Choosing the right footwear is crucial for any trip. Imagine exploring a new city only to be sidelined by painful blisters or aching feet. Comfortable walking shoes are not just a luxury, they’re a travel essential. That’s why Travels.edu.vn editors have tirelessly tested and curated a list of the best travel shoes for women. We’ve personally worn these shoes on countless adventures, from weekend getaways to extended work trips, across diverse destinations. Our top picks encompass various styles, ensuring there’s a perfect pair for every traveler, whether you prefer supportive sneakers, stylish boots, breezy sandals, or versatile flats.
Browse our curated selection of comfortable travel shoes or jump directly to your preferred category:
Boots
Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Platform Chelsea Boots
These platform Chelsea boots are hailed as the “perfect travel shoe” by Susie Plotkin from Condé Nast’s global email team. Having owned them for over three years, she’s explored cities worldwide in them. From sightseeing in Zurich to navigating the streets of Venice and Brooklyn, these boots have proven their comfort and durability. Despite their slightly heavier feel, they are incredibly comfortable for extended wear and easy to slip on and off, making them ideal airport shoes as well.
Key features: Pull-on style, cemented sole for durability.
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots
Megan Spurrell, Associate Articles Director, recommends Vagabond’s Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots for city explorations. She highlights the importance of a wider toe box for walking comfort. These lug sole Chelsea boots are perfect for urban adventures. Their robust build might add a bit of weight to your luggage, so consider wearing them while traveling to save space.
Key features: Pull-on design, leather upper for durability, solid traction outsole.
Casual Sneakers
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
The Adidas Samba OG sneakers, a classic since 1950, are experiencing a major resurgence in street style. Editorial assistant Kat Chen wholeheartedly recommends them as her “ride or die” travel shoes. She’s worn previous pairs for a decade, highlighting their lasting comfort and style. These sneakers are versatile, durable, and perfect for everyday travel wear.
Key features: Lace-up closure, leather upper for durability, rubber outsole for traction, available in half sizes.
$100 at Adidas (women’s sizes)
Kizik Milan Sneakers
Commerce writer Paris Wilson is a new but enthusiastic convert to Kizik Milan sneakers, praising their hands-free design, which combines the look of a sneaker with the ease of a slip-on. This design is especially beneficial for travelers of all ages and abilities. The retro-chunky Milan style offers excellent cushioning and comes in breathable nylon or leather options. Wilson has worn them comfortably across New York City, New Jersey, and even on trips to Maine.
Key features: Hands-free slip-on design, half sizes available, removable insoles, cushioned foam midsole.
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers
New Balance 574 Core sneakers are back in style as a fashionable and comfortable choice. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny frequently wears these “cool dad shoes”, praising their comfort and style balance. She has worn them on city walks in Boston, airport travels, and daily commutes. Their neutral color ensures versatility with various travel outfits, and they are surprisingly durable and easy to maintain, making them excellent travel companions.
Key features: Available in half and wide sizes, suede and mesh upper for breathability.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Adidas Stan Smith sneakers have transitioned from tennis courts to global streets, becoming a timeless classic and a favorite among Travels.edu.vn editors. Their exceptional comfort makes them ideal for travel, handling sightseeing, light hikes, and airport transits with ease and style. Associate editor Matt Ortile, a long-time Stan Smith enthusiast for over eight years, highlights their versatility, having worn them in locations from Paris to Saudi Arabia and Palau.
Key features: Half sizes available, lace closure, OrthoLite liner for temperature regulation and comfort.
$100 at Adidas (women’s sizes)
Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star Low Top Sneakers
Brie Schwartz, Commerce Director at Glamour and Teen Vogue, recommends the playful Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse All Star low-tops to inject fun into your travel wardrobe. These sneakers are lightweight due to their canvas upper and provide reliable traction with their vulcanized rubber sole. Their recent use on a trip to Disney highlights their comfort for long days of walking.
Key features: Lightweight canvas upper for comfort, vulcanized rubber sole for traction.
Athletic Shoes
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers live up to their reputation, according to Meaghan Kenny. Initially intended for workouts, they have become her go-to walking shoes. Despite their thick soles, they are surprisingly lightweight and offer exceptional cushioning for hours of walking. Their packability and comfort make them essential for any trip, from hiking in the Poconos to city exploration.
Key features: Half and wide sizes available for optimal fit, Gore-Tex option for weather protection, laces made from recycled materials.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoes
Associate editor Charlie Hobbs considers Salomon Speedcross 6 shoes his everyday footwear, suitable for the gym, park, and even raves. Their speed lacing system ensures easy on-and-off, and their exceptional comfort makes them ideal for travelers needing reliable and hassle-free shoes for diverse activities.
Key features: Quick-lace system for convenience, half and wide sizes available, Gore-Tex option for weather resistance, lightweight design.
