. And they might be for you, especially if you like the sporty aesthetic and have a different foot shape or gait. For summer hikes and casual outings, offering exceptional packability, water-friendliness, secure fit, and eco-friendly recycled webbing, they are a decent option, just not my personal favorite for all-around use.
I might still pack them for trips involving serious water-based activities like white-water rafting, but they lack the overall versatility to be my everyday travel sandal.
Attempt #2: Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe Barefoot Sandals – Currently My Top Travel Sandal Pick
Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe barefoot travel sandals in brown leather
NEW for 2024, Feelgrounds sent me their Seaside Luxe sandals. Feelgrounds, a European barefoot shoe company, impresses me with the stylish designs of all their shoes, which don’t immediately scream “barefoot shoe.” They prioritize style, functionality, environmental responsibility, and ethical production.
The Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe sandals address all my concerns with the Xero Z-trail (and Xero sandals in general). They don’t look like typical barefoot sandals!
Here’s what I appreciate:
- The vegan leather straps offer an elevated, stylish look. I consistently receive compliments when wearing them.
- The adjustable, cushioned Velcro back strap, combined with the soft fabric toe thong, securely holds my foot in place.
- The elastic instep detail provides just the right amount of stretch for comfort.
- The natural cork insole is aesthetically pleasing and allows my feet to breathe. (An all-black version is also available if you prefer).
- The 7mm sole is incredibly light and thin yet provides sufficient shock absorption and protection for walking on hard surfaces.
- They are exceptionally flexible and ultralight, weighing just 153 grams / 5.4 oz for a Men’s size 10 / Women’s 11.5.
- They pack incredibly small.
The compromises:
- After a summer of wear, the cork footbed showed slight discoloration from foot moisture. It’s minimal so far but might become more noticeable over time. If this concerns you, the all-black style is recommended.
- They are not waterproof and not suitable for sports activities.
- Shock absorption is limited, less than even a barefoot sneaker. I noticed this during long, brisk walks on concrete, where my shins started to ache (likely due to my heel-heavy walking style).
Despite these minor compromises, the Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe sandals are currently my top travel sandal choice. Their packability, secure fit, and stylish appearance make them ideal for diverse travel scenarios. When I next need “regular” shoes, I plan to explore other Feelgrounds styles.
A Nod to the Humble Flip-Flop
Throughout Asia, removing shoes is customary in many places, especially temples, some restaurants and shops, and homes.
In these situations, flip-flops are invaluable. They are comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and easily replaceable if misplaced (common in public areas).
During a month in Koh Phangan Thailand, my boyfriend struggled with his bulky Tevas every time we entered a restaurant or store. He was relieved when he finally bought a cheap pair of flip-flops.
Flip-flops are also essential for shared showers and any situation requiring waterproof foot protection. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to pack. Regardless of my primary travel sandal, I always carry a pair of flip-flops in my bag.
Interested in Travel Gear? Explore These Related Posts:
The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel
Checked vs Carry-On Luggage (and Why Checked is Best)
My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothes for Women
The Best Travel Clothes for Men
Maximize Your Luggage Space and Minimize Time Spent Packing! The Best Packing Tools and Accessories
The Best Anti-Theft Gear
…and many more Travel Gear Reviews!
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