Supportive Travel Shoes That Aren’t Frumpy or Fussy
Let’s be honest, ladies, traveling in midlife comes with its own set of joys and quirks. We know what we like, we pack smarter, and we’ve learned that uncomfortable shoes can derail even the most beautiful day. But finding stylish, supportive travel shoes that don’t scream “I have bunions” is still a bit of a quest. Over the years, as a personal stylist and lifelong traveler, I’ve tested more than my share and know it is possible to have comfort, support, and style… all in one pair. Let’s look at some of the best travel shoes for women over 60 that are supportive, stylish, and hit that sweet spot that combines comfort, ease, and timeless style.
I’m joining fellow blogging pals to chat about travel fashion…Cindy, Mary Ann, Susan, and Annie…who all love to travel and look super chic doing it. I decided travel shoes can really make or break a trip (and your look), so let’s dive in.
You may also enjoy reading How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe For Spring Travel and Travel Accessories to Bring on Your Next Trip.
And in case you’re a hat lover like I am, here’s How to Pack a Hat In a Carry-on Without Crushing It.
What Makes a Shoe Truly Travel-Worthy
When you’re spending full days on your feet…exploring cobblestone streets, racing through an airport, or wandering through a museum, these features make all the difference:
- Good arch support can be crucial for alignment and helps prevent foot fatigue, especially if you have high arches or plantar fasciitis.
- I always look for extra cushioning like memory foam, gel padding, or responsive soles that will absorb shock on hard surfaces.
- Adjustability is critical for my feet. I opt for stretchy uppers, velcro, or laces that will accommodate swelling during flights or long walks.
- Grippy traction is essential for cobblestones, cruise decks, or slick surfaces. Twisting your ankle on holiday can seriously derail your sightseeing…ask me how I know.
- Choose lightweight materials, and your feet will thank you at the end of the day.
- Classic wearable style because comfort shouldn’t cost you your confidence or make you cringe when you look back at your vacation photos.
Supportive Travel Shoes For Women Over 60 That Blend Comfort and Style
Here are a few go-to shoe styles that manage to be both functional and flattering:
1. Slip-on Sneakers
Lightweight, breathable, and easy to pack. Sneakers without laces allow you to get in and out of them easily without bending over or looking for something to sit on…like at airport security. Look for brands like Ecco, a personal favorite, Vionic, or Allbirds that offer actual support underfoot.
Style tip: These pair well with ankle pants, loose trousers, skirts, or a casual dress for a relaxed, airport-friendly outfit that looks and feels polished. You may also enjoy: Chic Below-Knee Spring And Summer Dresses With Sleeves.
2. Ballet Flats With Structure
Not all ballet flats are created equal. Choose ones with structured insoles and cushioned heel support. Vivaia and Naturalizer have great options that don’t collapse after one wear.
Style tip: Opt for a neutral shade like taupe, camel, or dove gray, which are easier to style with warm-weather outfits, more forgiving than black, and pairs beautifully with dresses without looking cutesy.
3. Chic Travel Sandals with Arch Support
Look for molded footbeds and subtle straps that hold the foot without adding bulk. Brands like Naot and Sofft walk the line between comfort and refinement.
Style tip: T-strap and slingback styles visually lengthen the leg and work well with sundresses and midi skirts.
My all-time favorites are these Ecco Flowt 2 Band sandals, which have carried me thousands of miles in blissful comfort.
4. Low-Heel Mules or Loafers
Wear these for dinner out or slightly dressier occasions. Look for flexible soles and padded footbeds. Brands like Cole Haan and Naturalizer often get it right.
Style tip: Wear these with ankle pants and a soft blouse for an easy look that feels put together without trying too hard. The structure of these shoes will elevate what you pair them with.
How Many Pairs Should You Pack?
Three pairs. That’s it.
- One walking shoe you can wear all day, sightseeing, airports, or unexpected hikes.
- A dress-it-up pair for dinners, evenings, or events.
- A backup pair depending on your destination…sandals, weatherproof boots, or an extra comfy slip-on.
If you’re packing carry-on only, wear your bulkiest on the plane and pack the lighter ones tucked around the edges of your suitcase.
