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Let’s be real: bad shoes can ruin a trip. If you’ve ever spent a full day exploring a new city in the wrong pair, you know what I mean. The blisters, the aching feet, the regret—ugh. Been there, done that, never again. I’ve learned the hard way you should absolutely invest in comfortable travel shoes (that you can obviously wear during your day-to-day too). For me, comfortable shoes for traveling have a few key qualities: comfort (duh!), style (because we still want that outfit to slay) and versatility (that carry-on space fills up quick!).
After reading way too many online reviews and plenty of rigorous testing (read: I’ve worn them on several trips and IRL), I’ve found three of the best shoes for travel – shoes that are actually worth packing. Whether you need a casual sneaker, a waterproof option, or a boot that can handle both city streets and the occasional hike, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down!
Table of Contents
Allbirds Wool Runners: The Everyday Sneaker That Feels Like a Hug
I remember when a friend who lives in New York first told me about these wool sneakers nearly a decade ago when I first started traveling frequently. I was, admittedly, a little skeptical – sure, wool would keep me warm in the winter but how would it fare in the summer? And how comfortable would these sneakers really be?
Fast-forward to today: half my family owns at least one pair of Allbirds. I own two and my husband owns a whopping four pairs. To say we are Allbirds fans is an understatement (and no, they’ve never sponsored me or anything. I just really like the shoes). I love the wool runners and also have the tree huggers, that are a little more summer-appropriate. These are by far my favorite travel shoes.
Why They’re Great
- Ridiculously Comfortable: These sneakers feel like walking on clouds, thanks to the super-soft merino wool. No stiff materials, no rubbing, no breaking in required.
- Temperature Regulating: Wool is naturally breathable, which means your feet stay cozy in cooler weather but don’t overheat when it’s warm. Pretty perfect for unpredictable travel conditions.
- Odor-Resistant: If you’re not a fan of packing extra socks (or if you just hate dealing with smelly shoes), you’ll love that these are antimicrobial and don’t trap odors. I always wear mine with socks, but technically, you don’t have to.
- Great for Wide Feet: I have baby feet – both small and a little wide, which makes finding shoes much more challenging. But the Allbirds have plenty of wiggle room!
- Easy to Clean: Toss them in the wash, air dry, and boom—good as new.
- Sustainably Made: Allbirds is known for its eco-friendly materials and ethical production, which has become increasingly important to me when choosing where to spend my hard-earned dollars.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not Waterproof: They can handle a little drizzle, but if you get caught in serious rain, your feet will definitely get wet.
- Casual Look: These are great for everyday wear but might not work if you need something dressier.
Best For
- City strolls, long travel days, and everyday wear.
- Destinations with mild weather (not great for heavy rain or snow).
- Anyone who values sustainability and comfort.
Vessi Weekend Sneakers: The Waterproof MVP
I saw what felt like hundreds of ads on Instagram for the Vessi sneakers before finally being influenced myself. I’m not going to lie, I was skeptical that these stylish-looking sneakers could actually be waterproof, but low and behold – they were. I wore these during an entire week in Guatemala, where I stepped into a pool of water at an over-water restaurant just to test these out. I also did NOT have time to break these in before my trip, so I literally packed them and just hoped for the best – not usually the best idea, but it worked our this time! I love that these shoes come in a bunch of colors and styles and they’re an excellent choice for when rain is on the itinerary, but you’re not feeling full-on rain boots. Definitely the best waterproof shoes for traveling!
Why They’re Great
- 100% Waterproof: Rain, puddles, spilled drinks—these sneakers can handle it all. The magic is in the knit material that repels water without making your feet sweaty.
- Comfortable Right Out of the Box: No break-in period needed! Unlike a lot of waterproof shoes, these are soft and flexible from day one.
- Surprisingly Supportive: They don’t look bulky, but they offer solid arch support and cushioning, making them great for all-day wear.
- Lightweight and Easy to Pack: They won’t take up much space in your luggage.
- Easy to Clean: A quick wipe-down is all they need to stay looking fresh.
- Stylish: These don’t scream “practical travel shoe,” which is a win if you like looking put together on the road. Stylish travel shoes are a big thing for me and I love how many colors and styles Vessi comes in!
Things to Keep in Mind
- Run a Bit Snug: If you have wide feet (like me), they might feel a little tight at first, but they stretch out after a day or two.
- Not as Breathable as Allbirds: Since they’re waterproof, they don’t have that same airy feel. They’re comfortably breathable if the weather is cooler, but can get a little warm in hot weather. If you’re traveling somewhere that’s warm or humid, leave these at home in favor of sandals or a more breathable shoe.
Best For
- Rainy destinations, unpredictable weather, and trips where you’ll be walking a ton.
- Travelers who want a waterproof sneaker that doesn’t look like a waterproof sneaker. These are the most stylish travel sneaker in my closet!
- Anyone who hates wet socks (so… everyone?).
The North Face Glenclyffe Boots: The Sneaker-Boot Hybrid That Can Do It All
My history with boots is…not great. I already mentioned I have wide feet that are on the smaller side so I often have a hard time finding a pair that is stylish, works for wide feet, and doesn’t look comically large in proportion to my small frame. Enter: The Glenclyffe Boots, the most comfortable travel boots. For full transparency, I have an older model of these shoes that are no longer sold, but these are a very similar pair. I’m consistently impressed with the comfort and durability of these boots. They did have a bit of a break-in period like all boots do (pairing them with hiking socks helps), but what I love is the versatility of them. They’re durable enough to hike in but don’t look like hiking boots and they’re unisex (which can be a win if you and your travel buddy want to buy matching shoes or something). Also, North Face gear is consistently awesome.
Why They’re Great
- Hiking + City Exploring in One: These boots are tough enough for light hikes but stylish enough to wear in the city. Perfect if your trip includes both urban and outdoor adventures. I probably wouldn’t wear them on The Inca Trail, for example but did while hiking in Austria.
- Surprisingly Lightweight: A lot of boots feel clunky, but these won’t weigh you down.
- Ankle Support: If you’re walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets, anyone?), these give you the stability you need.
- Durable: North Face gear is built to last, so these will hold up for multiple trips.
- Weather Resistant: Not fully waterproof, but they can handle light rain and dirt without a problem.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Need a Short Break-In Period: They’re comfy, but give them a few wears before committing to a full-day trek.
- Not for Hot Weather: Like most boots, they can get a little toasty in warm climates.
Best For
- Travelers who want one shoe that can handle both urban and outdoor exploring.
- Destinations with cooler weather or uneven terrain (Sequoia National Park, anyone?).
- Anyone who needs a little extra ankle support.
Check out The Glenclyffe Boots here
Which One Should You Pick?
Honestly, it depends on your trip!
- If you want an everyday travel sneaker that’s comfy and breathable, go with the Allbirds Wool Runners.
- If you need a stylish travel sneaker that is waterproof for unpredictable weather, the Vessi Weekend Sneakers are the way to go.
- If your trip involves hiking or you need ankle support, the North Face Glenclyffe Boots are your best bet for travel boots.
All three of these shoes have earned a permanent spot in my travel rotation, and after many miles (and zero regrets), I can confidently say they’re worth the investment.
What’s your go-to travel shoe? Have you tried any of these? Let me know in the comments!
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