Travel Products Style Shoes The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed For sleek and lightweight shoes that are also comfortable for travel, check out these options from Hoka to Vans. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 24, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Other Shoes We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler No matter where your travels take you, a pair of comfortable shoes is a necessity. For cold- and warm-weather trips, you’ll be thankful to have supportive footwear with you for walking through the airport and sightseeing. When it comes to recommending the best men’s travel shoes, Travel + Leisure’s team of expert product testers tried 20 pairs of comfy kicks. Whether we were walking, commuting, running, or working out, we evaluated each pair based on comfort, quality, value, and fit to compile our list of options below. We love the supportive fit and minimal design of the Hoka Clinton 8 sneakers for all types of travel activities. If sneakers aren’t your jam, we also have picks for comfy boots for the cold and cushioned sandals for tropical vacations. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hoka One One Clifton 8 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Vans Comfycush Old Skool at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Wool: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Walking: On Cloud 5 Running Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Workouts: APL TechLoom Tracer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Boots: Blundstone Men’s Classic 550 Chelsea Boots at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Slip-on: Kizik Men's Lima at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Hoka One One Men's Clifton 8 5 Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It There is plenty of support and cushioning, and the minimalist design makes these a versatile pair of daily walking or running shoes. What to Consider These are performance shoes designed for running. Hoka sneakers are known for being some of the best on the market, and we think so, too, after testing and loving the Clifton 8 running shoes. From heel to toe, the design of the sneakers is simple, lightweight, and, most importantly, extremely comfortable after we put some serious miles on them around the city. The mesh upper is breathable for days when your feet get a little sweaty, and the padded tongue adds extra cushioning, so it doesn’t dig into the top of your foot. Hoka’s signature Meta-Rocker sole provides the foundation for an ultra-comfy sneaker, as the curved design feels supportive and bouncy, and the EVA midsoles have just the right amount of cushioning for a soft and absorbing feel for walking long distances. When it comes down to quality, we’re confident these shoes will last for plenty of trips down the road. The Hoka Clifton offers a lightweight and comfortable way to easily navigate a city or explore your own town. Price at time of publish: $140 The Details: 8 to 12.5 | Mesh, EVA, rubber Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler Best Budget Vans Comfycush Old Skool Sneaker 4.5 Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It These casual sneakers have just the right amount of arch support. What to Consider It might be difficult to slip these shoes on and off. We’re happy to report that the Comfycush Old Skool sneakers have the same casual style as traditional Vans but boast built-in arch support that thoroughly impressed us with their comfort. We wore these sneakers for commuting to the office and loved that the soles felt thick and supportive and the canvas upper fit snugly without feeling too tight. The high quality immediately stood out to us and the shoes felt more durable than other Vans we've tested. The laces can be tied nearly up to the ankle, so they’re not the easiest shoes to slip on and off. However, we love that even with the laces tied up, the tongue doesn’t pinch or cause any discomfort, and we’re fans of the secure fit for walking long distances. While most Vans styles can cost over $100, we love that the Comfycush Old Skool sneakers are wallet-friendly and come with ample cushioning. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 3.5 to 13 | Canvas, cotton, rubber Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Best Sustainable Allbirds Mens Tree Dasher 2 4.8 Allbirds View On Nordstrom View On Allbirds.com View On REI Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It The upper, midsole, and sole are all made using eco-friendly materials with a minimal carbon footprint. What to Consider The soles could have a bit more support. We’re big fans of Allbird’s transparency when it comes to the sustainable materials and methods they use to make their products, including their Tree Dasher 2 sneakers. From heel to toe, these lightweight walking shoes are made with environmentally-friendly materials like a eucalyptus tree fiber upper, a sugarcane-based green EVA midsole, and an FSC-certified natural rubber outsole. Besides the sustainability factor, we love that the sneakers are super breathable and lightweight, making them the ideal closed-toe shoe for tropical climates. While the soles are very soft and cushioned, we wish there was a tad more support for walking long distances, but we were plenty comfortable while wearing the sneakers to work and running errands. When it rained, the upper did an excellent job warding off the elements, so we didn’t feel any dampness. After trying several pairs of Allbirds sneakers, these stood out for their breathable and sustainable design for traveling. Price at time of publish: $135 The Details: 8 to 14 | FSC-certified Tencel Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber), sugarcane-based green EVA, FSC-certified natural rubber Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford The 13 Best Travel Shoe Bags for Every Trip and Style Best Wool Allbirds Mens Wool Runner Mizzles 4.6 REI View On Nordstrom View On REI View On Allbirds.