23 Pairs of Travel Shoes Travel + Leisure Editors Always Pack

When I’m traveling, I’m always apprehensive about sticking out as a tourist. So before a trip to Paris, I went on a shoe-shopping tear, determined to find a pair that was comfortable and durable enough to stand up to miles of wandering, but still look polished. These ballet flats from Cole Haan hit the mark: they're versatile, break in easily, and don’t make my feet ache after a day of sightseeing. And with a little waterproofing spray, mine are still going strong after two years of near-constant abuse. – Lila Battis, Associate Editor

To buy: colehaan.com, $120 (originally $150)

These flats are a go-to when I pack for a trip. Although the shape makes them unique, they're neutral enough to work with so many different outfits, from jeans to dresses. It helps that they come with that worn-in look, so you don't have to worry about getting them dirty when exploring a new city. Plus, they're super comfortable — they're sturdier than the typical flat, and they give you closed-toe coverage, but the cut-out lets your feet breathe. – Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: zappos.com; $198

I think a driving shoe is a man's perfect travel companion: versatile, comfortable, and very packable.This pair from Michael Bastian's new Gray Label have a bit more sole support than many driving shoes, and a tassel detail that adds an extra dash of style. – Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief

To buy: 6pm.com, $99

I've been a loyal Samba-wearer for nearly a decade now and have yet to be anything less than impressed with the pairs I've bought. They're durable, affordable, and incredibly comfortable, and they're the first thing I set aside to bring on a trip. Whether I'm headed to Europe to stroll through the city streets, or to South America for more arduous exploring, Adidas Sambas are always on my feet. – Sean Flynn, Digital Operations Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $70

I like to go on a run when I'm visiting a new place, because it's a unique way to see a destination. The On Cloud works for this and is perfect for a heavy day of walking around sightseeing, too. They are super light, so they don't add a lot of pounds to my suitcase. – Laura Teusink, Managing Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $120

A chic leather sandal with arch support? It does exist! I am obsessed with Beek sandals because they are not only comfortable to walk around in all day (and all vacation long), but they are also made with beautiful leather that only looks better with wear. I’m hooked — and you will be, too! – Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $260

Every time I go hiking, I feel renewed gratefulness for these incredible boots. I give them the highest marks for comfort, traction, ankle support, water resistance, and aesthetic. I've worn them everywhere from the Andes to Crete to the streets of New York City, and since it appears that they will last forever, I expect them to carry me to many more destinations in the years to come. – Jesse Ashlock, Features Director

To buy: zappos.com; $385

There's really nothing more classic than a black leather loafer, and the fact that they're lightweight, practically season-less, and pair with just about anything make them the perfect travel shoe. The Mason Leather Bit Loafers by Ferragamo go as seamlessly from day to night as they do from Havana to Paris. – Chelsea Schiff, Senior Designer

To buy: zappos.com for a similar style, $575

I initially bought these low wedges as a shoe to wear to weddings that would be comfortable enough to maintain night-long command of the dance floor. But they've since become the pair I pack for every warm weather vacation. The heel height is perfect for those with a higher arch, and they can easily swing from dressed-up to casual. – Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor

To buy: jcrew.com, $59

Whenever I have to go through the tedious TSA security check at the airport, I make sure I'm wearing a shoe that's easy to take off and slip back on. These classic Vans are perfect when trudging through crowds in a terminal and can be very versatile for any type of trip. You can pair them with jeans, shorts, or dresses. I've worn them during my trip to Ireland when the weather was always unpredictable, and traipsed through the Musee D'Orsay for hours without feeling any discomfort. – Kira Turnbull, Photo Associate

To buy: nordstrom.com, $60

I always pack too many shoes — and then find myself wearing these sneakers for most of the trip. They're comfortable, stylish enough (the title of my future memoir), and even though they're laced, there's enough give that I can slip them on and off at airport security. – Jessica Plautz, Deputy Digital Editor

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $80

Doc Martens are a very versatile travel shoe. The thick rubber sole is great for a full day of walking. I have them in black, and if the leather is polished, they look pretty sharp. They will also keep your feet warm and dry in rain or snow. It's like a walking shoe, rain boot, and casual dress shoe all in one. - Alex Arnold, Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, starting at $90

