15 Best Walking Shoes for Travel
A quality pair of walking shoes definitely need to make their way into your travel bag, no matter where you’re going in the world (or how long you plan to stay). From sneakers to flats to a comfy pair of boots, walking shoes are an essential part of a nomad’s every day. Read on to discover our 15 favorite pairs of walking shoes for 2024 travel.
We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are products we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
15 best walking shoes for travel in 2024
1. Best overall walking shoe: Allbirds
The Allbirds brand consistently delivers soft, lightweight, and innovative designs to meet all your travel needs. Their signature Tree Runners are made from “responsibly-sourced eucalyptus tree fiber treads” — i.e. a premium, natural material that allows for ultimate breathability. But not only are these runners silky-smooth and super comfortable, you can actually wear them without socks since the fibers wick moisture and minimize odors. How’s that for convenience?
Price: $105
2. Best low-profile walking shoe: ECCO
ECCO's Soft 7 Sneaker has been a favorite among travelers for some time now and for good reason(s). Namely, the ample arch support and high-quality feel that comes packaged in a simple, Scandinavian style. This sneaker’s low profile, comfortable insole, and smooth leather upper expertly pairs a classic aesthetic with an innovative design. Not to mention, the textile lining on the interior of this shoe “ensures a perfect inner climate” no matter where the day might take you.
Price: $160
For more insight, check our full review of ECCO’s Soft 7 Sneaker here.
3. Best slip-on walking shoe: Rothy’s
If you’re a fan of Rothy’s classic flats, then you’ll love this lightweight slip-on design that gives you comfort straight out of the box. The upper on this casual sneaker is made from the same upcycled material as Rothy’s flats, but this shoe features a studier sole for more support during a long day on the go. As an added bonus, this sneaker (and its removable insole) are machine-washable. With 14 colors and 17 sizes to choose from, there’s a slip-on to suit just about everyone!
Price: $119
4. Best slide walking shoe: Birkenstock
Wearing sandals for long periods of time can get tricky — since some designs leave you prone to blisters and general discomfort. The good news is, Birkenstock bucks this trend with its well-loved Arizona slide. This shoe comes with a suede-covered, cork-latex footbed that “practically molds to your feet over time.” Meaning, you’ll get comfortable wear out of this sandal for miles and miles to come. Choose from narrow or regular sizing to best suit your foot shape.
Price: $110
5. Best sustainable walking shoe: Cariuma
The OCA Low is one of Cariuma’s best-selling sneakers, crafted from high-end (recycled) plastic and organic cotton, and featuring lightweight cushion technology. This shoe’s perfectly-weighted rubber sole and classic cap-toe design make it a comfy, go-to option for everyday footwear. But as great as that is, the best part about this pick has to be Cariuma’s focus on sustainability. For every pair of shoes purchased, this brand helps plant 2 trees in the Brazilian rainforest.
Price: $79
6. Best leather walking shoe: Charix
For centuries, Turkish artisans have been handcrafting gorgeous leather shoes called charik — which are the inspiration for the Charix brand. The founders of Charix were drawn to these timeless Turkish designs, though they elevated this aesthetic with a modern touch. Their leather slip-ons include a memory foam insole, a non-skid outsole, a contoured heel, and soft stitching details. In short, these shoes have all the functionality you need for exploring a new city on foot.
Price: $175
7. Best waterproof walking shoe: Sorel
This popular sneaker from Sorel features a waterproof canvas upper plus suede and webbing overlays. Better yet, this design also boasts waterproof bootie construction and a waterproof vulcanized toe cap. Basically, just about everything but the shoelaces provide maximum water protection so your feet stay dry at all times. Along with this weatherproofing, this shoe’s EVA footbed and thick rubber sole offer some much-needed traction while you're out and about.
Price: $110
8. Best lightweight walking shoe: Veja
The Veja Campo sneaker is a 5-star walking shoe with a sleek, minimalist design that’s super easy to love. The lightweight construction of this shoe makes it a practical choice for travel, as does the fact that you can clean these shoes using just a Magic Eraser. Along with all that, Veja prioritizes sustainable construction via Chrome-Free leather and organic and recycled materials. Wear these comfy kicks on your next long-haul flight, or pack them in your carry-on to use later.
