The Quest to Find the Perfect Travel Shoes (2020)
After you've booked your flight, scoped out hotel rooms, and maybe bought a guidebook or two, it's time to tackle another potentially-stressful part of planning a trip: deciding what to pack!
I've already detailed my favorite luggage and bags for travel, but what you put IN that luggage is perhaps even more important.
And the part of packing that's always the most difficult (for me, at least) is deciding what sort of footwear to bring.
So many factors go into choosing the perfect travel shoes for any trip. What will the weather be like? What sort of activities are you planning? Will the shoes you need match the outfits you want to pack?
If you, too, are looking for the best shoes for travel, check out my tips for women below!
The Best Travel Shoes in 2020
After years of traveling around the world, here are my favorite travel shoes for a variety of destinations and styles of trip.
My current favorite shoes for travel
SUAVS Zilker knit
Why I love my SUAVS: These shoes are amazing for travel. They fit your feet like socks, are super light and breathable, and take up virtually no space in a suitcase. They're also machine washable, which means I'm not scared to take lighter colors with me on my travels. I currently have the classic Zilker knits in pink and gray, and the Zilker gums in white. These shoes have been everywhere with me, from Morocco to Kenya to Puerto Rico.
Trips they're good for: These are best for warmer seasons since they're so light and breathable. I wouldn't wear these in super wet or cold conditions, though of course you can always throw on a pair of socks to make them a little warmer.
*Note: These don't have much arch support, though the insoles are removable if you wanted to swap them out. I actually don't mind how flat these are, and have walked miles in mine.
The best sandals for travel
1. Teva Verra
Why I love the Teva Verra: These sandals are lightweight and easy to pack, and have really great support for people like me who need it. I like the minimal straps on these, too – you can get away with wearing them with just about any outfit, especially if you buy them in a neutral color.
Trips they're great for: These sandals are perfect for spring and summer travel, and could even be suitable for traveling to warmer places in the autumn. I've worn them on cruises, to amusement parks, and even for hiking on established trails.
Buy them from Zappos | Buy them on Amazon
(And if you like this sandal style but prefer even more straps? Check out the Teva Tirra, which were my go-to travel sandal until Teva released the Verra.)
2. Keen Whisper
Why I love the Keen Whisper: This is a great sandal for hiking or water sports because of the closed-toe design. These sandals aren't exactly the most fashion-forward, but they are definitely functional and comfortable. They are a great alternative to sneakers in warmer climates.
Trips they're great for: If you're headed into the great outdoors in spring, summer, or even fall, these sandals will serve you well. I've worn these white water rafting, while volunteering with elephants in Thailand, and while walking around cities in Asia.
The only place I do NOT recommend wearing these is the beach. Sand/rocks can get inside very easily and be tough to get out without taking the sandals off completely.
Buy them from Zappos | Buy them on Amazon
The best ballet flats for travel
1. Crocs flats
Why I love my Crocs flats: I used to swear that I would NEVER own a pair of Crocs. But that was before they started making cute and comfy flats that don't *look* like Crocs. These days, I can't imagine traveling without these lightweight rubbery Crocs Adrina flats. Not only are they super comfortable, but they are incredibly easy to clean – not to mention quick to dry if/when they get wet!
Trips they're great for: Just about any trip that doesn't involve snow! I've worn these flat to walk around cities, to go to the ballet, and even to weddings.
My favorite Adrina flats are sadly not made any longer. They've been replaced by the Isabella flats (pictured here), which are just as cute and comfy.
2. Allbirds Tree Breezers
Why I love my Allbirds flats: These flats are made from a comfy and breathable eucalyptus tree fiber, with a cushy insole covered in merino wool – meaning they're breathable, eco-friendly, and won't get smelly if you wear them barefoot. They form to your foot and are less rigid than many other flats I've tried.
Trips they're great for: These are great for trips to warm and dry destinations. They let your feet breathe, but they have fiber uppers, meaning they're definitely not waterproof.
The best boots for travel
1. Kodiak Surrey II
Why I love the Kodiak Surrey II: These boots are good for hiking, but are also fashionable enough to wear with normal outfits, too – which is super important in a travel shoe. They're made well, and have so far traveled with me to places like Iceland, Scotland, and Morocco.