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Value 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Why We Love It They feel like wearing cozy slippers with arch support. What to Consider There was a small break-in period. Allbirds continued to impress us during testing, so our next category winner goes to the brand’s Wool Runner Mizzles. Arguably the best part of these cozy kicks is that the upper is made with a plush ZQ merino wool that gives you the feel of a slipper without the appearance of a slipper. These sneakers don’t have the traditional sporty look of a running shoe — they look a bit more elevated or professional. And with ample arch support, cushioning, and traction on the bottom, these are the perfect shoes for wearing while walking around a city or for a nice dinner. At first, the tongue of the shoe dug into the top of our foot, but with just a few wears, the upper stretched out a bit, and it became a non-issue. However, we were pleased that the shoe fits true to size and continues to contour to the shape of our foot as more miles get put on the sneakers. Price at time of publish: $125 The Details: 8 to 14 | ZQ-certified merino wool, sugarcane-based green EVA, FSC-certified natural rubber The 19 Best Sneakers for Men of 2023 Best for Walking On Men's Cloud 5 Running Shoe REI View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Why We Love It The shoe is very lightweight and easy to slip on and off at the airport. What to Consider The sneakers feel like more of a relaxed running shoe. We think the On Running Cloud 5 sneakers are the best pair of kicks to slide on for comfort and support on the go. We found that the flexible polyester upper allows the shoes to easily slip on and off, making them the ultimate airport footwear. Plus, the brand’s Zero-gravity foam midsole and rubber sole have the perfect balance of support and flexibility. These are lightweight shoes made with high-quality materials, so they look stylish as well. While these sneakers are technically designed for running, we think they double as ideal walking (or running) shoes for travelers looking for a shoe with a more relaxed fit. Because of the lightweight materials, these are super easy to pack in a suitcase or backpack for saving weight and space in a carry-on. Price at time of publish: $140 The Details: 7 to 14 | Recycled polyester, Zero-gravity foam, rubber Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford The 14 Best Sustainable Shoes of 2023 Best for Workouts APL Mens TechLoom Tracer 4.4 APL View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Athleticpropulsionlabs.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4.3/5 Value 3.5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It The soles feel very supportive, and the shoe itself is designed for low- to high-intensity workouts. What to Consider The shoes were a bit stiff at first. We love a versatile pair of shoes like the APL Men’s TechLoom Tracer that combines comfort and support for a range of activities like walking, running or strength training. While these are technically performance sneakers designed for workouts, we found the kicks to be exceptionally supportive for walking through the city and traveling during a weekend getaway. And when you want to get in a quick workout at the hotel gym, we think the stiffer ankle and heel cushioning certainly helps with stability and support for leg day. Although the shoe has a solid amount of stiffness, APL’s Propellium EVA midsole and rubber outsole provide plenty of cushion and shock absorption. We found these sneakers run true to size, and the breathable lycra upper is flexible for foot width but also fits our narrow-footed tester perfectly, too. Price at time of publish: $250 The Details: 7 to 15 | Lycra, rubber Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen Best Boots Blundstone Men’s Classic 550 Chelsea Boots 4.4 Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On REI Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 3.5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It The leather and sturdy construction feel premium and durable What to Consider The boot can’t be resoled. To avoid frigid toes while traveling in the cooler months, a pair of 550 Blundstones will do the trick. Crafted with a water-resistant leather upper and elastic sides for breathability, we were immediately impressed by the durable design of these boots. The construction of the boot allows for extreme comfort right out of the box with no break-in period. We found the boots run true to size, and because of the elastic sides, they fit nicely around the ankles without any tightness or discomfort. After wearing the boots in the mud in the countryside and during a rainstorm without any damage to the materials or wet feet, we’re confident these Chelsea boots will stand the test of time. The biggest drawback for us is that the shoes can’t be resoled, so you’ll want to make sure to take good care of them to prolong their longevity. Price at time of publish: $220 The Details: 4 to 14 | Leather, rubber Best Sandals Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It The straps are super comfortable, and the soles have the same support as sneakers. What to Consider We wish there were half sizes available. The Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals are the perfect footwear to take you from the beach to the river in comfort. We love that these sandals don’t have a break-in period, as they were instantly comfy while wearing them for the first time. The quick-dry polyester straps don’t dig in or cause any redness, and the EVA footbed is both supportive and cushioned. The sole is much more like a thick, durable sneaker or a running shoe than a cheap sandal. After three days of basically constant use, including in the pool and on the beach, we saw no visible wear. While we wish these Tevas came in half sizes, we love that there are three straps on either sandal that can be adjusted to customize the fit accordingly, so for that reason, we suggest sizing up if you’re in between sizes. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 5 to 17 | Polyester, EVA foam, rubber Travel + Leisure / Jason Horn The 12 Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men of 2023 Best Slip-on Kizik Men's Lima 4.7 Kizik Men's Lima. Amazon View On Amazon View On Kizik.com Our Ratings Fit 4.4/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Value 4.6/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It They're breathable with excellent traction. What to Consider The heel can feel a bit loose. Kizik thought about everything when designing the Limas — from the bouncy Rabbit Foam outsoles to extra ankle padding and a spacious toe box, these are some of the most comfortable shoes we tested. After wearing around the house for less than an hour, these shoes were broken in and ready for long walks. While these slip-ons have a looser heel than most sneakers, they don't chafe or slip while you walk. The knit uppers are incredibly breathable, so your feet don't become hot and sweaty even in warm climates, but the insoles are machine washable if you do find they need a refresh. These shoes are made of durable, high-quality materials that are great for packing and sure to last for years to come. Price at time of publish: $109 The Details: 4.5 to 15 | Knit, leather Other Men’s Travel Shoes We Liked The two pairs of shoes below were close to making our list but did not make the cut due to several inconveniences during testing, including issues with durability and fit. Hylo Light: These sneakers are beyond comfortable, and they look nice enough to wear to work or the gym. However, after wearing them every day for several months, there was a noticeable amount of wear and tear (like, literal tears) that made us skeptical about their durability. Thursday Boots Low Top: These unique shoes combine the functionality of sneakers with the boots' materials, so we loved that aspect, but there was a longer break-in period than we liked. Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Our Testing Process T+L expert product testers tried 20 pairs of boots, sneakers, and sandals to find men’s travel shoes with the best comfort, fit, value, and quality. Whether we were working in the office, running outdoors, or walking through the city, we rated each pair of shoes on a scale of one to five. After unboxing the shoes, we did a thorough examination of the quality of the shoe. We asked our testers to look at their construction and note the initial quality of the materials. Then, we wore the shoes for three separate tests to judge the break-in period, the overall comfort after several hours of wear, and the durability of the materials after wearing the shoes for at least one full day (although many of our testers wore these shoes more than what we asked for). In the end, the highest-scoring travel shoes we tested received glowing reviews for being exceptionally comfortable thanks to arch support and cushioning, fit perfectly right away with a minimal break-in period and are made with high-quality materials meant to last over the course of hundreds of miles. Tips for Buying Men’s Travel Shoes Size and width are key It’s important to have some wiggle room in your footwear to avoid possible discomfort when you’re on your feet all day. Whether you’re buying shoes in person or online, be sure to give yourself some time to try the shoes on before you leave the house. If your toes are pushed against the front or if the sides of your feet feel pinched, allow yourself enough time to exchange the shoes for a longer or wider size for optimal comfort. Choose the right type of shoe for your destination While sneakers might be your go-to shoe in general, there are plenty of other shoe styles that are supportive enough for all-day wear. If you’re heading to a tropical destination, opt for a pair of sandals, and for a cold-weather trip, be sure to bring a pair of boots or warm sneakers. Consider packing space Travelers who prefer a carry-on suitcase should bring lightweight shoes that are more compact, like sneakers or sandals. If you’re heading to a spot where warmer shoes will be needed, consider wearing your boots or bigger shoes while traveling to save space. Frequently Asked Questions How do I pack travel shoes? To maximize suitcase space and protect your shoes, place them with the soles facing outward with the uppers toward each other. To prevent creases in sneakers or shoes with a fabric upper, you can stuff socks in to keep the shape while traveling. How should I clean travel shoes? It’s important to always read the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning a pair of shoes. If you’re on the go and don’t have access to a washing machine, you can spot-clean your shoes using water and soap if you’re in a pinch. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she reviews and writes about travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best men’s travel shoes, and she participated in the test for the best women’s travel shoes, too. The 51 Best Gifts for Men Who Love to Travel of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit