When it comes time to choose your travel shoes, we all know that sneakers are a comfortable and easy standard. But sometimes you want to amp up the style factor when you visit new destinations for a night on the town, or simply a for more fashion-forward look, and the humble sneaker just won't cut it.
We asked Dr. Ami Sheth, a foot and ankle specialist in Los Gatos, California and a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, to weigh in on the travel shoe debate. Her answer for feeling both dressed-up and comfortable? The wedge.
“People always say to me, ‘I don’t want to wear sneakers because they make me feel like I’m a tourist,'” said Sheth. “Well, you are a tourist. But if you want to dress up a little more, I would say that my blanket statement is to wear something stable anytime you’re putting mileage on your foot.” While she doesn’t recommend wearing them all the time, “wedges are still the best if you’re going for a dressier shoe. It’s a better option than a stiletto or a pump as long as it's not too high and has a slight pitch.”
Related: How to Break In Your Travel Shoes the Right Way, According to Podiatrists
Other features to look for? “Some level of adaptability,” she said, referring to straps that can be adjusted to ensure a snug fit. Sheth prefers wedges that come up around the ankle, as well, “because they’re more protective,” and she suggests some insole padding.
Important point: “I tell everybody to test-drive the shoes before taking them on the road, and if they’re not comfortable, do not take them on the trip,” she said. And, finally, Sheth added that you won't want to take on any serious mileage without the proper footwear. “If you’re walking 10 miles, get a big handbag and when you arrive at the venue where you need to shine, swap out your sneakers for wedges,” she said.
Here, 17 pairs of comfortable wedges that look as good as they feel.
Vince Camuto Wedge Sandals
Comfort features: Secure, wide, wrap around ankle strap
To buy: nordstrom.com, $100
Toms Clarissa Wedges
Comfort features: Adjustable ankle strap, bacteria resistant microfiber sock liner, comfort insole
To buy: toms.com, $80
Ugg Metallic Wedge Loafers
Comfort features: Shearling-feel wool lining, foam-cushioned footbed
To buy: amazon.com, from $60
Toni Pons Lidia Suede Wedges
Comfort features: Soft suede uppers, adjustable buckle closure, cushioned insole
To buy: zappos.com, $145
Vionic Kaitlyn Wedges
Comfort features: adjustable ankle tie, arch support, biomechanically designed insole, deep heel cup
To buy: vionicshoes.com, $130
Gentle Soles by Kenneth Cole Metallic Leather Wedges
Comfort features: Padded insole, back zipper
To buy: lordandtaylor.com, $199
Michael Kors Liv Shearling-trim Suede Wedge Booties
Comfort features: Lace-up sneaker hybrid, rubber sole
To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $199
Blondo Cathy Suede Waterproof Sandals
Comfort features: Cushioned footbed, upper elastic straps
To buy: lordandtaylor.com, $100
Cole Haan Tali Demi Wedge Pumps
Comfort features: Quilted footbed, enhanced cushioning, flexible, lightweight
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $102 (originally $170)
Stella McCartney Sneakelyse Platform Wedge Sneakers
Comfort features: Lace up support, padded footbed, rubber outsole
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $730
Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Velvet Demi-wedge Ballet Flats
Comfort features: Flax seed pillow insole, lightweight support, flexibility
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $195
Free People Vegan Dorian Wedges
Comfort features: Adjustable ankle wrap, ridged rubber sole
To buy: freepeople.com, $168
Sofft Innis Wedges
Comfort features: adjustable buckle for ankle support, cushioned, leather-lined footbed, extra padding at ball and heel
To buy: zappos.com, $90
Aerosoles Shortcake Slingbacks
Comfort features: Flexible soles, heel rest technology, memory foam footbed
To buy: amazon.com, from $19
Steve Madden NC-LOCA Wedges
Comfort features: Perforated upper for ventilation, rubber sole
To buy: stevemadden.com, $60 (originally $100)
Eileen Fisher d’Orsay Platform Wedge Pumps
Comfort features: Memory foam under toe, arch and heel along with mesh ankle band for flexible fit
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $195
Born Emmy II Wedges
Comfort features: padded insole, arch support, adjustable slingback closure
To buy: zappos.com, $110
