12 Best Travel Shoes for Women in 2026 [Comfy & Stylish]

TL;DR: My current favorite travel shoe is the HOKA Transport 2. It’s my most-packed shoe because it’s comfortable enough for a full day on your feet, works for everything from a hike to a long city walk, and holds up trip after trip. It’s not the cutest shoe on this list, so I usually pack a second pair for evenings, but for all-day comfort and function, nothing else here beats it.

I’m picky when it comes to travel shoes. They have to be comfortable enough for a full day of walking (if they’re sneakers or boots), durable enough to last multiple trips, light enough to pack, and versatile enough that I’ll actually want to wear them in the evening too.

Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of subpar travel shoes because I made the mistake of just going with a cheap option from a place like H&M that gave me terrible blisters on the first day of a trip. I don’t want that for you. Being limited by how much you can explore because your feet are wrecked shouldn’t be anywhere on your trip bingo card.

These are the best travel shoes for women that I actually pack for my own trips and that have never let me down.

Disclosure: VIVAIA and OluKai gifted me their shoes to test. As always, all opinions are my own.

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at my recommendations

1. HOKA Transport 2 – Most Comfortable Travel Shoes For All-Day Walking
2. New Balance 327 – Best Cute & Stylish Travel Shoes For Europe
3. Reef Neptune – Most Breathable Travel Shoes For a Hot Summer Trip
4. Sorel Ona Ave Low Waterproof Sneaker – Best Waterproof Travel Shoes
5. Kizik Vegas 2 – Best Slip-On Shoes For Airplane Travel
6. KEEN Elle Backstrap – Most Versatile Walking Sandals For Travel
7. Margaux The Flat Sandal – Best Minimalist Travel Sandals
8. OluKai ‘Ohana – Best Travel Flip Flops
9. VIVAIA Nelly Mary Janes – Best Travel Dress Shoes
10. Rothy’s The Loafer – Best Travel Loafer
11. Ariat Wexford Chelsea – Best Stylish Travel Boots
12. UGG Adirondack Boot XXV – Best Winter Travel Boots

#1 HOKA Transport 2

Most Comfortable Travel Shoes For All-Day Walking

If you want one shoe that can do almost everything on a trip, the HOKA Transport 2 is the pair I’d pack. It’s a hybrid city-to-trail shoe, so it has a grippy sole that handles uneven ground well, but it doesn’t look or feel like a clunky hiking shoe.

I took these to Guatemala as my only walking shoes, and they handled the Pacaya volcano hike and the wildly uneven cobblestones in Antigua with no problem. The only time they struggled was in the humidity, where they ran a little warm. The uppers are water-resistant, which makes them a little less breathable but good for keeping out light moisture.

These shoes are lightweight and super comfortable, which is why they’ve become my daily shoe at home too. I walk about a mile and a half every day, and my feet always feel great in them. They also didn’t need any break-in period, which is always a plus, and these fit true to size for me.

I have these in the alabaster color, which goes with everything. It’s picked up a few marks that won’t fully wash out, but for such a light shoe, it’s stained a lot less than I expected.

The main downside to the HOKA Transport 2 is that they’re still a bit sporty-looking, so they’re not going to look as cute with every outfit. When I’m traveling, I usually bring a nicer pair of shoes to wear in the evenings when I want to look more put together.

–> Looking for more HOKA options? Read my guide to the best HOKA shoes for travel

#2 New Balance 327

Best Cute & Stylish Travel Shoes For Europe

For a European trip where you want to look pulled together but still walk all day, the New Balance 327 is hard to beat. The slim retro shape is much easier to style than a chunky sneaker, so it works with cropped pants, midi skirts, and dresses without looking weird. That versatility is exactly what you want when you’re packing light and need shoes that go with everything.

These are lightweight and fairly breathable, which makes them a good choice for warm-weather city days. They’re also comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period.

The thing to know is that the cushioning and arch support are on the lighter side. They’re great for walking around a city and popping in and out of cafes, but if you’re planning ten-hour days of pounding the pavement, you might want to add an insert for more cushioning.

–> Read my guide to the best walking shoes for Europe

#3 REEF Neptune

Most Breathable Travel Shoes For a Hot Summer Trip

When it’s hot out, breathability matters more than almost anything else in a travel shoe, and the Reef Neptune does that better than the rest of this list. The stretch-knit upper is built for airflow, so your feet stay cool on long walks. That breathability is the whole point of this shoe, and it’s what makes it a good pick for a summer trip.

