--- --- # 19 Comfy, Travel-Friendly Shoes Made For Walking by [Courtney Kenefick and Richelle Szypulski / Travel + Leisure](https://time.com/author/travel-leisure/) ## Courtney Kenefick and Richelle Szypulski / Travel + Leisure Sep 6, 2016 6:39 PM UTC by [Courtney Kenefick and Richelle Szypulski / Travel + Leisure](https://time.com/author/travel-leisure/) ## Courtney Kenefick and Richelle Szypulski / Travel + Leisure Sep 6, 2016 6:39 PM UTC Walking is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to take in a new city. On foot, you can spot the details that bring a destination to life. It’s easy to lose track of time perusing the shops along Via del Corso in Rome, exploring [a bamboo grove in Kyoto](http://www.travelandleisure.com/video/things-to-do-in-kyoto-japan), or weaving your way through the medieval medina of Fez. But there’s no quicker way to shatter the magic of these [immersive cultural experiences](http://www.travelandleisure.com/journeys) than an uncomfortable pair of shoes. Comfort vs. style has long been a classic conundrum for the fashion-conscious traveler. Your everyday flats aren’t necessarily the most practical for a packed itinerary, but something more orthopedic in design might have you cropping your [vacation photos](http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/smart-phone-photo-tips) from the ankles up. **Read More:** [Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis According to Podiatrists](https://time.com/shopping/article/best-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis-according-to-podiatrists/) Some destinations call for a sturdier shoe due to rugged terrain or extreme weather —[Iceland in the winter](http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/reasons-to-visit-iceland-reykjavik-in-winter), perhaps — and in that case, you’ll need some trusty, [travel-friendly boots](http://www.travelandleisure.com/lists/best-winter-boots). But when mild weather and walkable streets open up the possibilities, it gets _a lot_ harder to choose the perfect pair. We sorted through sneakers, sandals, slip-ons, and every style of footwear in between to find the best walking shoes for women. Our picks are designed to maximize comfort — using technology like shock absorption, memory-foam insoles, and breathable upper fabrics — without compromising style. There is one more important element that makes for a good pair of travel shoes: versatility. If the same kicks can take you effortlessly from shopping to a 6-hour[walking tour](http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-walking-tours-worldwide) to dinner, sans blisters, you’re set. We know it’s a ludicrous ask, but planning to wear only the pair on your feet makes it _much_ easier to pack everything else to match. Plus, those five just-in-case pairs of shoes are often what add the most weight to your [luggage](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags). Wouldn’t you rather have the extra suitcase space to pick up a few souvenir pairs? Oh, and one last suggestion: [a weekend staycation](http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-staycation-ever) is a great way to break in your new favorite travel shoes before you go. ### Best For: Stylish Slip-ons  Courtesy of Soludos For the ultimate cheeky weekend accessory, see cult espadrille brand Soludos’s collaboration with quirky artist Jason Polan. The [limited-edition shoes](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016ZQ612I/?tag=mottocom-20) come in both black and sand, and are embroidered with a pair of winking eyes _($75)_. ### Best For: Lightweight Sneakers  Courtesy of Reebok A seamless neoprene upper makes [Reebok’s Skyscape](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HNLRVSI/?mottocom-20) _($20)_ easy to wear and even easier to pack. ### Best For: Long Walks on the Beach  Courtesy Cole Haan Cole Haan’s [double-strap sandal](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=390098.1&type=10&tmpid=8157&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fshop.nordstrom.com%252Fs%252Fcole-haan-capri-sandal-women%252F4122327%253Forigin%253Dkeywordsearch-personalizedsort%2526fashioncolor%253DBLACK&u1=MOTTOSYNTSHOES) _($69.95)_ touts the same cushioning technology as the brand’s popular loafers. It’s a chic option for warm-weather destinations. ### Best For: Dressing Up  Courtsey Naturalizer This [leather loafer from Naturalizer](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=405181.1&type=10&tmpid=1513&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww1.macys.com%252Fshop%252Fproduct%252Fnaturalizer-coretta-flats%253FID%253D2396438%2526CategoryID%253D50295&u1=MOTTOSYNTSHOES) _($89)_ touts multiple elements of comfort—extra cushioning, a flexible non-slip sole, and breathable lining— for a full day on your feet. ### Best For: Treading On Trend  Courtesy of Adidas Adidas’s [Stan Smith](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=390098.1&type=10&tmpid=8156&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fshop.nordstrom.com%252Fs%252Fadidas-stan-smith-sneaker-women%252F3842428%253Fcm%5Fmmc%253DLinkshare-%5F-partner-%5F-10-%5F-1%2526siteId%253D93xLBvPhAeE-brqkjq6dHXLS1txt.UhG9A&u1=MOTTOSYNTSHOES) _($75),_ the sneaker _du jour_, gets major points for being cool _and_ cushy. Plus, the versatile all-white style pairs well with jeans, skirts, or shorts. ### Best For: Athleisure  Asics Asics, known for running shoes, brings dependable support to a [lightweight sneaker](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885614/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOSYNTSHOES/http://www.zappos.com/asics-metrolyte-gem) _($65)_. ### Best For: Discreet Comfort  Courtesy