The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Travel

Best Overall: Allbirds Wool Runners

View at Allbirds (men’s) ($105)

Why We Love It: They're super versatile, sustainable, and comfortable.

What to Consider: Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, but may not be ideal for very hot trips.

In our research, one name kept coming up over and over again: Allbirds. And while every one of the brand's shoe styles shines in its own way, the wool runners are particularly useful for traveling. They're lightweight, which is great for both packing and walking, and the natural wool construction is sustainable, breathable, and sweat and odor-preventative. They're also machine-washable, so it doesn't matter how many mystery puddles you step in. They look sleek enough for dinner dates, they use sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles, and they're carbon neutral. But most importantly, they're known for being extremely soft and comfortable — enough so that you can even wear them without socks if you so choose. What's not to love?

If you're going on to a hotter climate, try out the Tree Runners (men's) (women's), which are made of super-breathable eucalyptus fiber, instead.

Price at time of publish: $110

Sizes: Men's 8-14, women's 5-11 | Materials: Rubber sole, merino wool upper

Best Leather Sneakers: Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers

View at Zappos ($100-$160)

Also available at Nordstrom and Ecco (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: They're so sleek and stylish, you'd never guess they're also extremely comfortable.

What to Consider: They run on the heavier side.

Ecco is known for their comfort, and photographer Megan Moore is a long-time fan of the Soft 7. "The first thing that drew me to them was the larger platform at the sole. This means that my feet aren't hitting the ground very hard because there is a lot of padding between my feet and the floor — saving me lots of foot aches!" she says. " I also love that they are lace-up shoes because you can tie them up very tightly to reduce any slipping, which in turn reduces the risk of blisters. I got these shoes in black so that I could walk around on the grass and muddy grounds without the sneakers being affected!"

Price at time of publish: $97-$160

Sizes: Men's 39-46, women's 35-42 | Materials: Rubber sole, leather upper

Best Leather Sandals: Naot Dorith Sandals

View at Amazon ($100-$195)

Also available at Zappos and Nordstrom

Why We Love It: The sturdy-yet-soft cork footbed offers comfort, support, and style.

What to Consider: They take a long time to dry and may warp slightly if they get soaked.

Naot makes versatile leather sandals that can easily take you from a walking tour to an evening out, keeping you comfortable all the while. "I believe the best material for a sandal's footbed will include cork and latex with a suede cover, which is a mainstay of the Naot brand," notes podiatrist Dr. Tim Oldani. We're particularly fans of the Dorith, which comes in enough colors to match any outfit, from basic black to bright red and pops of metallic. The shoe's gladiator-inspired design hooks around the back of your heel and fastens on the side using velcro. It's also free of any toe posts, which keeps potential irritation to a minimum. The best part is that even after years of wear, they'll still look good.

Price at time of publish: $70-$400

Sizes: Women's 4-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, leather upper

Best Flats: Tieks Ballet Flats

View at Tieks ($185-$345)

Why We Love It: These foldable flats come in dozens of colors and are easy to transport when not in use.

What to Consider: Because these are so bendy, they don't have as much arch support as a less-flexible shoe.

"As a luxury travel advisor and the recipient of a partial knee replacement, I take my shoe choices very seriously these days," says Kim McCardell of Windward & Crown. "If you want to dress things up and feel comfortable all day, then Tieks are the best. Anti-slip, durable soles, arch support and an incredible fit pair perfectly with their trendy patterns and signature teal soles." They also come in a nearly endless array of colors, and fold in half for easy packing when you just need to slip that one extra pair of shoes in your bag.

Price at time of publish: $185-$345

Sizes: Women's 5-13 | Materials: Rubber sole, leather upper

Related: The Best Waterproof Walking Shoes

Best Technical: Hoka Arahi 6 Sneakers

View at Dick’s Sporting Goods (women’s) ($140)

Also available at Hoka (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: Hoka's trail runners meet the streets for minimal fatigue and gait correction.

What to Consider: They're a little on the larger side for minimalist packers.

