The 26 Best Travel Shoes in 2025: Sneakers, Sandals, & More!

If you want to make the most of your getaways, choosing the best travel shoes to match your outfits and planned expeditions is a necessity. Ideally, you need footwear that’s durable, cozy, versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack. As finding shoes that tick all those boxes as well as look the part can be challenging, we’ve simplified things by detailing what are currently the best travel shoes on the market below.

Whether you’re looking for foldable dress shoes, beach- and city-appropriate sandals, or adventure sneakers to take you to mountain summits, we’ve got you covered!

Best Unisex Travel Shoes

Some of the most ideal shoes for traveling neither look masculine nor feminine. Instead, they boast neutral color pallets and are extremely versatile! Here’s a selection of some of our favorite and most popular unisex travel shoes.

1. Vessi Weekend – Best Overall Travel Shoes

The easy on-and-off Vessi Weekend shoes have a stylish and modern lace-up tennis shoe design, which makes them look great in airports, city outings, and just about anywhere. As they’re easy to slip on and off quickly, they’re an ideal pair to grab when you’re in a rush. And who hasn’t almost missed a bus, train, or plane at one point while traveling? They’re also waterproof, breathable, and comfortable thanks to their soft footbed, meaning they’ll help prevent soreness after a long day of exploration.

2. Vionic Unisex Wave Sandals – Best Orthotic Travel Sandals

Perfect for those with minimalist tastes and heels needing extra support, Vionic Unisex Wave Sandals feature Vionic’s Orthaheel Supportive Technology that helps support and balance your entire body. They also have a built-in footbed that can help reduce pain and discomfort by correcting the alignment of your feet. On top of providing long-term comfort, Wave Sandals can stand the test of time thanks to their sturdy design and robust rubber outsole. Practical merits aside, Vionic’s Unisex Wave Sandals look sleek and streamlined, ideal for those who want the benefits of an orthotic without the usual bulk.

3. Crocs Classic Clogs – Best Poolside Slip-Ons

Many claim the Classic Clogs by Crocs to be the comfiest and most versatile travel shoes available, especially for lounging around a pool. These waterproof and lightweight slip-ons have an iconic, albeit dividing aesthetic. You can take them on and off in a second – ideal for airport security. They also feature ventilation holes in their design to keep your toes cool in hot climates, which you’ll undoubtedly be seeking on one of your upcoming adventures.

Available in a host of designs and colors, Crocs Classic Clogs are the best travel shoes for many! Just keep in mind that you may need something with a little more support for longer walks.

4. Reebok Club C 85 – Best Vintage Travel Shoes

The Reebok Club C 85 might be simple in its aesthetics, but these vintage shoes are still trendsetters. While they’re ideal for long-distance flights through to fine dining venues, the streamlined cushioning and stiffness of these Reeboks might make them unsuitable for those with joint pain – though that’s not to suggest they’re not ordinarily comfortable. On top of being perfect for dressing up or down, Club C 85s are lightweight and compact.

5. Allbirds Tree Runners – Best Travel Shoes for City Walking

The slender and light-as-a-feather Allbirds Tree Runners take up very little space in your luggage. They also consistently score top marks for comfort, supportive cushioning, and breathability, making them ideal for long days of exploring urban sprawls. They cherry on top of their coziness? Tree Runners are timelessly stylish and come in an array of colors, so whether to stand out or blend in is up to you.

6. Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals – Best All-Rounder Sandals

Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals give many sneakers a run for their money when it comes to support, making them a top choice for casual strolls around warm destinations. They’re also great for pools and slippery surfaces thanks to their ChacoGrip rubber outsoles that minimize the risk of slipping. No matter where you wear them, Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals will prove to be comfortable and stylish with their multi-colored looks and features and adjustable straps.

7. Merrell Moab 3 – Best Hiking Shoes

If you’re jetting off to a lush national park for a summer getaway, you might want to pack a pair of Moab 3 by Merrell. These iconic hiking shoes cool your feet with their mesh panels and provide superb stability on slippery surfaces and rocky terrains. Better still, they’re lighter than your typical hiking shoe, making them a handy travel companion.

8. Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018 – Best Running Shoes

Being on vacation doesn’t mean you need to take a break from working up a sweat. If you don’t want to pack your bulky running shoes for a few days’ break, take some Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018 along with you. Featuring a collapsible upper part and a miniscule weight of just 7 ounces, these streamlined running shoes are barely noticeable in your backpack. Additionally, these travel shoes boast lightweight soles and rounded heels that mimic your foot’s natural movement as you run. Given their barefoot, sock-like design, you might want to avoid running a marathon in your Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018, but they’re still the perfect shoes for short runs in a sunny travel destination.

