Every traveler knows that the right pair of shoes can make or break a trip. But for men with tough-to-fit feet, finding comfortable and supportive travel shoes can be a real challenge. If you’re a man with wide, narrow, or extra-large feet, or if you suffer from foot conditions, you know the struggle of finding shoes that are both comfortable for miles of walking and stylish enough for travel. This guide is dedicated to helping men with special sizing needs discover the best travel shoes for their adventures.
Pair of brown leather mens travel shoes on a wooden surface
As someone who has spent years exploring the globe, I understand the importance of reliable footwear. In my previous article discussing top travel shoes, I realized that many excellent options simply aren’t available for those with less common shoe sizes. Wearing a size 12 myself, I’ve often faced limited choices, especially in stylish and lightweight designs. This personal experience, combined with feedback from fellow travelers, inspired me to delve deeper into brands that cater specifically to men with unique shoe size and foot condition requirements.
Being a tour guide has turned me into a bit of a problem-solving expert. Finding comfortable, durable, and attractive shoes that can handle long days of walking without breaking the bank has been an ongoing mission. Fortunately, the landscape for extended shoe sizes has improved dramatically since my younger days when finding men’s sizes beyond a 10 or 11 was rare. Today, several brands are committed to offering a wider range of sizes and widths, making the search for the perfect men’s travel shoes much easier.
Top Brands for Men’s Travel Shoes in Special Sizes and for Foot Problems
Through years of travel and countless miles on my feet, I’ve learned which brands consistently deliver for men needing special shoe sizes or with foot issues. While many popular brands cater to standard sizes, some brands stand out for their inclusive size ranges and focus on comfort and support. If you’re struggling to find your fit, these are the manufacturers to prioritize in your search for men’s travel shoes:
Clarks: Clarks is a dependable, mid-range brand recognized for its comfort-focused designs. Surprisingly, many of their styles are also quite stylish and built to last. Often associated with classic loafer-style walking shoes, Clarks provides a solid balance of comfort, durability, and aesthetics. They offer a wide range of men’s sizes from 6 to 17, and widths from N to EEEEE, making them an excellent starting point for men with unique sizing needs.
New Balance: When it comes to athletic and walking shoes with an extensive size range, New Balance is a top contender. They offer a diverse selection of styles and price points, with a particular strength in accommodating larger and wider feet. While the aesthetic might be considered somewhat generic, and quality can vary between styles, New Balance is a reliable source for finding your size, especially in men’s sizes 7 to 20 with widths up to EEEE. For men prioritizing function and fit over high fashion, New Balance is a practical choice.
Skechers: Skechers is well-known for its incredibly lightweight and comfortable shoes, popular among travelers and those seeking everyday comfort. While they offer a vast number of appealing styles for average feet, the selection narrows for men with unusual sizes. However, Skechers still provides a better range than many brands, with men’s sizes from 6 to 16 and widths from medium to extra wide. For men who prefer lightweight comfort and a more casual style, Skechers is worth exploring, especially within their broader size offerings for men.
Dunham: Dunham, the premium label from New Balance, aims to blend the appealing aesthetics of brands like Born or Ecco with New Balance’s renowned size inclusivity. Dunham focuses on creating comfortable and stylish shoes with a more upscale look and feel. For men seeking travel sandals and shoes that offer both extended sizes and refined style, Dunham is a brand to consider. They often feature durable construction and a focus on support, making them suitable for travel.
ECCO: ECCO shoes are synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. While often positioned at a higher price point, ECCO delivers on its promise of long-lasting, supportive footwear with a sophisticated aesthetic. Known for incorporating features like Gore-Tex waterproofing and antibacterial properties, ECCO shoes are designed for serious travelers who value both function and style. They offer men’s sizes from 7 to 16, providing options for those with larger feet who don’t want to compromise on quality and design.