Hoka's trail runners are recommended by multiple travel experts. If you're combining both hiking trails and city streets on your trip, then you want a versatile model like the Arahi 6. "They're my favorite because they combine breathability, cushioning, and support in one neat package," says Gaby Pilson, an outdoor educator with Outdoors Generations. "As with all Hoka shoes, they have an extra thick midsole for all-day cushioning underfoot to limit foot fatigue. Additionally, the Arahi 6 is surprisingly lightweight so they won't keep you back as you walk. Hoka's J-Frame technology also helps prevent overpronation while walking without overcorrecting so much that you start to supinate. Plus, the Hoka Arahi 6 feature a recycled mesh lining, making them vegan-friendly."

Price at time of publish: $140

Sizes: Men's 7-15, women's 5-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper

Best Recyclable: Hylo Run 2 Running Shoes

View at Hylo (men’s) ($135)

Why We Love It: They're lightweight, recyclable, and available in half sizes.

What to Consider: They run narrow, and are less padded than some other options.

If you're looking for an extra-sustainable shoe choice, try the Hylo Run 2. They're made of renewable materials, and they're recyclable once you're ready for your next pair. "I make sure to pack these shoes any and everywhere I go," says Jasmin Diaz, director of operations at SmokyMountains.com. "They are supportive enough for working out and comfy enough to live my best tourist life adventuring all day. My favorite aspect of these shoes is the science behind them. Not only are they lightweight, breathable, and machine-washable, they are made from recyclable and renewable materials, including corn!" Not to mention, ankle pull tabs and rubber toe bumpers make them super practical.

Price at time of publish: $135

Sizes: Men's 7-14, women's 5.5-11.5 | Materials: Rubber and corn spring sole, corn fiber upper

Best Boat Shoes: Columbia Dorado Boat Shoes

View at Amazon (women’s) ($43-$150)

Also available at Dick's Sporting Goods (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: They're waterproof but still stylish enough to go from boat to brunch.

What to Consider: The toggle on the laces is a design choice that isn't for everyone.

"Our video production companies cater to international clients so I find myself traveling a lot and walking a lot, too, to scout locations for shoots," says Anna Chiranova, co-founder of Ucan Production. "The Columbia Women's Dorado Boat Shoe is just the best for city walking. It's designed with breathable mesh upper material and slip-resistant rubber sole – making it really comfortable to wear for long periods of time. [It's] also sufficient for casual hiking and excels in water activities, like boating. The shoes weigh just a little over half a pound, which means they are good travel shoes for packing, too."

Price at time of publish: $49-$161

Sizes: Men's 7-15, women's 7-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, mesh and synthetic upper

Best Wedge Sandals: Sorel Explorer Blitz Sandals

View at Amazon ($75-$100)

Also available at Sorel and Zappos

Why We Love It: This chunky sandal is super supportive and made of the highest quality leather available.

What to Consider: Some wearers may find the front toe band a little tight.

"My Sorel Explorer Blitz are the illest," says Rachel Griner, founder and CEO of Brave Nu Ventures, an educational travel company that specializes in hands-on learning experiences. She's especially a fan of the brand's collaboration with Prana. "These Sorels keep me moving through street art class and urban farming workshops. The sole of a gym shoe with the flyness of a wedge means I can go all day from the Black-owned business tour in the morning to jazz night." The extra lift in the heel gives them an ultra-stylish touch, especially paired with the funky details and color options.

Price at time of publish: $90-$141

Sizes: Women's 5-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, leather straps

Related: The Most Comfortable Slip-on Sneakers for Women

Best Active Sandals: Chacos Lowdown Sandals

View at Amazon (men’s) ($48- $120)

Also available at REI (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: They're super rugged and they stand up to the elements.

What to Consider: Some shoppers may find Chaco's unique strap adjustment system difficult to maneuver.

"I've been traveling full time the past few years over dozens of countries and many different climates, and by far the best travel shoes I've found are Chacos Lowdown Sandal," says travel blogger Katie Caf, praising the sandal's versatility and waterproof nature for sports or swimming. "The Chacos Lowdowns are also more fashionable than most hiking sandals on the market, making them great city shoes for walking long days on cobblestone European streets. After a year of daily use, my Chacos Lowdowns still look brand new." They're even antimicrobial, minimizing any funkiness that may ensue after miles on your feet.

