Best Travel Shoes
People travel for many different reasons. You may be looking for a relaxing beach vacation or want some adventure and the opportunity to learn about a new culture. No matter what your preference may be, traveling anywhere does have one unifying dilemma —finding the perfect travel shoes.
Written by Echo Wang | Edited by Bianca Versoza
People travel for many different reasons. You may be looking for a relaxing beach vacation or want some adventure and the opportunity to learn about a new culture. No matter what your preference may be, traveling anywhere does have one unifying dilemma —finding the perfect travel shoes.
When traveling, standing and walking are very common activities. You will likely have to stand in long lines at the airport or when boarding a cruise ship. Sightseeing tours can have you strolling around on concrete, asphalt, cobblestones, or trails. Even your beach vacation can involve walks in the sand or along a rocky waterline.
It only makes sense to take the time to find and invest in lightweight, multi-purpose, and comfortable travel shoes.
Here Are Some of the Best Qualities to Look For in Travel Shoes:
- Easy to remove at an airport security checkpoint
- Durable and comfortable enough to wear all-day
- Attractive enough to wear to dinner
- Waterproof or Water-resistant
Picking out a great travel shoe can be a challenging task. You have so many choices! After checking in with some frequent travelers, we found the seven best rated travel shoes.
Quick note: These shoes are made for men and women so that everyone can have comfortable footwear.
Crocs Men’s & Women’s Literide Clog
4.7 ⭐ Best for Resort Wear
- Lighter and Better Looking than the Standard Croc
- Great Foot Support
- 34 Color Options
- 14 Size Options
Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandal
4.6 ⭐ Best for Camping
- Waterproof and Washable
- Adjustable Straps
- 24 Color Options
- 24 Size Options including Narrow
Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Mexico 66 Slip-on Shoes D3K0N
4.6 ⭐ Best for Busy Vacations
- Slip-on Sneaker
- Stylish and Fashionable
- 27 Color Options
- 20 Size Options
Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandal – Flip-Flop with Concealed Orthotic Arch Support
4.4 ⭐ Best for Walking All Day
- Nylon Webbing Uppers
- Concealed Orthotic Arch Support
- 5 Color Options
- 10 Size Options
Water Sports Shoes
4.6 ⭐ Best for Water Sports
- Anti-Slip Soles
- Quick Drying
- 39 Color Options
- 13 Size Options
SIMARI Water Shoes
4.5 ⭐ Best for Beach Trips
- Drainage Holes in Soles
- Breathable Mesh Uppers
- 39 Color Options
- 14 Size Options
Belilent Water Shoes
4.5 ⭐ Best for Amusement and Water Parks
- Skin-friendly
- Stylish Design
- 9 Color Options
- 13 Size Options
The Best Shoes Have Four Features
No matter where you travel, whether you drive or fly to get there, selecting the best pair of shoes can be challenging. Out of the many necessary items to pack for your trip, your shoes may be the most important. After all, wearing the wrong shoes can ruin your vacation. Take into consideration these four features before you buy your next pair of essential travel shoes.
Comfortable
A travel shoe’s comfort is subjective, but the shoe needs to be breathable and sturdy yet flexible. If you are traveling or walking all day, your feet may swell, so your shoes shouldn’t be too tight before you even get started. Adjustable straps and laces are an important consideration so that you have the option to change the fit of the shoe as your feet swell.
Since your feet generate heat, they can become sweaty, itchy, and uncomfortable if your shoes don’t provide breathability. This situation can cause blisters or even stinky foot fungus. So you need to check the shoe’s ventilation. If it doesn’t allow air into your foot, plan to wear socks. Preferably moisture-wicking socks.
Lightweight
The shoe’s weight directly influences your comfort when wearing it. You might need a thick, heavy shoe when hiking challenging terrain, but that type of shoe is not ideal for general travel. A day of sightseeing in heavy-duty footwear can cause pain and blisters within a few hours.
Waterproof
It doesn’t matter if you will be at the beach or pool or if you end up in the rain while on a walking tour; your feet are going to get wet while traveling. Some shoes take days to dry, promoting the growth of mildew and bacteria that can cause rashes and athlete’s foot. Wet shoes without the proper sole can also increase the risk of slipping and falling.
Durable
Durable travel shoes should resist tearing and keep their arch support, traction, and waterproofing for at least the duration of your trip. Flimsy and cheap shoes may cause pain and injury and even fall apart before you return home. You don’t want to be searching for new shoes instead of enjoying your vacation.
Top 7 Best Travel Shoes
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing your travel shoes. Take a look at these options and find the activities for which they are best suited.
Crocs Men’s & Women’s Literide Clog
4.7 ⭐ Our Top Pick
Comfort
These Crocs, made from next-generation LiteRide foam insoles, are super-soft and comfortable with sink-in luxury. Matlite uppers provide supple, comfortable wear and breathability. This shoe was created for an active lifestyle and will be comfy on your feet all day.
Weight
The Literide Crocs are incredibly lightweight.
Water Proof
The footbed, made out of a soft and flexible polymer called Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), is waterproof and washable. The LiteRide Foam insoles are exceptionally resilient.
Durability
The Crocs Croslite outsoles are durable and made for daily use.
Pros
- 1.61″ heel
- Super Lightweight
- Well Cushioned
- Attractive
- Relieves Chronic Foot Pain
Cons
- Don’t fit as well on very narrow or very wide feet
- Some people complain that they make noises when walking
Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandal
4.6 ⭐ Editor’s Choice
Comfort
As with the classic Birkenstock sandal, the footbed on this sandal is contoured with four arches to ensure proper posture and even weight distribution. Two straps are attached, each with an individually adjustable buckle. This shoe features a large toe box that enables toes to move naturally and a deep heel cup. Combined, this ensures better foot alignment and stability.
The sandal inspires a natural grasping motion of the feet. This is to stimulate circulation, which may help reduce the formation of dangerous blood clots in the calves when traveling.
Weight
The Arizona sandals are ultra-lightweight.
Water Proof
A soft and flexible polymer, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), is used to create the footbed, which makes it waterproof and washable.
Durability
Very durable under regular use. The shoe tread can begin to wear within a year of being used more strenuously for hiking or camping.
Pros
- Water-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
- Adjustable straps
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons
- Some complaints that they make noises when walking
- Tread can wear down in less than a year
Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Mexico 66 Slip-on Shoes D3K0N
4.6 ⭐ Honorable Mention
Comfort
This sneaker has enough comfort and support for cycling, long walks, or hikes. What’s very appealing about this shoe is the fit is not too snug. It feels firm and comfortable without slipping off. There is no need for a break-in period.
Weight
The Tiger Slip-on is super lightweight.
Water Proof
The synthetic sole is water-resistant, but canvas uppers aren’t.
Durability
The shoes are moderately durable and will last at least six months when walking five miles a day.
Pros
- Attractive with classic design
- Great craftsmanship
- Popular with the “surf, skate & street” crowd
- Slip-on
- Can add laces, if desired
Cons
- Colors tend to sell out
- Sides are unlined canvas
Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandal – Flip-Flop with Concealed Orthotic Arch Support
4.4 ⭐ A Solid Option
Comfort
With a biomechanically designed footbed, you get the ultimate arch support and comfort with this shoe. These flip-flops have a soft, padded jersey-lined upper with a soft nylon toe-post for comfort. The shoe is designed to hug your arches and provide all-day comfort.
Weight
The Vionic Flip-Flop is lightweight.
Water Proof
Water-resistant with a rubber sole, jersey-lined uppers, and nylon webbing toe post.
Durability
The sandal provides long-lasting support even with everyday use. Some people report chafing when wearing for extended periods of time.
Pros
- Podiatrist-designed footbed with built-in arch support
- Promotes stability
- Decreases foot pain
- Attractive
Cons
- They may not fit high arches
- Toe post can cause chafing
Water Sports Shoes
4.6 ⭐Recommended
Comfort
The shoes are well-fitted and well-cushioned and feature more room in the toe area for wider feet. They also have arch support. The insert is removable and washable. A velcro flap on top helps secure the shoe, provides extra support, and allows a custom fit to your foot shape.
Weight
These water shoes have an ultra-light design.
Water Proof
Because these shoes are for water use, water drains through the mesh uppers and out drainage holes in the soles.
Durability
Very durable whether walking in rough terrain or used for water sports.
Pros
- Ventilated
- Anti-slip soles
- Adjustable upper
- Dries quickly
- Fits wider feet
Cons
- Pebbles can get into the drain holes in the sole
- Sizes run large
SIMARI Water Shoes
4.5 ⭐ Contender
Comfort
The shoe design is ergonomically sound and the sole is well-cushioned. Stretchy fabric is used on the uppers, which fit snug. Adjusting the fit is easy with elastic shoelaces with a locking mechanism. The flexible sole makes it easier to put on the shoes.
Weight
The Simari water shoes are lightweight.
Water Proof
Since these shoes are made to be worn in the water, the water enters through the upper mesh material and drains out drain holes in the soles.
Durability
Rugged enough to last even when walking on rocky creek beds or coral.
Pros
- Breathable
- Slip-resistant rubber soles
- Customizable fit
- Fast drying
Cons
- Stones can get into the sole’s drain holes
- Sometimes chafes when walking around
Belilent Water Shoes
4.5 ⭐Approved
Comfort
The soft mesh uppers are made from a skin-friendly stretchy material that doesn’t chafe the top of your foot. The elastic laces allow the ability to adjust to a comfortable fit. Innovative midsoles provide good ventilation, cushioning, and protection to the feet. The shoe feels and looks a lot like a sneaker.
Weight
The ultra-lightweight Belilent water shoe provides a nearly barefoot experience.
Water Proof
The shoes are intended for watery environments. Water enters through the mesh uppers but does not accumulate in the soles of the shoes due to drainage holes.
Durability
This shoe stands up to many uses besides water sports, including fishing, yoga, driving, and walking.
Pros
- Multi-purpose water and walking shoe
- Cross ventilation
- Barefoot feel
- Fashionable and attractive
Cons
- Sizing can vary
- The sole’s drainage holes can get clogged with gravel
The Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
The Crocs Men’s & Women’s Literide Clog is the best travel shoe on this list. Besides choosing between various colors, they are lightweight, supportive, and comfortable to wear all day. The holes in the shoe’s uppers allow for ventilation but keep excess water out.
This footwear is designed for the needs of the on-the-go traveler in mind, and makes for a fashion staple for a late morning brunch, lounging by the poolside, romantic dinners, and even late-night strolls on the beach.
Whether you’re looking for classic sneakers, water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops this list has a shoe for everyone. These shoes are suitable for many uses, so think about what activities you’ll be enjoying on your travels and select the right one for your circumstances.
