Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel
Whether you’re tackling the airport or sightseeing and exploring a new destination, having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your travel experience. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to invest in comfortable and supportive footwear, especially when traveling. In today’s post, I’m highlighting some of the best women’s walking shoes for travel, with a selection of sneakers, flats, and sandals that are both stylish and practical. Some of these are my personal favorites that have kept me comfy on my own travels while I’ve walked uneven cobblestone streets, climbed stairs to and from the metro, endlessly explored museums, and so much more. If you want to explore the world in comfort and style, keep reading to find your perfect pair of travel shoes.
How to Shop for Comfortable Walking Shoes
After two bunionectomies and many years of searching for comfortable shoes, I’ve learned a tip or two about how to select a shoe that won’t leave me limping in pain at the end of a long travel day.
- Look for a cushioned insole and rubber sole.
- You want a wide and deep enough toe box to give your toes plenty of room. Jammed hammertoes are no fun, especially in the middle of a long day of walking.
- An adequate arch support system will help keep your feet from feeling tired.
- Enough “shoe” to grasp your foot firmly. There’s nothing worse than feeling like the shoe will slip right off.
- Consider going up one size to give you space to add an extra insole if you need it for additional cushioning.
While we’re talking about shoe shopping, don’t forget to check out the Most Comfortable Spring Shoe Trends To Try.
Additional Tips for Making Your Travel Shoes Comfortable
- Break them in before wearing them for an extended period of time: Painful shoes can ruin any day, but on a trip out of town, I won’t take a chance (been there, done that). I now pack shoes I know are comfy because I’ve worn enough to know they don’t pinch or cause blisters. I also carry a few band-aids in my purse, just in case.
- Add a Specialized Insole or Insert: Consider choosing a shoe that allows you to insert a premium foam insole with heel stability and arch support. I find it can really make a difference for a dressier shoe as well.
- Protect or Pad Problem Areas: If you suffer from painful foot issues like bunions, corns, or calluses, you can protect the sensitive areas of your feet with cushions or protectors.
- Bring Anti-Blister Balm: I would compare this product to a roll-on band-aid! Apply it to areas where you are worried your shoes will cause irritation or chafing, and it’ll help protect you from blisters and raw skin. Actual band-aids will do the job, as well.
You can read more tips in this post: How to Make Your Shoes More Comfortable
My Favorite Women’s Walking Sneakers for Travel
Archepedico
These lace-up shoes from Archepedico were my go-to travel shoes for years and years! The fabric stretches and breathes, so they always stay comfy when my feet swell during the flight. They come in lots of colors, and they’re wonderful for long days on your feet. Bonus…they’re made in a machine-washable fabric, so you can just pop them into the wash for easy cleaning!
Veja Women’s Campo Sneakers
These sneakers from Veja are designed to provide maximum comfort and support to your feet, thanks to their organic cotton and recycled polyester lining and insole. The sneakers also feature a natural rubber sole that provides excellent grip and durability. They are lightweight and breathable, which makes them perfect for travel. They come in a variety of colors and styles, but I think this dune shade will go with everything!
Allbirds Tree Runners
I love my AllBirds, which flex easily and offer tons of cushioning. They’re available in lots of colors and options, including wide widths. Their lightweight top is made from eucalyptus fiber, which breathes and is super stretchy. They have a cushioned midsole for all-day comfort and support, plus they’re machine washable.
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Walking Shoe
Whether you’re walking around a museum, exploring a park, or wandering through a new neighborhood, the Reebok Women’s Club C 85 Vintage Walking Shoe will keep your feet comfortable and stylish throughout your travels. I love the retro vibes from the old-school Reebok logo! These shoes are designed to provide excellent support and comfort to your feet, thanks to their soft leather upper, padded foam sock liner, and EVA midsole that’s designed to absorb impact.
Ecco Sneaker
I wore these leather sneakers all over Japan years ago and a hundred other places since. They’re super comfy with a removable innersole, which gives you space to add your orthotic or to adjust the width. The Ecco lace-ups come in a wide selection of colors, but black goes with absolutely everything and is great at hiding scuffs and dirt. Ecco also has options with zipper closure here,
Comfortable Women’s Flats for Walking and Travel
Ilse Jacobsen Tulip
These little beauties are simply magical. I now own them in 4 colors. This super-comfortable slip-on sneaker has a suede upper that’s whipstitched to a flexible rubber sole. They stretch to mold to your feet and are cool in hot weather. I’m not sure you’re supposed to, but I remove the insole and run my through to the washer when they get dusty. They also have this new model, which I love because it has a slight platform that adds a bit of comfortable height.
Birdies
I’ve worn my Birdies Starling loafers so often, I’m surprised they’re not falling apart….but they aren’t! They’re nice and roomy for my bunion and feel comfy all day long. With a seven-layer responsive cushioned footbed with elevating arch support and a pressure-reducing heel cookie, they get two thumbs up for comfort from me. I have the black velvet, which is perfect for winter, and now have my eye on a light raffia pair for summer. They make lots of fun patterns and colors seasonally to change things up.
Rothy’s Loafer
I’m a big fan of Rothy’s loafers. Their prints and colors change often, but the fit and comfort stay the same. These are made from recycled plastic bottles, so they will ease slightly but not stretch out, so buy your regular size.
Ecco Slip-On Sneaker
I’ve worn these Ecco woven slip-on sneakers for many years and recently added this smooth top version in both black and taupe. They have a cushioned insole with arch support and leather upper. The insole is also removable so that you can use your own custom orthotic or just have more room if your foot is wider like mine.
Margaux Demi
The quintessential ballet flat is a great addition to your travel bag because they go with everything. They give a minimalistic look with maximum style and are totally classic. These look great with everything from pants to skirts and dresses. I discovered this particular pair several years ago when Travel and Leisure rounded up the most comfortable flats on the market, and the Margaux Demi took first place in the ballet flats category. I have them in metallic, a pale gray, and a cerulean blue. They dress up or down and are very comfy in sizes 3-14, narrow, medium, and wide widths.
The Best Women’s Walking Sandals for Travel
ECCO Flowt 2 Band Sandals
After years of loving Ecco sneakers, I decided to try their Flowt 2 Band sandals. They have a very cushiony sole, arch support, and velcro securely to my ankle, so I don’t have to grip my toes to keep them on. I grabbed them in grey rose metallic, but they also come in black and a camel/tan option. These are so comfy I have my eye on another color for this summer.
Skechers Desert Kiss Sandal
I saw several different Skechers shoes when I was researching for this post, and the almost 9,000+ reviews for this Desert Kiss Sandal are very convincing! Reviewers say the memory foam footbed molds to the shape of their feet, providing great support and cushioning, and the adjustable straps make it easy to get a perfect fit. These would be a great fit for any upcoming spring or summer travel excursions on your calendar!
Eileen Fisher Sport Platform Sandal
As much as I love Eileen Fisher’s clothing, I think I love their shoes more! They fit my foot and lifestyle and are super comfy. I bought my first pair several years ago during a marathon shopping day, and I’ve been adding to my collection ever since. I wore these sandals day in and day out over hot cobblestoned streets on our Riverboat cruise back in 2019 and on our Maritime cruise a few summers ago. They dress up and down easily, and they come in black or metallic.
Keen Elle Sandal
The Keen Elle Sandal has a stylish and versatile design that can be dressed up or down, making them a great option for a variety of travel occasions, including beach days, lunch dates, city explorations, etc. They come in a wide variety of colors, but I think this neutral birch shade is a great versatile color choice!
Oofos Sandals
These flip-flops from Oofos are not something I would wear to sightsee or explore a new city, but if your upcoming travels include a pool, spa, or beach, or you just want something cushy to wear around your hotel room… go ahead and put these on your list! My oh my, are they comfortable! They are “biomechanically engineered OOfoam absorbs shock, cradles your arches and reduces stress on your feet, knees and back.” I’m bringing mine to Mexico this spring and won’t be surprised if I wear them around town.
More Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel:
Do you have any upcoming trips? If so, here are some more travel posts you might like:
What are your favorite, most comfortable shoes to wear for travel?
We have a local shoe store here in St Petersburg, FL that is known for carrying hard to find sizes etc. They now have a website and will ship throughout the country. If they don’t have something in stock they will find it for you. Major brands, great prices. If like me, you have difficult feet, they might be an option for you. ..
