Don’t waste time *or* money on shoes that leave your feet in agony — there are better options.
Keeping your feet happy while traveling is crucial, especially if you want to avoid pesky blisters that slow you down. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. There are several cute, travel-friendly shoes out there you can walk in for literal miles, y’all. If discomfort is your biggest fear, you can seek out pain-free, walking-friendly shoes. Either way, you’ll have your pick of sneakers, flats, sandals, hiking boots, and sooo much more.
Nortiv 8 walking shoes
Believe it or not, you *don’t* have to spend well over $100 to give your feet the gift of comfort and style all rolled into one. You’ll have plenty of arch and heel support without breaking the bank. In fact, many reviewers say these are an affordable alternative to Hokas! No matter what adventures await, the cloud-like cushioning and thick midsole will provide you with more than enough comfort to walk for hours on end.
Promising reviews: “Like a cloud!! ☁️ These are the most comfortable shoes I have worn; it feels like a pillow hugging your foot. The same day they were delivered, I ordered another pair in a different color. I’m a healthcare worker, and these are perfect for standing and being on your feet a lot. Walking feels very smooth and low-impact. I never leave reviews on anything, but these are amazing.” —Ian Durham
“As someone who owns a pair of Hokas, in my opinion, these are better. I have plantar fasciitis and work in a hospital. Believe me when I say this, I HAVE ZERO FOOT PAIN when I’m wearing these! For half the price and comfort, I will 100% recommend these to anyone.” —Jennifer Emilien
Get them from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and eight colors).
Hoka Clifton 10 sneakers
If your feet need an upgrade from those old, worn-out tennis shoes you’ve been clinging to since high school, check out this wonderfully springy shoe for your next trip! One reviewer said they ended up walking 23,000 steps while wearing them on vacation, so you know they’ll live up to the hype. The responsive, ultra-light cushioning delivers long-lasting comfort. Translation? No amount of walking or running will take you out while wearing ’em!
Promising review: “Thank you, Hoka! I never imagined that a pair of shoes could change my life but it is true. I could barely stand from the pain and swelling in my feet. I had shoes I could not wear at all anymore, and my doctor put me on anti-swelling meds to try and keep the pain and swelling down. When I got the Hokas at first I thought these are great, so much cushion, I was able to work all day and not in agony. After about 8 months of wearing them, the swelling is completely gone, I’m off the meds. I can get up in the morning, put on slippers and walk with NO pain. I can wear shoes that just didn’t fit anymore. I’m so happy, I honestly didn’t expect this all to happen, I was just trying to make it through my workday. I already have a backup pair in the closet. If you are in pain, try them, they might help you too.” —Teresa P.
Get them from Nordstrom for $155 (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 17 styles) or from Zappos for $124+ (originally $155; available in sizes 4–12, including wide sizes, and in 25 styles — not all styles available in all sizes).
Teva Universal Sport sandals
Teva has earned a reputation among outdoor enthusiasts for a reason — these shoes are designed to last. When it comes to these sandals, people are obsessed with the signature strappy design, durable sole, and fun color options. They’re also great at withstanding water because they dry super quickly! If you have a beach vacation coming up or you anticipate being in a wet climate, you definitely need to pack a pair of these in your suitcase!
BTW, Amazon reviewers say this pair runs large so consider sizing down, especially if you’re between sizes.
Promising review: “These are the best sandals. I wore the sandals all over our honeymoon in Greece. I also wore them to Disney. They are so comfortable and versatile. They go with everything and you will never have to worry about getting a blister. I will wear these every day in the summer and they don’t even look worn! Great brand, the best quality.” —Gail Miller
Get them from Amazon for $64.95+ (available in sizes 5–14 and in 15 styles, including more styles here).
Columbia hiking boots
Is mountain exploring a big part of your next trip’s itinerary? If so, you can’t go wrong with Columbia hiking boots! You’ll be able to make it to the top without your feet crying out in pain. Whether it’s a challenging hike or an easy walking trail, these boots have you covered thanks to the high-traction rubber insole that’s perf for rough terrain *and* the waterproof design that keeps your socks dry.
My colleague Jenae Sitzes says: “Reviewers swear these don’t even have a break-in period, making them a great pickup for that last-minute outdoorsy trip where hiking and rough terrain are on the docket. Note that it’s recommended to go up a half size in these boots to accommodate thicker hiking socks, and I found that to be true when I picked up these shoes myself — I’m normally an 8 but found an 8.5 in these to be totally comfortable.
I also found that they held up well even on my first hike — though I did admittedly still have some soreness around my heel area, this was after a hard, 7+ mile hike with lots of rocks and climbing, so I don’t blame the shoes. They felt comfortable right out of the box and super supportive when I was navigating rocks and rough terrain. And though I only stepped in water a couple of times briefly, my socks stayed dry too. I got the brown color with red laces as pictured above, and they’re even cuter in person, which is just another plus.”
