Travel
Found: The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Your Next Vacay
From sneakers with cushioned footbeds to top-rated and on-trend clogs, keep scrolling to shop all the winners for the comfiest walking shoes.
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Pros
- No break-in time!
- Elastic laces mean you can easily slip on and off
Cons
- Reviewers note they get dirty easily
Associate Editor Chaise Sanders swears by these sneakers from Dr. Scholl’s for walking and traveling. Made of water-resistant faux leather, these sleek shoes feature a cushioned footbed and a 1.5″ platform for comfort. They also have elastic laces, so they can be worn as slip-ons—a major plus if you’re going through airport security.
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 9.5
- Widths available: Medium, some wide
- Colors: 22
Glowing Customer Review: “Bought these sneakers specifically for a two week trip to Spain and Italy as I knew we would be walking A LOT. These were the only sneakers I brought with me and I am very happy with their performance. Averaged 18k steps a day, up to 24k on the higher end, and my feet, calves, hips, back, and knees all felt great! I didn’t need to break them in beforehand, and they held up very well.”
Pros
- Suede detailing is easy to clean
Cons
- Some reviewers say they run small, so you might need to size up
These dad sneakers are practically begging to take you on vacation. Senior Editor Lauren Alexis Fisher says, “These are one of my go-to travel sneakers. They’re so comfortable and chunky without being too chunky.” The mesh and suede upper give the shoe a classic sneaker look, while a foam midsole provides comfort and support for any activity. They’re perfect for running to catch a flight or walking through a museum.
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 11.5
- Widths available: Medium, Wide
- Colors: 6
Glowing Customer Review: “I’ve tried dozens of shoes and haven’t come across anything as comfortable and easy to wear as these ones! I wore these on a trip to Europe recently (walking more than 15,000 steps a day) and my feet weren’t sore. Highly recommend for those struggling with finding a shoe that fits well and is comfortable for every day or for traveling.”
Pros
- Cushioned insole provides comfort
Cons
- Velcro straps can look long on those with narrow feet
If you’re looking for walking shoes that’ll be easy to put on and take off, it’s time to consider velcro. No more dealing with laces that get undone or knotted at the worst possible time. (Laces dragging along the airport bathroom? No thanks.) These velcro sneakers from Sam Edelman have two velcro straps that are easy to adjust to your needs. Oh, and they also happen to be super cute.
- Size range: 5-11, with half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: 6
Glowing Customer Review: “They are so lightweight, they fit really well! Has a good sturdy grip. I’ve been looking for a good orthopedic shoe and I finally found the one.”
Pros
- Available in many great width options
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the back of the shoe came up a bit higher
The Morrison sneaker from Naturalizer is just about the closest I come to wearing slippers in public. Yes, they’re that comfy. With a super cushiony insole, these low tops make it feel like you’re walking on a cloud. I love that they’re comfy, but still look sophisticated on my feet.
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide (availability varies, but most colors are available in Medium and Wide)
- Colors: 8
Glowing Customer Review: “Amazingly comfortable and stylish. Wore them for a trade show where I walked over 7 miles every day.”
Pros
- Bouncy cork insoles absorb shock
Cons
- Limited size range
The Loci Hero mid-top shoe might not look like your typical walking shoe, but I assure you, this sneaker was absolutely made for walking. The vegan shoe, made of recycled materials, features a super comfortable cork insole, which adds a nice little bounce to every step. They’re also water resistant, so you can be confident they’ll take you where you want to go, no matter the weather.
- Size range: 6-10, half sizes up to 9.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: 13
Pros
- Memory foam ankle collar provides extra comfy stability
Cons
- Wears quickly depending on activity
Whether or not you’re a runner, a good pair of Bondi 7 everyday running shoes will definitely come in handy when you have to sprint through the airport terminal to make your flight. Even if you don’t have to rush, these are perfect for travel thanks to their extra soft cushioning, heel padding, and mesh upper, all of which combine to make a super comfy, breathable shoe.
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Regular, Wide
- Colors: White, Ice Water, Harbor Mist, Peach Whip, Black
Glowing Customer Review: “Great support, absorbs impact well, comfortable and helps keep a balanced stride. This shoe allows me longer periods of walking even with foot issues. Wore these throughout travel around Italy and walked for hours on uneven streets. Couldn’t have done that without these shoes.”
Pros
- Won’t take up room in luggage
Cons
- Some reviewers say the shoe runs a little big
I’m obsessed with my Allbirds Tree Loungers. I love that I can just slip them on and be out the door without having to worry about whether or not they’ll keep me supported all day (they will) or whether or not they’ll go with my outfit (these literally go with everything in my closet). It doesn’t hurt that the eucalyptus fiber tencel upper is really breathable and machine washable.
- Size range: 5-11
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: 5
Glowing Customer Review: “This is my 7th or 8th Allbirds (I’ve lost track). I love their shoes because they’re comfortable and hold up well. Additionally, I can just toss them into the wash whenever they get dirty. I don’t travel in any other shoes but my Allbirds.”
Best Flats for Travel
Pros
- Multiple widths and half-sizes make it easy to find your perfect fit
Cons
- Might not be enough arch support for some
I’ve been wearing Naturalizer flats for nearly a decade—I’m never without a pair because of their versatility. I love that I can wear these flats whenever and wherever, and I know that I will look sophisticated and feel comfortable at the same time. The padded collar and smooth insole give me support, while the sleek design does the rest. Plus, they’re super easy to pack if you don’t want to wear them on travel days.