Peltz.com
I’m very surprised that nobody mentioned Ryka shoes. These shoes are made by women for women. 95% of my shoes are from Ryka. I use them daily for teaching aqua, group Fitness and running around doing chores. Check it out, I’m sure you’ll find something you’re going to love.
I’ve tried on so many shoes the last couple years looking for a travel shoe that works with my feet. I have a long narrow foot with high arches and none of the ones you suggested have worked for me.
Recently I found the OluKai HUIA shoe. So far it’s been perfect! But for some reason I can’t wear OluKai sandals. The sandals that work best for my feet are Vionic, but I can’t wear their shoes. Go figure…
I love to walk, especially when I travel, but it’s difficult when my feet hurt!
Painful feet are miserable!
Great suggestions! My husband swore by his All Birds shoes on our 3 week European vacation. I’m going to Great Britain in May – will be rainy and cold. Any ideas on comfortable waterproof shoes?
Ecco makes waterproof sneakers.
Try the Vessi sneaker. I have a friend who recently went to Europe, and swore by these.
Thanks for all the suggestions, Jennifer!
I found that some sites carry the Ilse Jacobsen Tulip with a black sole. I think the black upper/black sole seems a bit less casual than the black upper with a white sole.
I haven’t seen the black sole.
I bought the desert Skechers sandals. I have Ecco sandals and Keens but I now need a much softer insole with arch support and wide width toe boot. I wear Skechers 100% of the time now in different styles and colors. I hope these sandals work for my difficult feet. Thank you for so many options! Comfort is first for shoes.
If you could only pick one sneaker for a lot of walking and one sandal …which would you choose?
My Ecco Flowt hands down for the sandal and my On Cloud or Paul Green. Depending on my outfit.
I have a pair of the Ilse Jacobsen Tulip shoes that you recommended and just love them! Most comfortable summer shoe that I own.
Really great post!! Finding cute comfy shoes is so hard and you have found so many for us to explore!!
Unfortunately, Ecco seems to have changed the Soft Sneaker you mention, and which I own in at least six colors. It no longer is “soft” and flexible and the sizing seems to be off as well- a major disappointment to me as I heretofore had loved this shoe for travel. I won’t buy this shoe again.
I second your recommendations, though, for Allbirds (so comfy if a little clunky) and Ilse Jacobsen “tulip” slip ons (although again, I have found their sizing to be inconsistent). I just splurged on my first pair of Paul Green sneakers -way more pricey than my usual purchases- for an upcoming 6 week trip abroad and am hoping they continue to be comfy as I only take 2 pair of shoes on these trips!
Not a sneaker, but very comfortable are Charix leather or suede slip ons which I now own in several colors. Black ones may end up being my 2nd shoe for Europe as they can go with pants as well as dresses.
Thanks for your outstanding posts- I look forward to seeing them in my inbox!
Wear your PG around town before your trip, just to be sure. I adore how comfy mine are. In fact, I’m wearing them today!
Jennifer, THANK YOU ! Thank you for a post that is so helpful . I am going to try several of these shoes. I have a narrow heel with a high instep . It is always a challenge. I appreciate your blog so much.
I’m so glad it’s helpful.
I have the same problem – narrow heel with high instep. I walk out of most shoes unless lace up. I tried the On Cloud – way too wide! They were an awful fit. I also tried the Ilse Jacobson shoes. My foot slips out of them. Again, too wide in the heel.
Finding narrow shoes is becoming a difficult task. I contacted Timberland Boots which made a narrow hiking boot but stopped making them. Their answer was it was too small a market (narrow).
Karen, I have the same issues. Shoes are my Waterloo! I can rarely find narrow sizes in casual shoes, even from the old reliable brands like Naturalizer and Clark.
I also have narrow feet with a high instep. It’s so hard to find shoes that fit because manufactures are making wider shoes these days. I love the look of the Tulip shoe but it’s so wide that I step right out of it.
Recently I bought a pair of OluKai HUIA and they fit perfect! Fingers crossed that they work long term.