Pair of mens brown leather Ecco Track II Low travel shoes
Men’s Sandal Recommendations for Travel
For warm-weather destinations or casual travel days, sandals can be an excellent choice. However, finding supportive and comfortable sandals, especially in extended sizes, can be tricky. Here are some top recommendations for men’s travel sandals that prioritize comfort and fit:
Best Comfort Sandal in Many Sizes: Dunham Monterey
The Dunham Monterey sandal is a standout for its combination of style, comfort, and size availability. As Dunham is the upscale brand from New Balance, you can expect the same commitment to extended sizes, with the Monterey available up to size 18 EEEE. These sandals boast a more refined look, making them versatile enough for both casual beach outings and more dressed-up evening occasions while traveling. Reviewers consistently praise their durability, a crucial factor for travel footwear. If you need a reliable, comfortable, and stylish sandal in a hard-to-find size, the Dunham Monterey is an excellent choice.
Best Flip-Flop: OluKai Kia’i II
Pair of black OluKai Kia’i II mens flip-flops
For a high-quality flip-flop that can handle more than just poolside lounging, the OluKai Kia’i II is a top pick. Trusted by Hawaiian lifeguards, these flip-flops are built for durability and support, capable of withstanding wet conditions and even light hiking. While the price point might be higher than typical flip-flops, the Kia’i II is designed to last for years, molding to your feet and providing excellent arch support. They are surprisingly lightweight at just 8 ounces per shoe, making them ideal for travel. Available in sizes 7-15, the OluKai Kia’i II is a worthwhile investment for men seeking a durable, comfortable, and supportive flip-flop for travel.
Men’s Walking Shoe Recommendations for Travel
Walking shoes are the workhorses of travel footwear. For men with foot problems or unusual sizes, finding walking shoes that offer both comfort and the right fit is paramount. Here are some highly recommended men’s walking shoes for travel, focusing on brands that cater to extended sizes and foot conditions:
Best Shoe for Troubled Feet: Brooks Addiction Walker
Brooks is a brand well-regarded in the running world, known for its focus on cushioning and support. The Brooks Addiction Walker extends this reputation into walking shoes, making it an excellent choice for men with foot problems. Particularly recommended for conditions like neuropathy, diabetes, overpronation, and plantar fasciitis, the Addiction Walker prioritizes foot health and comfort. Despite its substantial build, it remains relatively lightweight at 14 ounces. Available in sizes 7-15 and widths up to EEEE, the Brooks Addiction Walker is a top recommendation for men needing maximum support and cushioning for travel.
Best Walking Shoes for Tough Sizes: New Balance MX623
Pair of white and navy New Balance MX623 mens walking shoes
The New Balance MX623 epitomizes New Balance’s strength in extended sizing. This model is available in an exceptional range of sizes, from 7 to 20, and widths up to EEEE, ensuring a fit for almost any man. While positioned at a more budget-friendly price point and perhaps not the most durable option for heavy-duty use, the MX623 provides reliable comfort and fit for travelers with unusual shoe sizes. If your primary concern is finding a walking shoe in your size without breaking the bank, the New Balance MX623 is a practical and widely available choice.
Favorite Shoe of Rick Steves: ECCO Track II Low
The ECCO Track II Low is a testament to the adage “you get what you pay for.” While a more significant investment, these shoes deliver exceptional quality, durability, and features perfect for travel. Waterproof with Gore-Tex, featuring a contoured footbed, and a sturdy sole suitable for varied terrains, the Track II Low is built for adventure. The inclusion of antibacterial properties is a major bonus for keeping shoes fresh during extended travel. ECCO’s reputation for durable and supportive comfort shoes is fully realized in the Track II Low. Available in sizes 7-16, these shoes are a worthwhile investment for men who prioritize performance, durability, and comfort in their travel footwear, even for those with larger feet.
Finding the right men’s travel shoes when you have unique sizing needs or foot conditions doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on brands known for their extended size ranges and comfort-oriented designs like Clarks, New Balance, Skechers, Dunham, and ECCO, you can discover footwear that will support you comfortably through all your travel adventures. Remember to consider your specific needs, whether it’s extra width, arch support, or accommodation for foot problems, and use this guide to navigate your search for the perfect pair of men’s travel shoes.
