Favorite Shoes for Travel

Considering I travel for about 150 days of the year, I like to think I know a thing or two about finding good travel shoes! Traveling in good shoes is the difference between enjoying your day of sightseeing and turning said day into one of torture. And since I do not have time to waste on blisters or foot cramps, I always put a lot of thought into what shoes I pack for which trip.

Check out all my favorites below!

Side note: shoes are my suitcase nemesis, and I only ever bring three pairs and that includes the shoes I wear to travel in.   Before you totally hate me and unsubscribe from my newsletter, you should know that flip flops, flat shoes and sandals DO NOT COUNT.  These shoes are totally flat and take up little luggage real estate.

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The Types of Travel Shoes You’ll Want

Before I get into brands and styles, I want to break down the kind of travel shoes you’ll want to pack. Sometimes a single shoe can do double duty but it’s always good to start with the type then get into specifics.

Airport/Travel Day Shoes

These are shoes you want to wear at the airport or when you know you have a long day of travel ahead of you. Some people love dressing up for the airport and while I like to look nice, I’m dressing for comfort and functionality, not to look fancy. Imagine getting stuck with layovers or an emergency situation and you’re in flimsy shoes!

Airport shoes should be comfy and easy to slip in and out of. If you like to workout on vacation, just wear your sneakers. And if you don’t like the look of most sneakers which usually come in bright colors, consider buying a pair of black, white, or neutral colors next time you’re due for a new pair.

Main Destination Shoes

Main destination shoes are the shoes you’re going to wear for the majority of your trip. You want to tailor them both to the season and the destination itself. Whether it’s a snowboot in winter or a sandal in summer, make sure the sole has a lot of cushioning to absorb the impact of walking. In fact, you may even want to look at getting custom orthopedic insoles for even better support.

Fancier Moment Shoes

These shoes are totally optional but if you’re planning on going somewhere nicer for dinner or just want a day where you’re more dressed up, bring a pair of fancier shoes. They don’t necessarily need to be heels. A nice, slimmer flat will do the job perfectly. Just make sure whatever fancier shoe you bring is still relatively comfortable because there still may be some walking involved, and you don’t want to twist your ankle on cobblestones in uncomfortable heels!

My Favorite Shoes for Travel

Now here are some specific brands and shoes I’ve loved over the years. Keep in mind none of these are sponsored and everything I’m listing are shoes I’ve worn many, many times.

Fitflops

Fitflops are by far my constant recommendation for footwear. They put so much technology into their shoes and despite the name being a play on “flip-flop,” they actually have a huge range of styles from sandals to boots to sneakers. I often wear their leather F-Mode sneakers as my airport shoes, and for the last year or so I’ve worn the F-mode gold espadrilles as my main destination shoes anywhere it was warm. I actually once left my phone at a café in Amsterdam and had to sprint 10 minutes to get it back. Those sandals did not fail me even a little bit!!

Their only downside is that I haven’t quite found a style I’d like to wear for a fancier evening out. They do have some flats and heeled sandals but I’d say they’re still on the more casual or dressy casual side.

Adidas Sambas

Adidas Sambas are great for a main destination shoe (or really an everyday shoe). As far as sneakers go they’re pretty stylish and come in just about every color and color pattern imaginable. They’re a classic that you’ll find people of all ages wearing in major cities all around the world too!

I will say if you have arch support issues or need extra comfort, they’re on the flatter side. Either get some sturdy insoles to put in them or refer back to the Fitflop sneaker options.

Allbirds Cruiser Loungers

Allbirds Cruiser Loungers are exactly what I mean when I describe the perfect airport shoe! They’re sneaker-like and they can be slipped on and off easily. Pair them with some long, loose pants, a cotton or linen top, a cardigan, and a blanket scarf. Boom – stylish, practical and comfortable!

Cole Haan Gisella Drivers

If loafers are more your style, I love how classic the Cole Haan Gisella Drivers are. Cole Haan also puts a lot of technology into their soles so these are great as main destination or airport shoes.

Rothy’s Point II

For a fancier but still practical shoe, I really loved the Rothy’s Point II flat. They just look really elegant and, as a bonus, they’re washable so if you do get them dirty no need to worry. Go with black the most classic look. The colors are fun but if you get them wet at all, it’ll show the markings until you have a chance to throw them in the washer.

You could maybe wear them as your main destination shoe if your feet are in good shape. I wore them all day while we were filming in Italy for “Places to Love.” However, they do not have a ton of support so you will feel it towards the end of the day! Save them for shorter outings and fancier dinners or events.

Any shoes you’d recommend? Let me know below!