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 9.5
- Width options: Medium, Wide (Narrow is offered here)
- Colors: Nude, Black, Red, Navy
Glowing Customer Review: “These flats are the perfect travel shoes. Amazingly comfortable as soon as I put them on. Perfect fit and surprisingly lightweight. They are very good quality, don’t look at all cheap and the arch support is very much appreciated. It literally doesn’t get better than this.”
Pros
- High collar at the back heel keeps the shoe from slipping
Cons
- The insole does get less supportive over time
I fell in love with these Hue flats the second I put them on. Knit designs like this tend to look sporty on me, but the pointed toe of the Anna Liflat really elevates the look, and I love that the knit accommodates my wide feet. But the real star of the show is the wedged insole that gives you a bit of a boost and provides good heel support and shock absorption. I love that this shoe looks like a regular flat, but gives me extra support. They’re also super lightweight (read: easy to pack) and machine washable. In other words: def travel approved.
- Size range: 6-11, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: Black, Ultra Pink, Clover
Pros
- Padded footbed offers supreme comfort
Cons
- Some reviewers say the shoes run a little big
A new take on Birdies’ Hummingbird ballet flat, these Mary Janes have the same cushioned, leather-lined footbed that Birdies flats are known for. I love that the strap has a functional buckle, but also a bit of elastic, so once you find your perfect fit, you can slip the Mary Janes on and off with ease.
- Size range: 5-12, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: 8
Glowing Customer Review: “My favorite Mary Janes! Super comfy, I can walk in them all day long. Definitely planning to order another color!”
Pros
- Water resistant upper keeps you dry in rainy weather
Cons
- Shock-absorbing outsole gives the shoe a slightly sportier look
It’s rare to find flats that are made for walking, but these Vivaia loafers actually were. The square-toed loafers are made with a .59″ shock-absorbing outsole and enhanced arch support to keep your feet happy on long walks. They’re also water-repellant, which IMO, is always useful in a travel shoe.
- Size range: 5-11, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: 6
Glowing Customer Review: “I was searching for a comfortable and stylish loafer. The material is awesome since it stretches a bit and the footbed is very nice and soft.”
Best Sandals for Travel
Pros
If you want elevated, sleek leather sandals for travel, look no further than this bestselling Everlane pair. Reviewers love the adjustable ankle strap that feels secure while walking and the fact that they don’t require any breaking-in. Plus, they look super chic when styled with just about any ‘fit.
- Size range: 5-11
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: Desert, Black, Brown, Light Taupe
Glowing Customer Review: “These shoes require 0 preparation of breaking in. They honestly feel so soft when you put them on. They look exactly like the photos. Honestly, one of the best shoe purchases I’ve ever made. They’re just so easy to wear, and I think they really elevate any outfit. 10/10”
Pros
- Gold buckles elevate the sandal look
Cons
- Birkenstocks may take time to break-in for some
Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Editor Hannah Chubb wore these Birkenstocks non-stop all summer. Like any other pair of the brand’s famous sandals, these require some breaking-in, but once you’ve molded them to your feet, you’ll never want to take them off. She adds, “The black leather goes with everything, and the gold hardware makes them feel elevated!”
- Size range: 36-42
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: High Shine Black
Glowing Customer Review: “I love my other Birkenstocks and the gold buckle on these give it a little something extra! You can dress them up, dress them down, or use them as good commuting shoes. Get them!”
Pros
- Ankle strap keeps your foot secure
Cons
- Some reviewers find the back strap to be a bit unstable
In my experience, traveling often leads swollen feet, which is why I prefer sandals to have some kind of elastic or adjustable features. These platform wedges from Dream Pairs have a faux leather, fixed strap around the balls of the feet, but the rest is elastic, meaning it’ll expand with your feet instead of digging in uncomfortably. Plus, the 2″ wedge heel and 1″ platform will make walking around your destination easy.
- Size range: 5-11, half sizes up to 9.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: 12
Glowing Customer Review: “I decided to break these in by wearing them through two airport travel days, and they were so comfortable! Not a single blister despite hiking across the Atlanta airport. I saw some reviews saying that these are only for narrow feet, but I did not experience that. These shoes are great and I will be buying another pair.”
Best Loafers for Travel
Pros
- Quality shoes will last a long time
Cons
- Reviewers say they run a bit narrow
You really can’t go wrong with a lug-sole loafer, and this ’90s-inspired pair from Madewell is proof. The shoe has a small, 7/8″ heel and and chunky sole that will have you walking confidently from the office to the plane. I love a shoe that will last, and the leather upper on these only looks better with time.
- Size range: 5-11, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Medium
- Colors: True Black
Glowing Customer Review: “I cannot say enough good things about these shoes. I love them so much and they are always packed no matter where I am going. If you’re thinking about buying these shoes, DO IT!”
Pros
- Sturdy arch support and flexible outsole
Cons
- The insole might be too hard for some
If you enjoy a more sporty look, Vionic’s Uptown Loafers are a great choice. I love that they’re super flexible and light. But most of all I enjoy feeing secure thanks to the arch support and the rubber outsole that absorbs shock and keeps you steady no matter the terrain. Plus they’re designed to pack easily, with a collapsable upper that can easily lay flat without ruining the design of the shoe.
- Size range: 5-13, half sizes up to 10.5
- Width options: Medium, Wide
- Colors: 18
Glowing Customer Review: “This really is the perfect travel shoe. As comfortable as a tennis shoe and as cute as a dressier shoe.”
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
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