11 of the most comfortable shoes for any kind of trip
These kicks can truly go the distance.


All products featured are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Tripadvisor may earn an affiliate commission.
The right footwear can make or break a vacation. Whether you’re increasing your daily step count while sightseeing or traversing a variety of surfaces from cobblestone to sand, there’s no doubt you’ll be on your feet more than usual when traveling.
Finding the perfect travel shoe depends on the needs of your particular feet—for instance, those with flatter feet may need more support while those with more width may need a more flexible toe box—but in general, a supportive sole and a flexible fit are keys to tackle those long, but thrilling, travel days.
Here, we honed in on a selection of shoes that can help keep you light on your feet, so that the only thing you’re focused on is the road ahead.
For walking
$145
With their famously thick outsoles, Hoka has transcended the running shoes market and also become a popular choice for walking shoes, thanks to that extra support. The Clifton is an entry-level model into the brand, offering that iconic supportive sole at more manageable height, providing stability with just a tad of forward momentum. Known for being “light and plush,” the vegan shoe—certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)—has an EVA foam midsole and softer heel so that every step is like walking on air. Plus at just 7.3 ounces, they’re extremely lightweight and won’t bog down your luggage.
$140
In the Brooks universe, “GTS” stands for “go-to shoe” for a reason: This sneaker is an all-around top choice that strikes the balance between support and softness, and even has a seal of acceptance from the APMA. Designed for road running, they’re meant to go for miles, and are constantly updated each year (like cars) with the latest innovations. The latest version, Adrenaline GTS 22, is available in more than 30 designs for women and two dozen for men, and the upper is also made of more than one-third recycled materials.
For arch support
$115
If you’re heading to a warm-weather getaway (lucky you!), flip-flops may be fine for short jaunts, but for all-day comfort, turn to Dansko’s Racquel. The American brand, which was inspired by Danish clogs, is known for its natural arch support even in these walking sandals. Coupling an EVA footbed and the outsole of a sneaker, it’s basically like wearing an open-toed version of your favorite kicks. Available in six colors, the soft webbing is adjustable so you can customize it to your perfect fit.
Waterproof
$250
Winter and spring weather requires a different kind of footwear, and the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boot is ready to tackle the elements. With removable sheepskin shearling footbeds and Thinsulate insulation, these shoes go the distance to make sure your feet stay completely warm and dry. Topped with antique leather and elastic on the sides—all of which is waterproof—the sleek city style is more rugged than it appears. With front and back loops, they’re also easy to pull on in a pinch (like after airport security lines).
$125
If you’re only going to pack one pair of shoes on vacation, this is the one. The Weekend Sneakers from Vessi check every box. They’ve got a lightweight, cushioned sole for comfortable all-day support; a flexible knit upper that’s breathable for extra give if your feet swell and relief if they sweat (both realities of travel); and most incredibly, despite appearances, they are completely waterproof (trust us, we’ve put them to the puddle test), touting a “dry socks guarantee.” On top of it, it’s made of vegan materials and can even be tossed in the washing machine between trips.
Other unisex styles
$150
This brand is royalty approved. Meghan Markle has been spotted in the brand’s sportier V-10, while Kate Middleton has been seen wearing our top pick from the French company: the unisex Esplar sneakers. The upper is made of Uruguayan bovine leather that’s tanned in Brazil, while the soles contain Amazonian rubber. The trendy shoe takes a bit of breaking in for the leather to soften—be sure to put some miles on them before your trip—but once it does, you’ll have a good-looking shoe versatile enough to work on city trips, beach jaunts, and everything in between.
$105
Allbirds has long been noted for its focus on comfort, and the Tree Runners step it up as one of the brand’s most lightweight options at less than 10 ounces. The breathable eucalyptus fiber slips on like a sock and is moldable to your foot (with room to grow, if your feet tend to swell, especially on plane rides). The machine washable shoe’s midsole, made from sugarcane-based EVA, has cushioning for extra comfort, and the sturdy shoelaces are made of recycled plastic bottles.
For women
$148
Last year, Lululemon entered the footwear game with sneakers that were designed for women first, as opposed to other shoes that are usually catered toward men and then sized for women. The result is one of the easiest shoes to walk in, thanks to a toe box that’s shaped for more women’s feet (they looked at more than a million women's foot shapes to come up with it). And this month they introduced the new and improved Blissfeel 2, an everyday shoe suitable for running and walking that will make you feel like you’re strolling on a cloud no matter how far you go.
$100
Often, there’s no time to bother with laces while traveling, which makes a slip-on sneaker an easy way to stay on your feet. The podiatrist-founded brand Vionic doesn’t cut corners, with an orthotic footbed inside the flexible canvas shoe to keep you on your feet longer. Made with 20 percent recycled content, they’re even machine washable, so that you can truly forge ahead, worry-free.
For men
From $180
It’s the best of both worlds: loafer on the top and sneaker on the bottom. The upper is a classic Cole Haan style, made of leather for a timeless look. But it’s paired with multiple layers of the brand’s Grandfoam, which cradles each step with padding for extra comfort, and a thick, lightweight sole with deep grooves for traction. They’re a perfect pick for a trip that mixes business and pleasure, as they’re just as appropriate for a casual day sightseeing as they are for a client meeting.
From $70
There’s a time and place for moccasins—and that’s while traveling anywhere in the world. Merrell’s trademark pair, the Jungle Moc, has thoughtful features that will keep you comfy through even the most grueling of travel days. The air cushion in the heel helps stabilize and assists in absorbing shock. The rugged outsole has serious traction that will grip tightly on any kind of surface. And the double stretch elastic on each side makes them easy to take on and off.