It’s also easy to travel with. The heel folds down so you can wear it as a slip-on or pull it on without bending over, which helps at airport security and when you’re taking shoes on and off. It’s lightweight and comfortable from the first wear, with a roomy toe box that gives your feet space in the heat.

The main downside is that these won’t give you as much support and cushioning as an athletic shoe like the HOKA, but on the upside, they’re less bulky, which means you can style them more easily. The knit material can also stain somewhat easily, so keep that in mind if you’re going for a lighter color.

The wide toe box is worth noting too. It’s roomy and comfortable for most feet, but if yours are on the narrow side, they may feel a little too loose.

#4 Sorel Ona Ave Low Waterproof Sneaker

Best Waterproof Travel Shoes

Most waterproof shoes are either clunky hiking boots or sporty athletic sneakers, but the Sorel Ona Ave Low keeps your feet dry without giving up on style.

They’re a cute court-style sneaker with a little platform, and the waterproofing actually works. They hold up well in wet weather, whether it’s a downpour or puddles, so this is the pair I’d pack for a trip where you know it’s going to rain.

And they’re versatile enough to wear when it’s not raining, too. The leather and platform sole pair easily with a variety of outfits, so you’re not stuck wearing an obvious rain shoe all day. The cushioned footbed makes them comfortable for full days of walking, and it’s removable, so you can drop in your own insole if you need more arch support.

The main trade-off is that all that waterproofing means almost no airflow, so they run warm and aren’t the shoe for a hot, dry trip. And these can take a few wears to break in properly, especially to loosen up the tongue, which can feel tight initially.

Note that these are my pick for wet weather in a city. If you’re headed somewhere more rugged, like Scotland or the Pacific Northwest, I’d go with the Vessi Stormburst High-Top instead for more coverage and grip.

–> Read my guide to the best waterproof walking shoes.

#5 Kizik Vegas 2

Best Slip-On Shoes For Airplane Travel

A long day of going through different airport security lines is a good example of when it’s nice to have an easy-to-slip-on travel shoe. It’s also just a handy feature for day-to-day exploration when you’re constantly on the go, entering a temple, or visiting someone’s home. And the Kizik Vegas 2 is one of the best options out there, since you can step in hands-free without bending down or pulling at the heel.

They’re made of full-grain leather, so they look polished enough to wear to dinner, not just on the plane. They’re comfortable for long walking days too, and the insole is removable and washable if you want to drop in your own support.

The one thing to know is that the leather takes a few wears to soften up. Unlike Kizik’s knit styles, these aren’t quite as cushy on day one, so it’s worth breaking them in a little before a big trip. They also come in a wide width.

#6 KEEN Elle Backstrap

Most Versatile Walking Sandals For Travel

A good travel sandal needs to do more than look cute. Most importantly, I want it to also handle a full day of walking with ease. The KEEN Elle Backstrap is the perfect versatile travel sandal that does exactly that.

The footbed has good cushioning, so your feet aren’t aching after a few miles the way they would in a flat, flimsy sandal. The heel strap keeps the sandal securely on, so you can walk fast, climb stairs, and cross uneven ground without it sliding around. The stretchy straps slip on easily too and give a little when your feet swell on a hot day or a long flight.

The grippy sole handles more than just smooth sidewalks, so these work for an active trip with a mix of beaches, cobblestones, and towns. They’re also easy to pack and slip on and off, which makes them a low-effort shoe to live in once it’s warm.

The main thing to know is that the toe strap doesn’t stretch like the others, so wide feet may find it snug. The lighter colors also show dirt more easily and can be tough to clean.

These KEEN sandals work for most people, but if you want extra arch support or more of a gladiator look, the Taos Trulie is a great alternative with a contoured cork footbed and three adjustable straps.

–> Read my guide to the best walking sandals for Europe

#7 Margaux The Flat Sandal

Best Minimalist Travel Sandals

Sometimes you just want a cute minimal sandal that goes with everything and won’t make you cry from pain because it’s so uncomfortable. The Flat Sandal from Margaux fits that need well.

It’s a clean, strappy leather sandal that looks great with a sundress or dressed down with shorts and jeans, so it’s the pair I’d pack when I want one sandal that works for both light daytime walking and a nicer dinner out.