9. Tropicfeel Monsoon Sneakers – Best Water Shoes

Those who like to escape the metropolis and embrace untamed nature on their travels will benefit from packing a pair of Tropicfeel Monsoon Sneakers. With their built-in drainage holes, breathable mesh design, lightweight, and sprint laces, these water shoes will help you navigate rockfaces, waterfalls, and even cenotes in Tulum! They’re also easy to pack, accounting for a barely noticeable fraction of your luggage weight limit.

10. Greys The Outdoor Slipper – Best Travel Slippers

Looking for cozy footwear to keep you comfortable on long-haul flights? Featuring a soft wool blend design, Greys The Outdoor Slippers will keep your feet from overheating while providing odor protection (for the benefit of those around you). Better still, these travel slippers feature a reinforced toe box, full heel coverage, and a sturdy sole, making them suitable for outdoor use.

11. Lems Mesa – Best Adventure Shoes for Vegans

Mountain climbs, 10K races, and brisk walks along cobbled streets are a breeze when your feet are wrapped comfortably and protected in a pair of Lems Mesa. Made entirely from vegan-friendly materials, Lems Mesa almost feels like a pair of socks. They provide excellent grip on most surfaces and look incredible. They are also lightweight and will fit in just about any backpack.

12. Earth Runners Elemental Sandals – Best Minimalist Sandals

At just 8 mm, the Earth Runners Elemental Sandals are among the world’s thinnest sandals, yet the bottom tread provides impressive traction. The minimalist style might not be for everyone, but we love the natural look. The adjustable straps also make these sandals incredibly form-fitting, making them barely noticeable once you’ve broken them in.

Best Travel Shoes for Women

Fancy showing off your feminine side while strutting your stuff in unfamiliar lands? Some of the best travel shoes for women might be just what you need to complete your look on the beach, in the city – wherever your travels take you. Here’s a selection of the top-rated women’s travel shoes.

13. Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes – Best Overall Travel Shoes for Women

The Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes by Adidas might be the most comfortable daytime travel shoes for women. While they’re certainly a contender for a perfect score on coziness, these running shoes also fare well when it comes to eco-friendliness, being made from at least 50% recycled materials. They might not be the most appropriate footwear for nights out, but these Adidas shoes match just about any daytime outfit in almost all environments. With these shoes, you’ll tackle park trails and city streets with a spring in your step, with little to no rubbing or foot fatigue after even hours of walking.

14. New Balance Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker – Best Lightweight Travel Sneakers for Women

With their breathable, mesh design and impressive light weight of just 150 grams per shoe, the Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker by New Balance fits perfectly in your carry-on luggage. This versatile pair of travel shoes looks the part just about anywhere. And to put their comfort into perspective, they were shortlisted by podiatrists on behalf of Good Housekeeping as some of the best walking shoes available. While they have laces, they’re easy to slip on and off – just for that added bit of practicality.

15. Rothy’s The Sneaker – Best Eco-Friendly Travel Shoe

Thanks to these innovative travel shoes by Rothy’s, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort or style to be eco-friendly. These sneakers are made from about 13 recycled bottles of plastic, and Rothy’s is on its way to becoming TRUE- and LEED-certified by minimizing waste and utilizing green manufacturing practices. While they don’t provide much in the way of cushioning, they are ideal for casual walks around the city or along the beach. Being machine washable is the cherry on top. Your shoes can get pretty nasty when you’re constantly traveling, so this pair will remain your trusty travel accessory trip after trip.

16. Birdies Goldfinch – Best Travel Flats

If you want something as comfortable as a sneaker but more fitting looks-wise for chic outings, check out Birdies Goldfinch flats. A stylish choice for museum visits through to evening dinners out, these flats are super comfortable thanks to their seven-layer footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot. Because they’re available in a wide spectrum of patterns, colors, and prints, there’s a pair of Birdies Goldfinch for any traveler in need of something cute, cozy, and practical.

17. Vionic Rest Amber Backstrap Sandal – Best Travel Sandals for Women

If you want a shoe with luxuriously elegant looks to match its durable construction, you can’t go wrong with the Vionic Rest Amber Backstrap Sandal. Even though these sandals are dazzling, they’re actually undercover orthotics with a soft microfiber footbed that offers additional support and comfort over long periods.

18. HOKA Bondi 8 – Best Travel Sneakers for Flat Feet

HOKA has gained a notable following with its distinctive chunky sneaker style and plush cushioning. While they’ve made a name for themselves in the running community, they’re also a fantastic travel companion thanks to their excellent support, breathable mesh features, and eye-catching design. If you want to exercise without sacrificing comfort while exploring the world, the HOKA Bondi 8 is a smart footwear investment.