Hoka Kawana Sneakers
Hoka Kawana sneakers are favored by Glamour‘s senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle, for their comfort and breathability, especially in warm climates. Their bouncy and breathable design kept her feet comfortable and sweat-free during extensive walking in San Antonio’s heat. These sneakers are a great option for travelers expecting warmer weather and lots of walking.
Key features: Half sizes available, pull tab at heel for easy wear, lightweight design.
On Cloudmonster Sneakers
On Cloudmonster sneakers, recommended by Jenifer Calle, feature the brand’s most significant CloudTec layer for maximum cushioning and energy return, reducing muscle fatigue. These sneakers are ideal for light runs and walks, offering exceptional relief and a propulsive feel thanks to their rocker bottoms. They’re a step up from minimalist sneakers for travelers who prioritize performance and comfort.
Key features: Half sizes available, maximum cushioning in the On line, designed for high energy return.
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
The Merrell Moab 3 is recognized as a globally popular hiking shoe, with over 25 million pairs sold. Our editor tested the latest generation on a trip to Iceland, finding them excellent for both moderate hikes and city walks on wet surfaces. They offer great traction, a comfortable fit, and are relatively packable, making them a reliable choice for adventurous travelers. Jake Smith from Glamour also recommends them as excellent walking shoes beyond hiking trails.
Key features: Half and wide sizes available, designed for rugged trails, protective toe cap for durability.
$120 $84 at Merrell (men’s sizes)
$120 $84 at Merrell (women’s sizes)
Slip-ons
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes
Emma McDonald from Condé Nast’s digital marketing team recommends Kane Revive recovery shoes for everyday comfort and travel ease. She wears them at her standing desk and for errands, appreciating their cushioning and footbed design. Made from Brazilian sugarcane, these shoes promote blood flow and are perfect for travel recovery and all-day wear.
Key features: Quick-drying material, easy to clean, grippy soles for traction and stability.
SeaVees Bodega Clogs
Glamour‘s commerce editor Malia Griggs highly recommends SeaVees Bodega clogs, initially thinking of them as rain boots but finding them versatile for everyday wear. Their slip-on ease, comfort, and waterproof nature make them ideal for drizzly city days and travel. She wore them to the North Carolina mountains, appreciating their airport security convenience and durability for light trails.
Key features: Memory foam footbed for enhanced comfort, partially made with recycled materials, waterproof construction.
Sabah Slip-ons
Sabah slip-ons, recommended by articles director Lale Arikoglu, are a long-standing “permanent fixture on my packing list.” These handmade shoes, crafted in Gaziantep from soft leather or suede in numerous colors, mold to your feet over time for a personalized fit. Their comfort and style make them a go-to travel shoe for many seasoned travelers.
Key features: Handmade craftsmanship, soft leather lining for comfort, replaceable rubber outsole for durability.
Sandals
Arizona Birko-Flor Birkenstocks
Despite potential sandal discomfort, former Traveler editor Sarah Ratner vouches for Birkenstock Arizona sandals. Their suede-covered cork-latex footbed molds to your feet over time for personalized comfort. Available in numerous colors and widths, they offer a customizable fit and style that pairs well with various outfits, making them a reliable and comfortable sandal option for travel.
Key features: Cork-latex footbed for contoured support, adjustable straps for a customized fit.
Teva Universal Trail Sandals
Teva Universal Trail sandals inspire lifelong loyalty in their wearers. Ideal for various occasions, they are suitable for light hikes, city sightseeing, and even water activities. The Trail sandals offer enhanced arch support compared to the classic style, ensuring comfort for both urban and outdoor explorations. Their durability and blister-free comfort make them a top travel sandal choice.
Key features: Adjustable straps for secure fit, waterproof construction, grippy outsoles for traction, made with recycled materials.
Teva Midform Universal Sandals
Teva Midform Universal sandals, another favorite of Megan Spurrell, offer a slightly less rugged alternative to the Trail sandals while maintaining all-day comfort. Ideal for beach trips, bike rides, city walks, and dinners, they demonstrate versatility for various travel scenarios, proving their value as a multi-purpose travel shoe.
Key features: 1.25″ platform for style lift, quick-dry material for convenience, rubber outsole for reliable traction.
Flats
Rothy’s The Point II Flats
While Rothy’s offers classic ballet flats, The Point II flats provide a more sophisticated style for travelers. Available in a wide array of colors, these flats cater to diverse tastes and wardrobes. Made from recycled plastic with minimal production waste, they are also eco-conscious. Recent redesigns have enhanced their comfort with a cushioned insole and wider toe box. Travel writer Terry Ward highlights their ability to elevate any outfit, pack easily, and maintain their shape, making them a worthwhile investment for years of travel.
Key features: Machine washable for easy care, removable cushioned insole for comfort, made from sustainable recycled materials.
This article has been updated with curated selections for 2024 to ensure the most current and helpful information.