Rockport Despite the classic aesthetic of [this Rockport shoe](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LWZLRYK/?tag=mottocom-20) _(67)_, the style is surprisingly rich with features. Built-in sport technology provides shock-absorption, ample cushioning, and lots of support. ### Best For: A One-Shoe Weekend  Courtesy of Clarks Save precious suitcase space with a shoe that can take you from day to night. [This style from Clarks](https://www.amazon.com/CLARKS-Clarks-Womens-Hotel-Molly/dp/B011W6MAX0/?mottocom-20) _($90)_ pairs well with jeans, skirts, and beyond. ### Best For: Cute Lace-Ups  Courtesy of Keds All-American brand Keds _($35)_ puts fun, colorful prints onto rubber-soled, [lace-up sneakers](https://www.amazon.com/Keds-Champion-Tribal-Fashion-Sneaker/dp/B00MC3O6DU/?mottocom-20). ### Best For: Menswear Inspired  Courtesy Dr. Scholls Just what the doctor ordered: a [timeless loafer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYBI14O/?tag=mottocom-20) with a memory foam insole from Dr. Scholl’s _($65)—_it’s as comfortable as it is classic. ### Best For: Espadrilles with Support  Courtesy Reef Summer strolls call for a breathable espadrille. [Reef’s version](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OTQG41K/?tag=mottocom-20) _($70)_ provides arch support and a soft footbed_._ ### Best For: A Little Lift  Courtesy of Born The supportive rubber outsole and ABS—a really strong synthetic rubber—heel on this [Born Beyer Sandal](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885614/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOSYNTSHOES/http://www.zappos.com/born-beyer) _($120)_ is perfect for pounding the pavement in style_._ ### Best For: Reliable Technology  Courtesy of Aerosoles [Aerosoles](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0060GTKTK/?tag=mottocom-20) _($59)_ provide 360 degrees of comfort with their flexible bottoms, memory foam insoles, and suede lining. ### Best For: Driving Loafers  Courtesy of Tod's Save precious suitcase space with a shoe that can take you from day to night. [This style from Clarks](https://www.amazon.com/CLARKS-Clarks-Womens-Hotel-Molly/dp/B011W6MAX0/?mottocom-20) _($90)_ pairs well with jeans, skirts, and beyond. ### Best For: Seasonless Style  Courtesy of Tomas Maier You will forever find well-made flats from Tomas Maier, the designer who vows to never make a heel. Here, his take on [sleek leather sneakers ](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=404471.1&type=10&tmpid=5463&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%252FTomas-Maier-Madras-Flat-Ballerina-Slip-On-White-Black%252Fprod182640060%252Fp.prod&u1=MOTTOSYNTSHOES)_($480)_. ### Best For: Ballet Flats  Courtesy of Repetto Forget walking; try pirouetting through your trip in [Repetto’s ballerina flats](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885614/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOSYNTSHOES/http://www.zappos.com/repetto-cendrillon) _($295),_ which are made with the same stitching technique as the brand’s ballet shoes, making them ultra-flexible. ### Best For: Perusing the Boardwalk  Courtesy of TOMs This [slip-on from TOMS](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=422304.1&type=10&tmpid=12816&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toms.com%2Ffeatured-shops%2Fpewter-metallic-linen-womens-avalon-slip-ons&u1=MOTTOSYNTSHOES) _($59)_ will take you from seaside to sidewalk with a rubber outsole, breathable linen upper, and comfortable insole. ### Best For: Seaside Strolling  Courtesy of Tevas Teva’s super-packable [crossover strap sandals](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885614/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOSYNTSHOES/fragment/q%3DTerra-Float%2BLivia%26start%3D1%26cgid%3D/http://www.teva.com/women-sandals/terra-float-livia/1009807.html?dwvar%5F1009807%5Fcolor=MGWN) _($90)_ have an ample footbed and featherlight foam soles that are still durable. ### Best For: Something Suede  Courtesy of Bernardo This [Bernardo suede ballet flat](https://www.amazon.com/Bernardo-Womens-Sydney-Ballet-Flat/dp/B00K0C87LM/?mottocom-20) _($159)_ has a no-slip leather outsole, padded insole, and crisscrossed elastic strap for active ankles. ### Best For: Warm Weather Destinations  Courtesy of Pikolino Before your toes hit the sand, pamper your feet in gel-and-foam-padded leather [sandals from Pikolino](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885614/type/dlg/sid/MOTTOSYNTSHOES/http://www.zappos.com/pikolinos-alcudia-816-7585) _($160)._ _This_ [_article_](http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/best-walking-shoes-for-travel) _originally appeared on_ [_Travel & Leisure_](http://www.travelandleisure.com/) 19 Comfy, Travel-Friendly Shoes Made For Walking ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4463472/best-shoes-for-walking/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4463472/best-shoes-for-walking/"},"headline":"19 Comfy, Travel-Friendly Shoes Made For Walking","datePublished":"2016-09-06T18:39:42.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:59:34.785Z","description":"Get a leg up on your next adventure","url":"https://time.com/4463472/best-shoes-for-walking/","keywords":["Wellness"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Courtney Kenefick and Richelle Szypulski / Travel + Leisure"}],"articleSection":"Health","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/health/","name":"Health"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/wellness/","name":"Wellness"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4463472/best-shoes-for-walking/","name":"19 Comfy, Travel-Friendly Shoes Made For Walking"}}]}] ```