19. Tieks Ballet Flats – Best Women’s Dress Shoes

Little, cute, black dress shoes are the closet staple counterpart to the little black dress, and Tieks has transformed this wardrobe essential into travel-friendly split soles that fold in half. These non-skid soles make these ballet flats easy to pack in your carry-on luggage. They also have a cushioned instep and padded backs to prevent rubbing and keep you comfortable for hours. And while we recommend black for its versatility, you can find plenty of other colors and designs as well.

20. Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea – Best Travel Flip Flops for Women

With features that include a high-density foam midsole with a softly lined Ortholite footbed, Clarks Breeze Sea flip flops provide excellent support and cushioning for your travel adventures, whether you’re exploring the local farmer’s market, beach, or museum. The hook-and-loop closure helps you find the perfect fit. Moreover, as they’re available in a multitude of colors, there’s a style for every outfit.

Best Travel Shoes for Men

Investing in the proper footwear for your travels is extremely underrated, and many men snooze on bringing the right shoes with them. Here are some of the best men’s travel shoes on the market.

21. HOKA One Clifton 8 – Best Overall Men’s Travel Shoes

HOKA One Clifton 8s score top marks on fit, comfort, support, responsiveness, and value. Coupled with their dashing looks, these characteristics make the Clifton 8 a fantastic sneaker for both day and night outings. The sneakers have a simple, sleek, timeless design with features such as a padded tongue, EVA midsoles, and the signature Meta-Rocker sole. You’ll be able to put miles on these sturdy shoes without wearing them out – perfect for navigating vast cities.

22. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed – Best Travel Slides for Walking

Birkenstocks have been an industry trendsetter since the company was founded in 1744. Today, many product analysts recommend them for people with bunions, foot pain, and other common issues. The brand’s most iconic design is arguably the Arizona, whose genuine leather straps and supportive cork footbed make it as much a pleasure to wear as to look at. This particular shoe might not be best suited for lounging around a pool, though the similar Arizona EVA that’s made from plastic is a good alternative for wet environments.

23. OAKA The Derby – Best Men’s Dress Shoe

If you like to dabble in life’s finer things while traveling the world, pack a pair of either Ink black or Ash Gray ‘The Derby’ dress shoes by OAKA. These minimalist footwear treasures look appropriate in the ballroom and the boardroom, and as they fold in half, packing them is never an issue. Features include a zero-drop, soft and flexible sole, a faux heel, and unique cutouts that keep your feet close to the ground and let your natural gait take center stage.

24. Sperry Men’s Authentic Original Boat Shoe – Best Boat Shoes for Traveling Men

The original Boat Shoe has stood the test of time on all fronts – style, comfort, practicality, and durability. Available in several neutral colors, these iconic travel shoes pair well with shorts and pants made from just about any material. The latest Boat Shoes by Sperry feature Ortholite cushioning that keeps you cozy for hours, as well as the signature hand-sewn leather moccasins that have been a staple characteristic for generations.

25. Dockers Men’s Fisherman Sandal – Best Supportive Sandals

Dockers Men’s Fisherman Sandals are among the best travel shoes due to being a pleasure to put on right out of the box. Even better than having virtually no break-in period, these sandals boast a Fusion Footbed and a memory foam insole that offers cushioning support for hours at a time. Thanks to their slightly formal looks and rugged durability, Dockers Men’s Fisherman Sandals are perfect for shoreline strolls through to sunset dinner cruises.

26. Vivobarefoot Ra III – Best Barefoot Everyday Shoes

The minimalist form of the Vivobarefoot Ra III shoes makes them look fitting in venues ranging from markets to museums and fancy dinners, and the fact they’re made from ethically sourced leather ticks a few boxes for eco-friendly globetrotters. Their low-top design means they don’t provide ample ankle protection on motorbike rides, but their ability to compress makes them easy to carry with you in a small backpack or suitcase.

Don’t Let the Wrong Footwear Get in Your Way!

It’s easy not to think about travel footwear until the last minute, but it’s essential to pack a pair or two that can withstand the rigors of world travel – and you might as well look good while doing it! Whether you’re heading to the beach, a European capital, a mountain escape, or an all-inclusive resort, some of the best travel shoes above promise not just to maximize your holiday comfort but also to complete your vacation attire. Happy holiday shopping!

Looking for gifts to buy for your traveler friend? Check out our list of the best backpacks for digital nomads and frequent travelers!

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