Over years of globetrotting, selecting the right travel sandals has been a journey of discovery, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Finding the perfect balance between comfort, practicality, and style is crucial for any traveler. This guide shares hard-earned lessons and expert recommendations to help you choose the Best Travel Sandals for your adventures, ensuring your feet stay happy whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring rugged terrains.
Woman standing on a cobblestone street wearing stylish black travel sandals.
My Travel Sandal Experiments: What Worked and What Didn’t
My quest for the best travel sandals has involved trying various styles and brands, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Learn from my experiences to make an informed decision for your next pair.
Crocs: The Waterproof Wonder (Attempt #1)
Black Crocs Cleo sandals, highlighting their suitability as walking travel sandals.
For many years, Crocs, particularly the Cleo style, were my trusted travel companions. Their blend of fashion and functionality seemed ideal at the time.
The Upsides of Crocs for Travel
Crocs’ primary advantage is their waterproof nature. They were perfect for navigating questionable hostel showers and muddy paths. The built-in arch support also made them surprisingly comfortable for long walks, preventing foot pain even after extended periods of wear.
The Cleo style offered a degree of versatility, allowing me to dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Their lightweight and slim profile made them incredibly easy to pack, a significant bonus for travelers mindful of luggage space. Crocs offers a vast array of styles beyond the Cleo, catering to diverse preferences. For a long time, they were my everyday footwear choice.
The Downsides of Crocs for Travel
However, my daily wear and love for walking took a toll. I found myself wearing out a pair of Crocs approximately every year. While not excessively expensive, the annual replacement cost and the challenge of finding them in remote locations were drawbacks of full-time travel.
A major concern was how slippery Crocs became on wet surfaces. Wet sidewalks, stone surfaces, and indoor flooring turned into potential hazards. Several spills, especially as the sole tread wore down, highlighted this safety issue – ironic, considering their origin as boat shoes.
Furthermore, the slip-on Cleo style, while convenient for daily wear, proved unsuitable for trail walking or water sports. They lacked the security needed for more active pursuits. While Crocs offers strappier styles like the Isabella Strappy Sandal and Tulum (now discontinued), I encountered issues with fit and stability with these models, suggesting they weren’t ideal for demanding activities or varied terrains.
Final Verdict on Crocs for Travel
Despite their drawbacks, slip-on Cleo Crocs served me well for several years of travel. Their waterproof nature and comfort were undeniable benefits. However, for truly versatile travel sandals, exploring other options is recommended, especially considering the need for better grip and durability.
Naots: A Decade-Long Promise (Attempt #2)
Naot sandals, showcasing their supportive footbed ideal for comfortable walking.
Naots, remembered fondly from my teenage years for their durability, seemed like a promising upgrade. Their reputation for quality and comfort led me to eagerly try a new pair.
The Advantages of Naots for Travel
Naot sandals, while available in various styles, are renowned for their Birkenstock-like footbeds. These footbeds offer exceptional support, mold to your feet over time, possess anti-microbial properties, and become increasingly comfortable with wear.
I selected a Naot style that aligned with my personal aesthetic, aiming for sandals that could transition seamlessly from casual daytime exploration to more refined evening settings. They excelled in providing comfort during extensive city walks, preventing foot fatigue even after miles of strolling. Their stylish design also garnered numerous compliments.
The Disadvantages of Naots for Travel
The substantial, deep footbed of Naots contributed to their primary drawback: bulk and weight. They were not the most compact or lightweight option for packing. While Naot offers shallower footbed styles like the Marita, the model I chose prioritized maximum support over packability.
Unfortunately, my Naots’ journey was cut short due to an accident, limiting my ability to fully assess their long-term travel performance. My ownership lasted only a few months before they were damaged.
Overall Impression of Naots for Travel
My affection for Naot sandals remains. However, my experience highlighted the importance of choosing the right style for specific travel needs and foot shape. The bulkier style I selected wasn’t ideal for lightweight travel. Trying them on in person or ensuring easy return options for online purchases is crucial to guarantee a proper fit. With careful style selection, Naots can be excellent travel sandals, particularly for those prioritizing foot support and style for urban exploration.
Taos: The Multi-Purpose Marvel (Attempt #3)
Taos footwear, known for its high-quality construction and diverse range of styles, presented another opportunity to find the perfect travel sandal.
Why Taos Sandals Shine for Travel
Taos sandals boast superior footbeds that are contoured, supportive, and mold to your feet over time, similar to Naots, while also incorporating anti-microbial properties. They offer a choice of footbed depths, from deep to sleeker profiles.
I opted for the Trophy style, carefully considering past sandal experiences. The Trophy sandals proved to be relatively lightweight and packable, stylish enough for various occasions, and crucially, featured ankle straps for enhanced stability. These straps made them suitable for walking, running short distances (like catching public transport), and even light trail excursions.
The “Taos Soft Support premium footbed with Cool Recovery Foam” delivered exceptional all-day and all-night comfort. The velcro adjustments on both ankle and toe straps allowed for a customized fit, accommodating foot swelling and making them almost as convenient as slip-ons.
The Drawbacks of Taos Sandals
The microfiber footbed of the Taos Trophy sandals had one significant weakness: moisture. After prolonged use over a couple of years, getting them excessively wet led to uncomfortable pilling of the footbed and an unpleasant odor. Others have reported similar issues, suggesting that sweaty feet might accelerate this problem.
However, Taos has since updated the Trophy sandals with an antimicrobial shield to address odor, staining, and deterioration, indicating they’ve listened to customer feedback and improved their design. Beyond this, I found very little to fault with the Taos Trophy sandals.