It’s handmade in Spain from soft, high-quality Italian leather that molds to your foot. It’s not a dedicated walking sandal and doesn’t try to be, but the footbed has a layer of foam padding, so it’s more comfortable than it looks. It’s great for strolling, shopping, and dinners out, but if you need real arch support or you’re going to be on your feet all day, I’d swap in the KEEN or Taos sandals above for something sturdier.

It’s also an investment at around $280 and the priciest sandal on this list. The leather and craftsmanship justify it, and it’s durable enough to last for years, so it doesn’t feel too painful if you plan to make it your main summer sandal. It comes in wide widths as well.

#8 OluKai ‘Ohana

Best Travel Flip Flops

I used to think flip flops were just flimsy shoes you couldn’t actually walk in, and then I tried the Olukai ‘Ohana. These are the most comfortable flip flops I’ve ever worn, and it comes down to the footbed. It has arch support and cushion molded right in, so unlike a flat rubber flip flop, you can actually cover decent ground in these without your feet aching.

That’s what makes them a great travel flip flop for beach destinations. They’re supportive enough to wear all day, not just while you’re at the beach. The straps are also water-resistant and quick-drying, and the rubber sole grips well on wet surfaces.

I love mine so much that I’ve gotten them in two colors now: the pink and the java brown. They go with pretty much everything, and there’s no break-in period.

The one downside I’ve found is that the footbed can curl up if you leave them in the sun in hot weather. I left my pink pair outside during an unusually hot summer in California, and the inside curled. So just don’t leave them baking outside, and they’ll hold up fine.

–> Read my detailed OluKai shoes review

#9 VIVAIA Nelly Mary Janes

Best Travel Dress Shoes

When I want a dressier pair of shoes for a summer trip, the VIVAIA Nelly Mary Jane is what I pack. It’s a cute Mary Jane that works with almost any travel outfit.

I love the mesh version for summer since it’s breathable and keeps your feet cool. These are also some of the most cushioned flats I own, so they’re actually comfortable for travel. The knit upper is made from recycled bottles with a stretchy fit, and the adjustable strap is handy when your feet swell on hot days or a flight.

Just note that these do have a break-in period. The first time I wore mine out in Oakland and walked a few miles in them, I got a heel blister, so wear them around a bit before you travel. The mesh knit also stains pretty easily, so I’d go with the red if that worries you. They run big, so size down a half size to a full size.

If you want to splurge, the Margaux Demi Jane is a more refined leather alternative at a higher price and also very stylish and nice for travel with a slight cushion.

–> Read my VIVAIA shoes review

#10 Rothy’s The Loafer

Best Travel Loafers

A loafer is a nice in-between shoe for travel, dressier than a sneaker but comfier to walk in than ballet flats, and Rothy’s The Loafer is a great option for travel.

What makes it work so well on a trip is how breathable it is. The whole shoe is knit from recycled plastic bottles, and that knit is stretchy and forgiving, so it moves with your foot and gives a little when your feet swell on a long travel day. It’s an easy slip-on too, which helps at airport security.

Rothy’s also added an arch-support insole to this style, which is a nice upgrade. Older Rothy’s were pretty flat with little support, but the current loafer is built with all-day arch support and more cushioning. That makes it more comfortable for walking longer distances than their flats used to be.

The knit does look a little more casual than leather, but for the breathability and stretch, I think it’s a fair trade. The one thing to watch is that the lighter colors can stain and don’t always come fully clean in the wash, so I’d go with a darker color. Darker shades look more polished anyway and hide marks better.

–> Read my Rothy’s shoes review

#11 Ariat Wexford Chelsea

Best Stylish Travel Boots

A Chelsea boot is a smart travel boot because it slips right on, looks good with everything, and handles shoulder seasons and mild winter weather well.

The Ariat Wexford Chelsea is a comfortable, durable take on the classic, with elastic side panels and a pull tab that make it easy to get on and off, and leather that holds up to a lot of wear and softens and molds to your foot as you wear it.

What sets it apart from most Chelsea boots is the comfort. It has better arch support than you usually get in this style, plus a cushioned insole and a grippy rubber sole, so you can actually walk a lot in these instead of just standing around looking nice. The waterproof version also keeps your feet dry in rain and slush without that sweaty rainboot feel, which makes it a solid pick for a wet-weather trip.

The one thing to know is that the look leans a little more rugged than a sleek, minimal Chelsea, so if you want something dressier, this isn’t quite it.