How to Keep Travel Shoes Stylish
- Opt for neutral or metallic tones that blend in easily and photograph beautifully. Or, if red is your jam, go for it and have your shoe take center stage.
- Skip the neon laces, sporty branding, flashy hardware, and obvious logos…unless that’s your style.
- Coordinating your shoes with your bag or belt can create a pulled-together look if that’s your personal aesthetic.
- If the shoes are ultra-comfy but not quite “you,” add a scarf, bold earrings, or lipstick to keep the rest of your outfit elevated.
Simply Put
The best travel shoes don’t draw attention to themselves, and that’s the whole point. They should let you move through your day in comfort because when your feet feel good, you walk further, explore longer, and enjoy more of your trip.
At this stage, comfortable shoes aren’t a luxury for me…they’re a requirement. My feet have carried me too far for me to abuse them with painful shoes, I certainly won’t let them ruin a vacation.
Have you found a pair that earns a place in your suitcase? Please share your favorites.
Now, let’s go read the other ladies’ thoughts on travel style… Annie at Most Lovely Things, Cindy at Cindy Hattersley Design, Mary Ann at Classic Casual Home, Susan at une femme d’un certain agê.
Great tips, Jennifer! I think shoes are the most important part of a travel wardrobe, and love your choices. (I saw lots of sandals like your Ecco’s in Paris last week when it was unseasonably warm.)
You’re right! Shoes are so important. Your trip looks amazing.
The Frankie4 and Dimity in grey sounds wonderful but very expensive for me. I am always looking for casual comfortable shoes that I can afford. I wear 7W in a sneaker and 6.5W in slipons. Please do a follow up on the shoes you try. Thank you for this great blog.
Sydney
I love all of your tips for travel shoes. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes when traveling, or any time for that matter.
There are so many great suggestions in the comments and from you that I have to take notes to check them all out.
Have a wonderful weekend Jennifer.
My readers always have the best ideas. Thank you, Elizabeth! Happy Friday
Thank you for this post! It contains so many helpful tips. I will have to check them out.
My pleasure. Sore feet are the pits, especially when traveling.
I’m that red shoe girl. Well, anything red. I have to keep myself from buying things just because they’re red!
That’s so fun. I would love to fun a raspberry red pair I feel comfortable wearing.
Have you purchased a pair of the Ecco Soft 7 sneakers recently? I was on the Nordstrom website checking out colors and getting ready to order until I read some of the reviews. Long time wearers say the quality has gone way down with stiff plastic-like leather and next to no cushioning. That has been my experience in recent years with my once loved Easy Spirit Traveltime mules. May end up splurging on the Paul Green Hadley sneakers as my older tootsies require cloud-like cushioning for serious walking!
I haven’t bought a pair of Eccos in 2 years, but I do know the Paul Green are fabulous
Fabulous post!! I am saving this for the next time I shop for sneakers!
We are carryon only, as much as we can be, and I use the 3 pair rule as well. Ecco sneakers, walking sandals or booties depending on the season, and a pair of simple pumps with medium heels. I don’t care for my look when I wear a dress with ballet flats, so the stable but dressier heel is what I prefer for those nice dinners.
A cautionary tip: I think security equipment at airports is becoming more sensitive. On our recent trip I wore a pair of black booties on the plane ( my heaviest shoes) and the small metal trim on the side set off the alarms, forcing me to remove them and go through again, even though we have TSA precheck.
I have a pair of Munro booties that get picked up going through security too! Such a hassel. It’s so frustrating so I avoid wearing them to fly.
Great post! Comfortable and stylish shoes are the key to great travel experiences. As I am moving toward retirement, I am only purchasing items for retirement and travel and no longer purchasing shoes for work. With shoes, my essential question is this: Will these be comfortable, stylish and a go-to pair for trips and daily wear? I have the Ecco Soft 7 sneakers and they are great. I have found the On Cloud sneakers to my favorite sneaker for everything, especially for trips and all-day sightseeing. I also love Sorel sandals and sneakers. On a recent visit to Nordstrom, I discovered Pikolinos brand and immediately fell in love with the Marina Wedge Sandal and purchased the black and white pair. The footbed is very cushioned and the ankle strap is velcro which I prefer over a buckle. I am considering additional pairs. I agree with 3 pairs for most trips and usually pack sneakers, boots or sandals (depending on season), and loafers or ballet flats (depending on the type of trip). On cruises, I sometimes pack pool shoes and a pair of sparkly sandals for dinner.
You’re smart! I need to try on some Pikolinos. I’ll check them out!
My husband started wearing Pikolinos about 15 years ago. He still does. After his raves, I tried them and have been very happy with their sandals and booties. I also had a pair of their Mary Jane’s, but the velcro finally gave out.
I have special walking shoes but if on vacation I would just stick with my Nikes. I have some Clarks slip ones that are a little dressier. I really need some heels for evening and good sandals.
I so agree about the arch support and extra-cushioning. The three pairs of shoes rule is tough, but so smart how you recommend them being unobtrusive so that they go with everything! I had a pair of Sofft slip-ons that I actually wore out. I need to do a little shopping here 🙂
I did the same with some Sofft shoes. They’re very comfy.
This may be a bit unrelated, but can you post how to efficiently pack a carry-on and what is essential to bring? I always stress about this and end up overpacking! Shoes take up so much space so I usually pack ballet flats. Thank you. Love all the posts!
I’ve shared several posts on packing, but none with photo’s. I stuf my shoes with soft clothes to use up every inch in my bag. I fold, not roll my clothes
I splurged on the Paul Green Hadley platform sneaker last summer. It is so comfortable I can wear without my orthotics. So stylish also! The Ecco sneaker and sandal you are wearing look nice also. Is the Ecco sneaker as comfortable as the Paul Green Hadley?
The Ecco is very comfy, but not a comfortable as the Paul Green. Those are amazing!
I wear mostly Vionic, Revere and Clarks.
Recently I bought a pair of Easy Spirit BeStrong2 and they worked well on a cruise. They are slightly dressier than a sneaker and can work well with a summer dress.
Sometimes I switch insoles from one pair of shoes to another to get the comfort I want.
Easy Spirit has some great options.
I love my Hokas and wear them everyday! Black or white
Jennifer! Great suugestions for comfy travel shoes that don’t scream “I’m wearing only for comfort!” I would weat these anywhere with almost everything I own. There is nothig worse than wearing shoes that are uncoomfortabe when traveling…it can derail the entire tip. It’s not worth it!
xo
Annie
I agree Annie! And trying to replace a pair while traveling can be a realt challenge. xo
I love slip on sneakers for travel because they are so comfortable and convenient. I recently got a pair of white V-Tunes from Vivaia that I think will be my favorite shoe this summer. I’m going to order another pair in taupe when my size is back in stock. I find them supportive, comfortable, and definitely non-clunky. The self-color rope braid on the toe box adds some fun without being distracting. And they are waterproof! Now I just need to find a pair of summer dress shoes that I like. Decisions, decisions….
That’s great to know. I haven;t tries them yet, but I will. They have so many cute styles too
Frankie4 and the “Dimity” sneaker in gray! So so comfortable, great support and not bulky.They have taken me many many miles!
Those look fabuous and I do love gray 🙂
Some great suggestions Jennifer. My go to walking shoes are the Frankie 4 Dimity which have great arch support and are light weight. Ordered some Vivaia (for upcoming trip), jury out yet, but the Frankie 4 orthotic fits in them, fingers crossed. Travelling in summer, will pack Ziera sandals, which are flat, but super comfy.
I’ve been reading great things about the Frankie 4 brand. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll order a pair to try.
My favourite shoes for travel are made by Vessi. I wear the Weekend style. They are cushioned, supportive, slip on, light-weight, and waterproof. They come in a number of colours and in some other styles as well. I wear them everywhere and love them .
I’ve not heard of them, thanks for the tip. I’ll check them out.
Hi Jennifer, I wanted to tell you about a recent discovery. I have always had difficulty finding comfortable shoes as I have a wide width. I remember seeing a brand “Propet” years ago and thinking they looked like they were for older people. Recently I checked this brand out again. They have changed and have stylish collection now, very comfortable and are available in extra wide widths. Check them out.
Thanks for the suggestion, Jes. I will check them out!