Trips they're great for: They're good for trips where you might be doing some hiking, or trips in cooler weather.
Buy them on Zappos | Buy them on Amazon
2. Naturalizer Cycle Boot
Why I love this boot: I'm a big fan of short boots for travel, mostly because they're easier to pack than calf- or knee-high boots. I got a pair of Naturalizer Cycle Boots last year for a fall trip to Europe. I was drawn to their classic design paired with a little extra support (which I need for walking around cities!). I actually got a pair of dark red suede ones, which I ended up wearing all season!
Trips they're great for: Fall trips especially, though you could also make these work in winter or spring depending on the destination and the color you choose. I've worn mine all over Europe and the US so far.
3. Merrell Moab
Why I love the Merrell Moab: If you're in the market for serious hiking boots, I highly recommend Merrell's Moab Mid Waterproof boots. They're supportive and comfortable, but aren't heavy or clunky.
Trips they're great for: Any trip where you plan to do some real hiking. I've worn my Moabs for hiking in New Zealand, Utah, and even Ohio.
Buy them from Zappos | Buy them on Amazon
The best winter boots for travel
1. Columbia Minx Mid boots
Why I love this Columbia boot: Not only is this boot super warm due to its Omni-Heat technology, but it's also incredibly lightweight and dare I say cute? I have these boots in white, which go with any winter outfit I could possibly come up with. These have traveled with me to Iceland and Norway, and have kept my feet toasty at home in Ohio, too.
Trips they're great for: Winter trips where you want to keep your feet warm, but where you don't plan to do a lot of trekking over ice or snow.
*Note: I had to size up in these a full size in order to accommodate thicker socks.
Buy them from Zappos | Buy them from Columbia
Other travel shoe essentials
For winter travel, I recommend picking up some Heat Holders socks (seriously the WARMEST socks I own!).
For summer or hiking trips, you'll want some good hiking socks.
And for long flights, you can never go wrong with a good pair of compression socks to help prevent blood clots and combat swelling.
Do YOU have a favorite pair of travel shoes? I'd love to hear your recommendations, too!
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I’m a fan of Keen Whisper. I recently used two pairs of Keen Whisper and happy to say that they always make me comfortable. thanks for sharing this article with us.
this is super helpful especially now that I’m looking for the most comfortable shoes to wear hiking.I love the selection love the design and the durability look to it.thanks for sharing this!
Happy to be able to help! These are all shoes I personally have used, too, so I can vouch for them all being great!
Awesome list! I have Merrel for a regular day and yes, they’re very comfortable. Try crocs, they good to wear as well. Heard they’re healthy to wear too. Thanks for the information. Keep them coming 🙂
I do have a pair of Crocs on this list. 🙂
What i have learn when going on vacation/holiday is to bring the most comfortable walking or hiking shoes you can find regardless of cost, and make sure to break them in long before your departure date. You will be walking and standing so much during your trip, that having the most comfortable shoe you can get will be more than worth its weight in gold.
So true! There’s nothing else than having sore feet during a day of sightseeing, because that ends up being all you can think about!
Some great shoe suggestions, but OTBT range of women travel shoes is also a worth try. Recently, I bought OTBT lace-up boots https://www.otbtshoes.com/collections/boots, and they are just great for travel, super comfy and stylish.
Good to know – I’ll definitely have to check them out!
I love Columbia boots! I have a pair of them which I always use for trout fishing in the winter. They are so warm, and comfortable. I don’t know how they achieve this, but they keep my feet perfectly warm and dry at the same time.
Great to hear! Warm AND dry is definitely a great thing!
Great list!
I would like to put in a good word for Sam Edelman black flats. They are made out of leather, have a concussion sole, come in great styles. Crocs flats look comfy but never used them, so I ought to try.
I’ll have to check out those flats, too!
Moab 2 mid for women is a great hiking boot. I find that merrell boots run narrow. Very pleased that size 10 1/2 in wide became available.
Thank you!!!
My Merrells fit pretty true to size (my Moabs, at least), but different styles can run narrower. (Don’t you miss the days when one size just fit no matter what shoe you were buying??)
Ok, after all this talk of crocs I might actually go check them out. ?
Thanks guys
PS I love it when people engage like this in the comments and we all discover something new.
You definitely should check them out! They’ve come a long way since the “original” Crocs!