If you’d rather have a sleeker, more classic Chelsea, the Thursday Duchess is a great alternative I wear all the time as well. It’s cushioned and comfortable, though it’s not waterproof and doesn’t have as much arch support as the Ariat, so it’s more of a stylish pick than a do-everything boot. Still, I rarely have sore feet after wearing my Duchess boots, even after wearing them out all night, so there’s that.

#12 UGG Adirondack Boot XXV

Best Winter Travel Boots

Forget what you think you know about UGGs. The UGG Adirondack isn’t the soft, slippery sheepskin boot you’re picturing. It’s a serious winter boot with fully waterproof leather and suede and a plush wool lining that keeps your feet warm well below freezing, so it handles snow, slush, and icy sidewalks without your toes going numb.

What makes it work for travel is that it does all that without being a clunky brick on your feet. It’s surprisingly light for a snow boot, and the wool lining molds to your foot and gets more comfortable the more you wear it. The traction is good on snow and ice too, so you’re not slipping around a frozen city.

There’s a nice styling trick built in as well. You can roll the cuff up for more coverage in deep snow or fold it down for a shorter, around-town look that works with jeans, so it crosses over from building snowmen to dinner without looking like a pure snow boot.

At $250, it’s one of the pricier shoes on this list, but it’s built to last for years and is a real winter boot that can handle serious cold.

How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes

After years of trial and error, here’s what I actually look for when picking travel shoes, and what I’d suggest you focus on too.

• Comfort and support – This is what matters most to me, but it’s not the only thing I look for. I’m not going to pick the most supportive orthotic-looking shoe if it’s not also cute, since style still counts. The balance I’m after is a shoe that’s comfortable enough that my feet don’t hurt by the afternoon and still looks good enough that I want to wear it every day of my trip.
• Versatility – When you’re packing light, every pair has to work with as many outfits as possible. I usually bring two or three pairs that each do a different job, like a comfortable sneaker for long days of walking and something nicer for evenings, so I’m covered without overpacking.
• Durability – There’s nothing worse than a shoe falling apart mid-trip. I’d rather invest in one quality pair that lasts years than replace cheap shoes every season. It’s also better for the environment and reducing waste.
• Lightweight and packable – Since I travel carry-on only, weight and space matter. I do love a good leather shoe, but materials like knit can also be nice since they’re light, pack down easily, and hold their shape even after a long flight.

FAQs About Travel Shoes for Women

Which footwear is best for travel?

A comfortable, versatile sneaker (preferably in a light neutral color) is your safest bet, since it handles long walking days and pairs with most casual outfits.

If your trip leans warm and beachy, a supportive walking sandal makes more sense as your one pair. Either way, the key is picking something cushioned and durable enough to wear all day, every day, without your feet getting sore.

Is it OK to wear sneakers in Europe?

Yes, absolutely. Plenty of people wear sneakers all over Europe, locals included, and I’d argue Europeans style sneakers better than most. A clean, simple pair (especially white or tan) looks great with just about everything.

How many pairs of shoes should I bring on a trip?

I try to keep it to two pairs, sometimes three, like a comfortable sneaker for long days, a sandal or flat for warmer weather, and something nicer for evenings. You can almost always get away with fewer than you think if each pair is versatile.

Is it better to wear sneakers and sandals on a plane?

You can wear whatever you like, but I usually go with a closed shoe like a sneaker or boot. My feet feel more protected from germs, they’re warmer (I tend to get cold on planes), and wearing your bulkiest pair on travel day saves space in your bag.

Conclusion

The truth is there’s no single best travel shoe for everyone, since the right pair depends on where you’re going and how you like to travel. A summer trip through Europe calls for something completely different than a snowy week in the mountains.

What all my favorites have in common is that they’re comfortable enough for long days, durable enough to last trip after trip, and versatile enough to work with whatever you packed. Once you find a few pairs that check those boxes, packing gets a lot easier, and so does actually enjoying your trip instead of dealing with painful blisters and sore feet.

So think about your next trip, pick the styles that fit it, and you’ll be in good shape. Wherever you’re headed, your feet will thank you for choosing well.

Looking for more shoe recommendations? Check out my related articles below!

Best Walking Shoes For Europe

Best Walking Sandals For Europe

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes For Women

Best Shoes for Disneyland

Best HOKA Walking Shoes For Travel

Best Casual Barefoot Shoes For Travel

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