Thank you so much for this post!! The older I get, the more picky I am about the comfort of my shoes. I would also like to add Clark’s Breeze Flip Flops to your list. I can walk in these flip flops for MILES. They are cushy & supportive & come in a of colors. There are several different versions of this flip flop by Clark’s too. I got another one called the Brinkley with a cut-out flower on top. If you like athletic sneakers, Hokas are one of my all-time favorites too. Thank you for all of your suggestions. I’m going to investigate them further!
I do have Hokas ! They’re great
I just purchased the raffia Birdies. The woven look is so trendy now. I know I’ll wear them all summer long. Thank you for all the great suggestions!
I love woven leather.
This is the best information, Thank You! You start my day almost every day. Your style fit me. Not always the prices, but one can find a way.
Those raffia birdies are so CUTE! Unfortunately, they are no longer available in my size.
Have you ever tried the Birkenstock Bend Low in white leather? I have worn them on several European trips and just love them. Thanks for your inspiration!
I haven’t! I do love my rubber ones that I wear in the summer.
Here is a good reminder for all of us who travel. My girlfriend had her heirloom jewellery stolen while in transit at the airport. Remember to keep your valuables and medications safe in case something happens.
That is great advice. I travel with costume jewelry now.
Great round up, thank you! I am leery about getting Ecco shoes because of a bad experience a few years ago — I keep my shoes in their boxes, and wore a pair of Eccos after not wearing them for a few years. The sole disintegrated while I was wearing them…while I was ushering in a local theater. Large pieces of the soles were left on the carpeting. SOOO embarassing! Same thing happened to a pair of Eccos my husband had, but he wasn’t out and about. Uppers on both pairs looked like new (as did the soles) but the soles disintegrated while wearing them. I assume you have not had a problem like this? Another question – how do you store your shoes? I wondered if keeping them in the box was somehow problematic for these Eccos.
I store my shoes in their boxes too. It hasn’t happened to mine. I wonder if others have this issue.
I have Ecco lace up sneakers in a stone colour way. I’ve had no problem with the sole disintegrating. I store mine out of the box on a shoe shelf.
Good to know. Thanks, Joanna
Lots of great suggestions Jennifer and as still on the hunt for the perfect sneaker shall definitely consider your suggestions. Whereas for a ‘travel sandal’ that checks many of the boxes mentioned, my favourite is a leather woven Fisherman/Cage type that do come in different designs as have personally found a) works well for most terrains and provides protection over the toes from abrasion b) due woven, easily will size conform to the foot c) will accept an optional comfort insole without being conspicuous d) weather wise are cool but can be worn with a light sock if need be and e) works well with most casual outfits. Also shall mention though said design has been around awhile, they are very much in style for 2024 but needless to say in style or not “I never leave or have left home without packing a pair” on my travels that take me to a warm climate. -Brenda-
I recently ordered a pair of On Cloud 5 to take on our road trip to the desert southwest and love them! Lightweight, very comfortable, and no laces to tie.
I LOVE my On Cloud sneaks.
Love your site
I look forward to the read every day. I am in my early 70’s & retired in early 60’s to care for my husband who became disabled.
I’ve always been aJJill & Eileen fisher shopper , but you have introduced me to some new clothes lines. And your makeup suggestions are great . Started using Ilia , love their serum & foundation & mascara
You look fantastic in all the clothes you wear.
Thank you for all you do in brightening my day
Thank you for being here with us.
Thanks for these great suggestions! I bought some Ortho Feet house shoes but returned them as they were just too much bulk. A lot of shoe!! I have narrow foot and suffer from Achilles issues. That’s a real combo! I like good ole Rockport and for limited walking Van Eli. Narrows are hard to find!
Jules,
You might want to try the Orthofeet sneakers. I have major problems with my back and love them. They are light weight, have great support and are so comfortable. I didn’t like their slippers either.
I think you covered everything! I’ve had two bunionectomies also. Not fun so I have learned to wear comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning and a larger toe box. These certainly fit the bill!
Good suggestions. Vionic is a good option with solid arch and heel support and removable orthotic inserts. The Vejas look great but I haven’t found the brand to offer arch support or comfort features in other styles–will look for the new one you featured.
Really helpful topic! Thanks! I’d like to add my favorite – Vivaia. I have them in basic black plus several fun spring/summer colors. SO comfy!
I need to try those. They do look amazing!