Price at time of publish: $49-$141

Sizes: Men's 7-15, women's 5-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, polyester straps

Best Vegan: Vionic Pismo Sneakers

View at Amazon ($28-$105)

Also available at Zappos and Vionic

Why We Love It: Extra-supportive arches combine with a canvas upper for a shoe that's versatile and fully free of animal products.

What to Consider: The canvas upper won't dry as quickly as other materials.

Vionic is a podiatrist favorite thanks to the impressive support featured in its products. "My absolute favorite walking shoes are Vionics," says travel blogger and former food walking tour guide Lanie van der Horst. "My dad is a retired podiatrist and I first heard about Vionics from him. I travel with two pairs of Vionics, sneakers and flip-flops." The slip-on Pismo is one of the most popular styles and comes in colors ranging from black to boardwalk-friendly pastels to fruit or mosaic-inspired patterns. Those in search of a similar men's style can opt for the Seaview.

Price at time of publish: $39-78

Sizes: Women's 5-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, cotton upper

Best Waterproof Sneakers: Vessi Waterproof Weekend Sneakers

View at Nordstrom ($145)

Also available at Vessi (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: Not only are they waterproof, they're also breathable, comfortable, and have great traction.

What to Consider: These don't have as much arch support as some of our other picks.

Vessi is the preferred shoe for the crew of Seattle Ballooning. "We set up our balloons at sunrise and often have a few on the grass. Our entire crew only wears Vessi shoes," says chief pilot Eliav Cohen. "Waterproof, comfortable, breathable, and has just the right amount of grip." Retreat and travel planner Jami Johnson specifically likes the Weekend sneakers for being both durable and on-trend, as well as their ability to keep your feet dry. "I took my Vessis on a two-week European holiday and put 90 miles on them in two weeks. My feet never blistered and did not get sore after all of the walking adventures," she says. They even come in kids' sizes so the whole family can match.

Price at time of publish: $145

Sizes: Men's 6-13, women's 5-11| Materials: Rubber sole, knit upper

Best Rubber Sandals: Crocs Women's Sexi Flip-flops

View at Amazon ($18-$71)

Why We Love It: This water-repellent shoe from Crocs is sleek and surprisingly stylish.

What to Consider: These don't fully pass our "can't bend in half" test (more on that later) and won't have the most support if that's what you're looking for.

Despite their somewhat silly name, the Crocs Sexi Flip-flop is a perpetual frontrunner in the travel shoe discussion, and much sleeker than many of the other shoes you may associate with the brand. "I always recommend Crocs sandals," says Disney travel agent Tina Tolbert of Hey Mickey Travel. "A day at a Disney park usually comes with 8-10 miles of walking so your feet can take a beating! [These] form nicely to your feet, allow them to breathe, and there is no rubbing on heels." The sandals also boast excellent traction, water-repellant rubber, and an anti-slip T-strap design.

Price at time of publish: $24-$74

Sizes: Women's 4-11 | Materials: Rubber

Related: The Best Women's Sandals for Walking

Best Street Sneakers: Clarks Rio Tie Sneakers

View at Amazon ($47-$189)

Also available at Zappos and Clarks

Why We Love It: They're ultra-stretchy and come in full, half, and wide sizes.

What to Consider: Some shoppers may find them to be a bit tight in the toe box.

"I have been planning vacations in Italy for over 18 years. I spent 10 years traveling around the globe as a cycling and hiking guide and I still occasionally guide cultural and hiking trips in Italy," says Candice Criscione. "Clarks are my go-to brand for travel. I love their Unstructured Collection because they're comfortable and act like athletic sneakers without looking like them. They're cushioned, supportive, made with breathable materials, and work for sightseeing or paired with casual dinner outfits." For men, the Wave 2.0 Vibe, also from the Unstructured collection, offers a similar style.

Price at time of publish: $44-$246

Sizes: Women's 5-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, nubuck upper

Most Versatile: Skechers DynaAir Sneakers

View at Amazon (women’s) ($80-$203)

Why We Love It: They're water and stain-repellent.

What to Consider: They're only available in monochromatic black.

If you're looking for a do-it-all shoe, check out this versatile option from Skechers. Marino Cardelli, CEO and tour leader at Experience BellaVita, has been wearing the DynaAir for two years. "We're often in vineyards, small villages with cobblestone, and we stand for at least three hours for cooking classes, or longer for other food and cycling tours," he says. "I wanted to find a shoe that would be nice to wear but also comfortable. It's a flexible shoe that can adapt to different situations, I pretty much use it for everything, and it's easily washable." If that's not enough to convince you, maybe the shoe's memory foam footbed or ventilating panels will.

Price at time of publish: $76-$216

Sizes: Men's 7-14, women's 6.5-11 | Materials: Rubber sole, knit mesh upper

Best Trail Runners: La Sportiva Karacal Trail-running Shoes

View at REI (men’s) ($145)

Why We Love It: These shoes are super bouncy and breathable.

What to Consider: They're only available in a few colors, which may be too bright for some shoppers' likings.

"As the founder of a global surf magazine, I do a lot of traveling and surfing guiding to pretty exotic locations, [so] having one pair of shoes which I can use in multiple environments is really important," says Marc Bromhall of Surf's Up magazine. "[The Karacals] have solid heel support, a 3D mesh upper making them breathable, and a soft-density EVA foam, meaning that walking long distances in them is a breeze." We love the bright colors for the trail, and they may add a needed bit of vibrancy — but if you're trying to stick to a capsule wardrobe, you may find the hues a little challenging.

Price at time of publish: $130

Sizes: Men's 38-48.5, women's 36-43 | Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper

Best Hiking Shoes: Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes

View at Amazon (women’s) ($51-$223)

Also available at REI (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: They feature substantial arch support and a comfy, spacious toe box.

What to Consider: They have a slightly bulky appearance.

"For my work, I do a lot of hiking around different parts of the United States, [which] would be very uncomfortable without the right shoe — but I have had no complaints so far with the Merrell Moab Hiking Shoe," says Joseph Greene, founder and CEO of Trinidad Birding. "What I love most about this shoe is that as well as being a good hiking shoe, meaning I get no discomfort from traversing rough terrain, it is also very breathable which is a huge advantage for traveling. When hiking, especially in the hotter states, you will exert a lot of energy and sweat. If a shoe isn't breathable, then that moisture builds up and can become very uncomfortable. I have had no problems with moisture when hiking with the Moab and my feet are always well-ventilated."

Price at time of publish: $51-$233

Sizes: Men's 7-15, women's 5-12| Materials: Rubber sole, suede leather and mesh upper

Best Hiking Mid: Columbia Trailstorm Mid Hiking Shoes

View at Amazon (men’s) ($83-$277)

Also available at Dick's (men's) (women's) and Columbia (men's) (women's)

Why We Love It: A foam midsole and insole make these comfy right out of the box.

What to Consider: Though on the slimmer side of hiking boots, they're still bulkier and heavier than many other styles on our list.

"This pair of Columbia hiking shoes are my go-to outside of expeditions," says Shawn Richards, expedition coordinator at Ultimate Kilimanjaro. "These should stand out because they adapt perfectly to most situations while still maintaining a lot of grip in different terrains. Another critical aspect that makes these a good recommendation is that they're still quite comfortable beyond their functionality. Finally, the design is quite minimal and doesn't scream 'tourists,' which is important when I'm looking to blend in with locals. You can easily wear them in many situations outside of trails and hikes."

Price at time of publish: $83-$277

Sizes: Men's 7-15, women's 5-12 | Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper

Best for Running: Speedland SL:HSV Sneakers

View at Speedland ($375)

Why We Love It: This running shoe has toggles, rather than laces, to find your perfect fit.

What to Consider: These are definitely running-specific, so won't be as useful if you're looking for a multipurpose shoe.

Running tour guide and ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes recommends Speedland shoes if you're looking to rack up some miles while wandering. "What I really love about them is the micro-adjustability when topography and terrain changes," he says. Rather than lacing up, you dial in your fit with the twisting Boa system to find your perfect increments. The overall effect is extremely sleek. The Michelin rubber sole is trimmable, so if the lugs are a bit too high for you, you can trim them down to get your ideal traction.

Price at time of publish: $375

Sizes: Men's 5-13 | Materials: Rubber sole, knit upper