Have you been on the search for that perfect women’s travel shoe? A comfortable shoe that will allow you to explore a city for hours and hours? Well lucky for you I’ve done a lot of the leg work for you– Or should I say foot work.
When you are traveling you want something that is comfortable for your feet. There is nothing worse than having your feet hurt due to poorly made shoes. Or getting one of those pesky blisters on the back of your heels that gets in the way of exploring the city.
When deciding what shoes to take on your trip it’s imperative you pick something that is packable, versatile, and comfortable.
BEST TRAVEL SHOES FOR WOMEN
With airlines having stricter and stricter rules for carry-ons and the absorbent fees you pay to check a bag you want to make sure you are bringing travel shoes that will work for you not against you.
Obviously, the reason you’re traveling is to see the area you are visiting and you’re going to need some quality footwear to get your there. Make your adventuring as enjoyable as possible by finding the shoe that works best for you
You see, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time in shoe departments trying to find that perfect shoe for traveling. It takes me a bit of trial and error to find what’s going to work.
TALL FASHIONABLE TRAVEL SHOES AND BOOTS
MERRELL CAPTIVA LAUNCH 2 WATERPROOF
These Merrell Captiva’s are my top pick when it comes to a tall fashionable boot. They’re not only comfortable they’re a crowd pleaser. These waterproof boots (seam-sealed with a water resistant barrier) by Merrell have a women’s specific cushioned sole made for walking.
They are a classy leather boot with tab details on the back for a bit of added flair. These are perfect for any big city where you will be on your feet for hours. Believe me, these boots won’t let you down!
- Heel measures approximately 1.25″
- Boot opening measures approximately 15.5″ around
- Ornament tabs on the backside
- slip-resistant
BEST ALL THE TIME WEARING FLIP FLOP
OLUKAI WOMEN’S KULAPA KAI SANDAL GREY
These are by far the best flip flops I’ve ever owned! I really appreciate the arch support and the fabric thong that you barely feel between your toes. The rubber sole has a lot of traction allowing you to flip and flop through varied terrains.
I can wear these Olukai’s all day long without my feet feeling fatigued….. I used to be a Teva girl but I’m sticking with the OluKai from here on out. Yes, they are a bit pricey but if you’re like me and wear flip flops every day of the summer I think they’re totally worth it.
BEST DAY HIKING TRAVEL SHOES
MOAB VENTILATOR SHOE
I was on the search for a long time for a hiking shoe that is comfortable, functional, and fashionable enough to wear around town. These Merrell Moab Ventilator’s meet all of my expectations. They are constructed of both fabric and leather making them super durable and breathable. I love the sole which is made of Vibram giving me the traction I need when necessary.
We recently hiked the Delicate Arch in Moab (winter months) and these shoes provided the grip I needed to get through the icy portions of the trail. How fitting is that that my Moab ventilators kicked butt on the trails of Moab. A fit made in heaven.
BEST WATERPROOF DAY HIKER
MERRELL SIREN EDGE WATERPROOF ‘S
As you can tell I’m a pretty big fan of Merrell shoes. What I like most is that they fit a wider foot and provide the comfort I need. I’m not the easiest person to take shoe shopping due to prior foot issues (plantar fasciitis and a fractured big toe) but I’ll tell you what, these Merrell Siren Edge’s are shoes that I can wear all day. Often times my shoes will rub on the outside of my ankle where that bone meets your shoe but these provide a full range of motion because they rest well below the ankle. These are great for various terrains and the best part is they are waterproof. I can’t wait to take these on our trip to Ireland!
MOST COMFORTABLE BOOT FOR TRAVEL
UGG WOMEN’S SIMMENS LEATHER BOOT
I honestly love these boots, not only are they stylish but they are super comfortable. These are a pair of boots you can take on a trip and walk for hours in. You won’t feel like a tourist wearing “tourist shoes” because these boots go great with jeans, dresses, and skirts. Your feet will love you and you will love these Ugg Simmens because the slip resistant sole is fantastic for rain, snow and ice conditions.
BEST SPORTY WALKING TRAVEL SHOE
NEW BALANCE WOMEN’S 501V1 SNEAKER
For those days when you miss Grandma, slip on a pair of these and you’ll be styling at Tuesday night Bingo.
If you’re looking for something that you can walk (or run if necessary) for hours in these New Balance sneakers are where it’s at. New Balance is a top-notch company that provides walkers and runners with good quality shoes and excellent arch support.
BEST TRAVEL SHOES FOR WALKING AND STANDING ALL DAY
NIKE WOMEN’S REVOLUTION 4 RUNNING SHOE
These Nike Women’s Revolution running shoes are awesome!! I got them as a gift for my mom who’s just started increasing her fitness level and I’ve never heard her complain about her feet. She wears them everywhere–even around town! The fact that she wears them all the time seems to say it all.
She has plenty of other shoes and sneakers but these seem to be her go-to for any occasion. She told me she gets lots of compliments on them so I guess that makes me an awesome daughter! I’m thinking of buying a pair for myself.
BEST SUPPORTIVE TRAVEL SNEAKER
NEW BALANCE WOMEN’S FUELCORE NERGIZE V1 CROSS TRAINER
Enhance your athleisure (definition below) look with these comfy and casual New Balance Fuelcore Energize sneakers for women.
Athleisure – a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions
These shoes are SO comfortable! I have wide feet and sometimes have trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably, the width of these shoes are perfect! I love the low profile around the ankle that gives you full mobility without any restrictions. The signature foam provides great foot support and is ultra-lightweight making them easy and light to pack in your luggage. The clean and modern look makes these the perfect shoe for wearing on travel
BEST SLIP ON TRAVEL SHOES
SUPERGA WOMEN’S 2210 COTU FASHION SNEAKER
These chic Superga slip-on sneakers will complete any outfit with a fresh, casual edge. Their breathable upper and versatile silhouette will pair perfectly with any outfit. Unlike Tom’s, these shoes have good arch support and I find that they fit a little better than Tom’s. These are the kind of shoe you can wear anywhere and feel comfortable.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to really break them in I recommend wearing them with no show socks to guarantee you won’t get blisters on your heel. I felt a little rub from these in the beginning but after wearing them for several weeks in Thailand they were fine without socks. These look great with a cute top and distressed jeans. They’re the perfect shoe for looking both casual and comfy.
CUTEST WALKING SHOE
AEROSOLES WOMEN’S SOLITAIRE SLIP-ON LOAFER
These Aerosole Solitaire’s are great. Very comfortable and perfect for my wide feet. I can wear them with everything from jeans to skirts. Love the fit, the look, and the price.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WALKING SHOE
ALLBIRD WOMEN’S WOOL RUNNERS
These Allbirds have really won my heart. I was a bit hesitant at first but the temperature -regulating material along with moisture wicking properties make them a definite winner. These are made of natural materials and the insoles are lined with wool for softness and odor reduction. You won’t find any scratchy or irritating spots while wearing these shoes.
These are the perfect packable shoe because of the low-density foam which makes them super lightweight. Don’t mistake them for not being durable just because they are light. These shoes are fabulous and have good traction
MOST STYLISH COMFY TRAVEL SANDAL
JBU BY JAMBU WOMEN’S LORETA GLADIATOR SANDAL
This Loreta Gladiator stylish sandal is perfect for people who are looking for support and a sandal with adjustable straps. The velcro closure at the ankle and toe makes them perfect for anyone who may have one foot larger than the other. Hmmm.. Another little issue I have !!! Finding that perfect shoe can really be a challenge sometimes!
BEST SUMMER WALKING SHOE
AHNU WOMEN’S KARMA LATITUDE
These Ahnu Women’s Karma Latitude leather shoes are a perfect alternative for when you are looking for something to wear in the summer that isn’t a flip flop. I was struggling to find a supportive summer shoe when my plantar fasciitis flared up and this shoe proved to be just what I needed. The cork footbed is perfect for hot summer days because it helps to keep your feet a bit cooler and each sandal has 2 adjustable straps.
BEST BEACH FLIP FLOP
RAINBOW FLIP FLOPS
I love the simplicity of flip flops and I can’t say enough about Rainbows. Rainbows are a flip flop with a beachbum following. Rainbows are known for their durability and premium leather making them a bit stiff in the beginning. Because of their durability, they’re a flip flop you’ll have for years.
MOST COMFORTABLE FLATS FOR WALKING
TOMS
I love my TOMS. They are the perfect packable travel shoe that can be worn anywhere. They are great to slip on when I’m headed out the door and they’re great for wearing to the airport and getting through security quickly. Toms have been around for several years and I see them worn by travelers all over the world. They weigh virtually nothing and pack up well. They are simple and definitely stylish walking shoes for travel.
BEST TRAVEL BOOT FOR WINTER
I purchased these boots as a dressy boot that could still be worn in snow and these not only did the trick they exceeded my expectations. I live in the mountains where we get a lot of snow and I got tired of wearing my old sorels out to get drinks with friends. These are comfy and stylish
These Delavinas are not only stylish but they are super comfortable. These are a pair of boots you can take on a trip and walk for hours in. Your feet will love you and you will love these Delavinas.
BEST TRAIL RUNNING SHOE
ASICS WOMEN’S GEL-VENTURE 5 RUNNING SHOE
I love these shoes! I am hard to please due to my foot issues and these GEL-Venture 5’s provide a great fit and everyday comfort, for a variety of terrains. They even offer great arch support! I wore them all day the first day and didn’t need any “break-in” period. They come at a great price too!!
BEST SUPPORTIVE SANDAL
BIRKENSTOCK MAYARI THONG SANDALS
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these Mayari sandals! I was a little hesitant at first because I’ve never been a true “birkenstock wearer” but I had been searching for a sandal with a little better support (vs flip flops) and these were on the top 8 recommended by orthopedics.
They are unbelievably comfortable. As soon as I put them on – I knew I would keep them. They provide support in parts of the foot you wouldn’t think needs support. They do take a little getting used to but once you have worn them for a bit they may become your favorites too.
BEST SANDALS FOR DRESSING IT UP
THE FLEXX WOMEN’S BAND TOGETHER GLADIATOR SANDAL
I have to be honest I haven’t actually worn these and I’m not sure they are “my style” but I had a conversation with a girl at the airport who couldn’t stop talking about them. These Flexx Band Together Gladiator sandals are a fashionable style that allows you to walk the city for hours.
MOST COMFORTABLE CITY SANDAL
NAOT KAYLA SANDAL
So I personally own these Naot Sophia Sandals which I really like. HOWEVER, a friend of mine owns the Naot Kayla’s and I tried them on for comparison and I must say the Kayla’s are a tiny bit more comfortable. I prefer the look of the Sophia’s over the Naot Kayla’s Sandal (the cross straps are more appealing to me) but I think Naot makes great sandals and either one is a winner.
STYLISH WALKING SHOES
BORN WOMENS TRINCULO
If you’re looking for something that is functional, stylish and comfy these are it! Born has always been a leader in making good quality shoes and these Trinculo’s are leading the pack.
BEST CITY WALKING SHOE
CLARKS WOMEN’S AZELLA THEONI SLIP-ON LOAFER
People love the versatility of these Azella Theoni slip-on shoes. They are perfect for summer when you want to keep the pebbles out of your toes. They are comfortable and look great with jeans. They are well constructed but not too heavy to pack in your bag.
MOST FASHIONABLE WALKING SHOE
BLONDO WOMEN’S VILLA WATERPROOF ANKLE BOOTIE
I don’t find these Blondo’s to be too different from the Trinculo’s listed above but they came as a recommendation from one of my more fashionable friends. She said that these are her go-to travel shoe for walking the city. I do enjoy the sleekness of this ankle bootie and can imagine it would look fantastic with some great jeans or a flowy shirt
TIPS FOR PACKING SHOES
- Be sure to wear your largest or heaviest pair of shoes to the airport to save on space in your suitcase.
- Bring a plastic grocery bag to put your shoes in to keep them away from your clean clothes.
- Bring a couple of fabric softer sheets to put inside your shoes so they don’t make your clean clothes start to smell like dirty feet.
- Always use the space inside the shoes to stash away items to save on space in your suitcase or backpack.