Price: $175
9. Best breathable walking shoe: NAOT
The Adonis sneaker from NAOT is designed with a “flexible, breathable knit upper textile” — giving it a totally casual look while still providing peak functionality. More accurately, this sock-style slip-on is made with a removable cork and latex footbed that promises all-day comfort and ease of wear. If you’ve got big plans for a full day of exploring, these kicks are sure to come in handy and keep you light on your feet as you take in all the sights and sounds of a new city.
Price: $160
10. Best ‘go anywhere’ walking shoe: Everlane
The Italian Leather Day Glove from Everlane is really aptly named, seeing as this shoe “fits like a glove” and hustles “all damn day.” Because this shoe is constructed from buttery soft leather, it completely molds to your foot for a perfectly customized fit. And with practical features like a back pull tab, side vents, rubber sole, and cushioned insole, this shoe is truly up for anything and ready to go anywhere. Wear these flats with jeans, travel skirts, business attire, and beyond.
Price: $135
11. Best boot walking shoe: Blundstone
Boots might not be top of mind when you think of a great walking shoe, but this pair from Blundstone is here to prove you wrong. These boots require zero break-in time — so you can enjoy maximum comfort from the very first wear. What’s more, the pull tabs make these shoes super easy to slip on and off, while the shock absorption keeps your feet feeling good (even after a whole day on the move). This pick is definitely worth the investment, and then some.
Price: $220
12. Best sporty walking shoe: New Balance
New Balance sneakers have been surging in popularity over the last few years, largely because they’re just as comfortable as they are cool. In other words, NB’s designs strike the perfect *balance* of sporty and stylish — plus, they won’t hurt your feet after hours of walking all around the city. While you can’t go wrong with anything in their product catalog, we recommend the New Balance 574 Core for its versatility and neutral tones you can pair with anything.
Price: $90
13. Best high-intensity walking shoe: Arc’teryx
Looking for a walking shoe that can handle more extreme terrain? Let us introduce you to the Konseal FL 2 from Arc’teryx. This sturdy, high-intensity walking shoe can help you move with greater “agility, confidence, and comfort.” That’s because the precise design is specifically made to handle your most technical approaches and longest hikes. Translation: you can tackle all kinds of routes and hiking trails with total comfort (and stability) for the best possible experience.
Price: $145
14. Best trail walking shoe: Teva
If you want a great outdoor walking shoe but don’t need something so technical/heavy-duty, you might like this Trail Sandal from Teva. In the brand’s own words, these sandals are “city-savvy yet trail-ready” — meaning you can count on them in any and all sorts of situations. Other notable features include the quick-dry webbing (made from recycled plastic), the Ariaprene® lining for increased comfort against the foot, and the hook-and-loop closure for a custom fit.
Price: $100
15. Best dressy walking shoe: Birdies
Who says a walking shoe can’t be both practical and sophisticated? The Starling flats from Birdies are just that kind of combo — that is, these shoes are a modern take on a classic smoking slipper, and work well for both fancy dinners and daytime strolls. Not just that, but these dressy flats are built to last and keep your feet comfortable at the same time. How? Their clever, 7-layer cushioned footbed offers elevated arch support for total comfort at every turn.
Price: $150
FAQs about walking shoes
How do I choose a good walking shoe?
A good walking shoe is snug everywhere, tight nowhere, and offers enough room to wiggle your toes. If you can’t try on the shoes in person, be sure to read a handful of customer reviews to get a good sense of whether to size up, size down, or purchase a pair that’s true to size.
What are the best lightweight walking shoes?
Allbirds has some of the best, most lightweight shoes on the market right now. Whether you go for their running shoes, everyday sneakers, slip-ons, or flats, each of Allbirds styles has been sustainably designed with your ultimate comfort in mind.
What are the best shoes for walking around Europe?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you really can’t go wrong with this elegant Charix Slip On, or the ever-popular ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker. And if you’re traveling during the spring or summer months, make sure to take a pair of comfortable sandals with you, as well.