Taos: My Top Travel Sandal Recommendation (So Far)
In my sandal journey, Taos Trophy sandals emerged as the winner for the best travel sandal. But beyond the specific brand or style, the key takeaway is the importance of informed choice. Learning from previous experiences allowed me to prioritize fashion, packability, stability, and versatility in my sandal selection. The Taos Trophy sandals effectively served multiple purposes, becoming a valuable part of my travel gear.
Essential Qualities of the Best Travel Sandals
Based on my trials and tribulations, here are the key features to look for when choosing your perfect travel sandals:
- Water Resistance: To handle unexpected showers, water activities, and varying environments.
- Comfortable Footbed: Crucial for walking and exploring without foot fatigue.
- Good Sole Traction: Essential for navigating diverse surfaces safely.
- Ankle Straps: Provide stability, security, and versatility for different activities.
- Stylish Design: Adaptable for various occasions, from casual to semi-formal.
- Easy On and Off: Convenience for daily wear and airport security.
- Lightweight and Packable: Minimizing luggage weight and space.
Honorable Mentions in Travel Sandals
While Crocs, Naots, and Taos were my initial test subjects, many other excellent travel sandal options exist. Recommendations from fellow travelers and personal exploration have broadened my perspective.
Waterproof and Sport Travel Sandals
For activities involving water or mud, specialized waterproof or sport sandals are ideal. While classic Teva styles might not appeal to everyone aesthetically, they excel in functionality.
The Teva Tirra Athletic Sandal is highly praised for its comfort and performance, featuring a compression-molded EVA midsole with notable arch support. Chaco also offers a popular range of waterproof sport sandals, alongside more stylish leather and rubber options.
Birkenstock EVA waterproof sandals in blue, highlighting their comfort for walking.
For Birkenstock enthusiasts seeking a waterproof alternative, Birkenstock EVA sandals provide a lightweight, unisex option in various styles and colors. While not strictly sport sandals, they are waterproof and reportedly comfortable for walking. Although Birkenstock EVA might be discontinued, similar waterproof EVA sandals are readily available online.
Barefoot Travel Sandals: A 2024 Update for Minimalist Travelers
Collage of Xero barefoot sandals showcasing different styles for comfortable walking.
Barefoot shoes have gained popularity for their minimalist design and natural feel. For travel, their ultra-lightweight nature is a significant advantage. My personal journey has led me to embrace barefoot shoes for various activities, including hiking, running, and everyday wear. The Xero Prio shoe has become a favorite for its versatility as an all-around travel shoe, suitable for city exploration, workouts, and light hikes.
Xero Barefoot Sandals: A Sporty Attempt (Attempt #1)
Despite my initial reservations about sporty sandal aesthetics, the appeal of Xero’s barefoot sandals, combined with my carry-on only travel philosophy, prompted me to try the Xero Z-Trail EV sandals. I chose this style for its seemingly robust sole, seeking more protection than other minimalist options.
Xero Z-Trail EV barefoot travel sandals in blue, highlighting their lightweight design.
Upon receiving them, I was impressed by their surprising sturdiness despite being incredibly lightweight (just 4.3oz each). However, after a summer of wear, they didn’t quite meet my needs. The sporty style limited their versatility, and even for sports, achieving a secure fit with the straps proved challenging. My foot tended to slide, similar to the Crocs Tulum, leading to dirt accumulation and the need for frequent cleaning. While potentially suitable for summer hikes and casual activities, their lack of all-around versatility and style made them less ideal for my everyday travel needs.
Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe: My Current Top Pick for Best Travel Sandals
Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe barefoot travel sandals in brown leather, emphasizing their stylish design.
New for 2024, Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe sandals have become my current favorite. Feelgrounds, a European barefoot shoe company, prioritizes style, functionality, and ethical production. The Seaside Luxe sandals address the shortcomings of the Xero Z-trail and other barefoot sandals in terms of aesthetics.
Here’s what makes Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe stand out as the best travel sandal:
- Stylish Vegan Leather Straps: Elevate the look, attracting compliments and making them suitable for diverse settings.
- Adjustable Cushioned Velcro Strap: Ensures a perfect fit and foot security.
- Soft Fabric Toe Thong: Adds to comfort and foot stability.
- Elastic Instep: Provides comfortable stretch and flexibility.
- Natural Cork Insole: Offers breathability and a premium feel (also available in all-black).
- 7mm Ultralight Sole: Thin yet provides adequate shock absorption and protection.
- Super Flexible and Lightweight: Weighing only 5.4 oz (Men’s size 10 / Women’s 11.5).
- Highly Packable: Taking up minimal luggage space.
The compromises are minimal:
- Cork Insole Discoloration: May occur over time due to foot moisture (minimal so far).
- Not Waterproof or Sport-Specific: Not designed for water activities or intense sports.
- Limited Shock Absorption: Less cushioning than regular sneakers, potentially causing discomfort during long, fast walks on hard surfaces, especially for heel strikers.
Despite these minor compromises, Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe sandals are currently my top travel sandal choice. Their packability, secure fit, and stylish appearance make them exceptionally versatile. I plan to explore other Feelgrounds styles for future shoe needs.
The Indispensable Flip-Flop
In many parts of Asia, removing shoes is customary in various settings. Flip-flops become invaluable for navigating these situations with ease. They are comfortable, convenient to slip on and off, and easily replaceable if misplaced. Witnessing my boyfriend’s struggles with bulkier sandals in shoe-removal cultures solidified the flip-flop’s essential role. Beyond cultural contexts, flip-flops are also practical for shared showers and situations requiring waterproof foot protection. Their lightweight and packable nature makes them a worthwhile addition to any travel luggage, serving as a backup option regardless of your primary travel sandal choice.
Explore More Travel Gear Insights
Dive deeper into travel gear with these helpful articles:
- 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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