Promising review: “What else can I say other than I LOVE THESE HIKING BOOTS!!? They’re literally the most comfortable and sturdy shoes I’ve ever had, and made several full days of hiking through different types of terrain a breeze. The high ankle support is great for rocky areas and they’re definitely waterproof. I figured Columbia would be the way to go, and I was not disappointed!” —M
Get them from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in various colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Running Shoe
Want a pair of shoes suitable for walking *and* running? Say no more. This brand is known for high-quality shoes that keep your feet comfortable no matter what you’re getting up to, which is great for adventurous travelers. Plus, these are comfortable/ready to wear right out of the box. Reviewers love that there’s no painful break-in period and that’s everything, especially when you’re headed out on a trip and prioritizing your comfort — as you should!
Promising reviews: “Very, very great shoe. I have very low arches, and these shoes made my feet hurt less after a long day shift at work.” —Barbara Johnson
“Nurse-approved! My wife swears by these shoes for work. The cushioning and support make a world of difference after 10 hours on her feet. Worth every penny.” —Mark in Memphis
Get them from Amazon for $109.95+ (available in sizes 5–13, in narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes, and in many colors/styles).
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
For a shoe you can ~slide~ right into and get on with your day, a Birkenstock sandal won’t disappoint. These super chill, versatile sandals are ideal for casual strolls around cobblestone streets in Italy, but many people also rely on this shoe for walking long distances too! After all, they have a contoured footbed for extra arch support so you can spend all day sightseeing in ’em if you want to.
Promising review: “I’ve never had Birks before! I got them to wear to an outdoor concert. The venue is HUGE and I had no trouble walking around in them all night the first time I wore them! The best walking shoe!” —Free People Customer
Get them from Free People for $155 (available in sizes 5–10.5 and in 13 colors) or from DSW for $117.96 (available in sizes 5–11.5 and in five colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
Cushionaire slides
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on comfort features, these Cushionare sandals might be for you. Trust me when I say nothing will be off limits when you head out the door. In fact, several reviewers confirm they clocked many miles while wearing these sandals. Impressive much? The suede insoles mold to the contours of your feet, so your perfect fit is just around the corner.
Promising review: “Super supportive. Most comfortable sandals I own. I had these in a tan color and loved them so much I bought the black ones. They have nice arch support and are pretty secure for a slide sandal. I walked for hours on a Saturday in these and my feet felt great. My back also felt good — not like after wearing the regular flat flip-flops. I will probably get another color. They run very true to size. You can tighten or loosen both straps for a more snug or loose fit as needed.” —Lisa Lazaro
Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 20 styles).
Rothy’s Mary Janes
It’s no secret that the Mary Jane style is on trend right now, but the key is finding a pair that can also handle heavy amounts of walking! Fortunately, this cute pair from Rothy’s is up to the challenge. The two straps are flexible and adjustable, which will help you get *just* the right fit. The soft insoles and sturdy rubber outsoles will keep you comfy while you walk your heart out! Bonus points for the perforated upper that allows for breathability — no sweaty feet here.
They’re also machine washable, so toss ’em in for a cleaning every few weeks as needed and they’ll be good as new.
Note: These fit true to size, but it’s recommended to go a half size up for a roomier fit or if you have wider feet!
My colleague Jenae Sitzes says: “I have a pair of Rothy’s flats, and they’re super comfy and feel so lightweight and stretchy! I have them in the neutral Ecru color, but they come in a ton of gorgeous colors and I’m always tempted to snag them in more styles.”
Promising review: “Very comfortable. I travel a lot for work and these are perfect for the airport and for walking the streets of San Francisco. I normally wear an 8.5. I bought a 9 in this style. It’s perfect for walking a lot during the day.” —Jeannie S.
Get them from Rothy’s for $165 (available in sizes 5–13 and in nine colors/patterns). Rothy’s flats come in a bunch of other styles, too!
New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers
After experiencing this next-level comfort, you’ll wish you’d found these shoes a LOT sooner! I mean, one reviewer literally wore ’em all day at Disneyland, which tells you everything you need to know, IMO. These are lined with supportive foam inserts and have durable rubber outsoles for excellent traction. These shoes are *more* than cut out for any journey that requires a lot of walking.
Promising review: “These shoes are super comfortable and supportive. I used to play pickleball on hard court surfaces with tennis shoes with little padding. I developed sore feet which had a term — plantar fasciitis!! These New Balance tennis shoes with thick memory foam inserts saved the day! I can keep playing the game I love and my foot pain is nearly gone! Best tennis shoes ever! And they come in wide too, which makes the fit perfect!!!” —Library
Get them from Amazon for $64.99 (available in sizes 5–12, including narrow and wide sizes, and in four styles).
Skechers walking sneakers
No laces, no problem! Nothing quite compares to having sneaker-level comfort without having to worry about pesky laces. These are equipped with premium cushioning and a high rebound insole, making ’em a perfect match for hours of walking. Plus, the mesh upper gives you the ventilation you need when you’re on your feet for long periods. They’re also machine washable!
Promising review: “I work at a restaurant, so I’m required to stand 7-and-a-half hours per day, and they are perfect to alleviate any pain or discomfort. They are also sponge-like, but still supportive. Buy them, you won’t regret it. I bought one pair for my mom because she always complained about how her shoes made her feet hurt. She’s a nurse, and she loves them. The only downside for me is that they’re not nonslip.” —Her Story
Get them from Amazon for $40+ (available in sizes 5–13, including narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes, and in seven colors).
