14 Lightweight Travel Shoes That Take Up Almost No Suitcase Space

By Dobrina Zhekova
October 16, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Courtesy of Retailers
Every traveler knows shoes are the main culprit when you can’t fit everything you want to pack in your suitcase.

Even if you’re heading for a quick weekend getaway, the moment you put two pairs of shoes (one for walking around and another one for going out) in your airline-approved carry-on, you are immediately left with about half the space to fit in all of your other belongings. And if you, like me, take another spare pair of footwear — you know, “just in case” — then you can pretty much start mentally preparing to either pay for overweight luggage or wear the same outfit the entire weekend.

Since I’ve been in that situation one too many times, I have learned my lesson and now pack only lightweight or collapsible (or both!) footwear. Travelers are often smart about packing clothes and accessories, but the same strategy should extend to shoes, as well. For example, instead of taking a pair of water shoes in addition to your everyday summer espadrilles, grab a pair that can do both.

Related:10 of the Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Women

As for your sneakers and sandals, invest in those that are made from lightweight and breathable materials like canvas or neoprene. Leather or suede will lose its shape once it’s wedged between your hair dryer and toiletry case.

There are also plenty of shoes that are foldable or collapsible and they literally take half or a third of the space that a normal pair would. Most of them come in a pouch for easy and clean storage.

Here, 14 pairs of shoes that are so easy to pack you just might be able to get away with bringing three pairs.
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Toms Alpargatas

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

A breathable canvas upper, a flexible outsole, and a comfortable slip-on design make this classic Toms flat a winner in our book. Plus, with every pair you purchase, Toms donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

To buy: zappos.com, $48

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Born Lake Sandals

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This braided, T-strap sandal features a cushioned footbed and is easy to pack in your beach tote or carry-on.

To buy: amazon.com, from $80

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Sanuk Maisie Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

This vacation-ready sneaker has an ultra-flexible outsole for maximum comfort and a textured canvas upper so you won’t need to worry about ruining its shape when you pack it flat.

To buy: zappos.com, $50

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Yosi Samra Samara 2.0 Foldable Ballet Flat

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Pack a pair of these foldable metallic flats in your bag the next time you’re going out or heading to a business meeting — and slip into them once the official part is over.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $98

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Vivo Barefoot Kanna Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of Vivobarefoot

This sneaker features a puncture-resistant, ultra-thin, and lightweight sole and a breathable mesh upper. When folded, it takes up a third of its original size.

To buy: vivobarefoot.com, $125

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Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrille

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

This neoprene espadrille is the only shoe you need to pack for a beach getaway. It is actually an espadrille and a water shoe, thanks to its quick-drying construction.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $95

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OluKai Women's Miki Li' Slip-on Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

This shoe is extremely practical — you can wear it as a slip-on sneaker or as a slide thanks to its collapsible heel. It is crafted from lightweight, quick-drying, and water-resistant materials so you can wear it in the mountains while hiking or on the beach when taking a walk.

To buy: zappos.com, $130

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Xero Shoes Barefoot-inspired Sport Sandals

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This sandal is flexible enough to be rolled up and stuffed into your backpack’s pocket thanks to its ultra-thin sole.

To buy: amazon.com, $65

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Cole Haan Zerogrand Wingtip Oxford With Stitchlite

Credit: Courtesy of Cole Haan

Cushioned, breathable, and lightweight, this is the most comfortable summer sneaker. And thanks to the pretty knit pattern you can dress it up, too.

To buy: colehaan.com, $150

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Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal

Credit: Courtesy of Macy's

At only 5.5 oz, this is one of Teva’s lightest sandals. It has a cushioned footbed that provides all-day comfort and an adjustable ankle strap for the best fit.

To buy: macys.com, $50

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Soludos Lace-up Espadrille Sandals

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

This is the quintessential easy-to-wear summer shoe that also won’t take up much space in your weekender.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $65

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Sanbang Athletic Shoes

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Camping, sailing, running, walking… These extremely lightweight slip-on shoes have flexible soles and a versatile design so you can partake in all of your favorite pastimes in them.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

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Tieks by Gavrieli Foldable Ballet Flats

Credit: Courtesy of Tieks by Gavrieli

This classic ballet flat features a round-toe design and is crafted from full-grain Italian leather. It folds in half for convenient storage and comes with a pouch.

To buy: tieks.com, $175

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Cocorose London Carnaby Foldable Espadrilles

Credit: Courtesy of Cocorose

This British brand specializes in high-quality foldable footwear. These gray espadrilles are total eye-catchers with their fun peacock appliqué pattern. A flexible sole enables the shoes to fold in half to be stored in their own matching travel pouch.

To buy: cocoroselondon.com, $54 (originally $80)

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By Dobrina Zhekova