When traveling, I am all about versatility. The majority of what I pack can be worn from day to night and goes with everything else in my suitcase. I can wear these mules with jeans and a t-shirt during the day, or a nice dress and jewelry for an evening look. The best part is that they slide off easily, making airport security a breeze. – Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $175

Having a solid leather boot to rely on when you're traveling is absolutely crucial. I love the Malie (it means "laid back and calm" in Polynesian) by OluKai. It's a timeless shoe, and it easily transitions from day to night (especially in black). And the supportive footbed keeps your feet from getting tired no matter how much sightseeing you're doing. – Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $220

I like to pack versatile shoes to help save space in my carry-on. Cole Haan oxfords are great for exploring the city streets during the day and are appropriate for a nice dinner. The oxfords are really comfortable and have a firm sole, which makes walking over cobblestone streets in a city like Rome more enjoyable. – Mary Robnett, Assistant Photo Editor

To buy: colehaan.com, $200 (originally $280)

A warm-weather vacation staple, these sandals are an easy-to-wear neutral — they've taken me to the beach, on snorkeling adventures, walking around town, and out for dinner and seaside drinks. A bit of padding makes them comfy enough to wear all day, but they're also super slim and slide right into that last sliver of suitcase space. — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $130

I love classic TOMS for travel. They’re cushioned enough for a day’s worth of city exploring, very lightweight, and easy to pack. I find the flexible soles of the classic Alpargatas style to be especially comfortable if I'm stuck in the driver’s seat on a road trip. Bonus: They come in a wide range of colors, from versatile neutrals to charming prints (if, like me, the rest of what you pack skews monochrome and you need a fun accessory for your feet). —Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $64

The Thea will take you from the airport (an easy slip-on and slip-off for airport security) to any destination with maximum comfort. You can't really go too wrong with any Nike Air Max style, but I love how lightweight and easy to pack these are. This baby pink pair with the plush inner lining elevates it to a next level athletic/casual sneaker. — Mariah Tyler, Associate Digital Photo Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $110

This is my go-to brand when I need a new pair of comfortable sneakers. Onitsuka Tigers not only look great, they also break in quickly right out of the box. I wore a new pair on my last vacation and walked 10 miles a day without issue. I have one scuffed, worn-in pair for long days and another pair I keep in good condition to wear with my more-dressed up looks. —Julia Warren, Editorial Producer

To buy: zappos.com, $90

Is there really anything better than a good Teva? The brand has adorned my dirty, mosquito-bitten feet during childhood sleepaway camps; protected my soles through countless desert hikes and canoe trips; supported my arches while wandering ancient neighborhoods and cobblestone cities; and certainly looked fly with denim shorts and a white tee in the sticky Brooklyn summer. Their latest model is the sturdiest, comfiest, and most unironically utilitarian-chic yet. —Hannah Walhout, Assistant Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $70

I wear this shoe pretty much every day from April to November. Rancourt is an online-only Maine company that makes handcrafted footwear, and their styles range from business dress to full-on weekend-by-the-lake preppy. The Baxter Ranger moccasin has a little more aesthetic heft than the typical moccasin, and because it has a substantial inner sole you can walk in it easily for long stretches. In time it molds to your foot and becomes as comfortable as your favorite slipper. — Peter Terzian, Articles Editor

To buy: rancourtandcompany.com, $305

I swear by these boots for daily life, but they come in especially clutch when I'm traveling. I can walk around in them for hours on end without my feet getting achy, and since they're easily dressed up or down, I can get away with packing fewer pairs of shoes. One caveat: The boots ding going through metal detectors at the airport, so you do have to remove them. But even with that annoyance, they've remained my go-to cold-weather travel shoes for four years running. For warmer climates, I'm also a massive fan of the black patent-leather–toed Fraley ballet flats ($100) — so much so that when I wore holes in my first pair, I tracked down a new-with-tags pair on eBay because I couldn't find them anywhere else. — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $150

When I travel, I like to wear shoes that are elegant enough that they can be worn out to dinner; day-to-night is key. Ferragamo drivers last for years — the leather is beautiful — and they pair well with jeans, pants, or a dress if need be. – Jacqui Gifford, Special Projects Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $495