The best travel shoes for women are comfortable, stylish and energizing for your feet. When you’re on the go, the wrong shoes can prove especially painful—think blisters and backaches—all of which you’d rather avoid when exploring a new destination. After more than seven hours of research, we selected the On Cloud 5 as the best overall pick thanks to its cushioned feel, breathable mesh uppers and slip-on design. If you’re looking for a slightly dressier option, we recommend the Vionic Willa II Loafer, which offers good arch support and has a durable rubber sole.
The best travel shoes for women are comfortable, stylish and prevent foot fatigue while exploring.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
“You should be able to wear a shoe for six to eight hours without any discomfort at the end of the day,” says Dr. Stephanie Tine, DPM, a podiatric physician and surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, FL, who shared her advice and insight for this guide. Ahead, all the best travel shoes for women that deserve a spot in your suitcase.
What’s notable: The Zero-Gravity foam provides support and cushioning without adding heavy weight.
What could be better: They’re a bit pricey, and some customers say they could hold up better for the price.
Crafted with the brand’s proprietary CloudTec cushioning, these sneakers are ideal for traveling. They give you a bit of bounce with each step, and the mesh uppers enhance the overall breathability. Plus, the slip-on laces are great when you’re in a rush or going through security (and have to remove your shoes) in the airport.
What’s notable: They’re lightweight, stylish and have a cushioned midsole.
What could be better: Some reviewers wish these shoes were easier to slip on.
These stylish slip-on sneakers are a smart option if you’re looking for something affordable that you won’t have to be too precious with. The uppers are crafted from lightweight textiles, and the Cloudfoam sock liner keeps your foot in place while providing optimal cushioning. Another benefit: The 19 different color options make finding something that suits your style effortless.
What’s notable: The shoe is machine washable for easy care, and the breathable uppers are naturally thermoregulating.
What could be better: They don’t come in half sizes, making it tricky to find the right fit.
Allbirds is known for using eco-conscious and sustainable materials, and these lightweight sneakers are no exception. The shoe laces are made from recycled plastic bottles, the knit uppers are made from eucalyptus tree fibers, and the cushioned midsole is crafted from sugarcane. If they get dirty, just throw them in the washing machine—just remember to remove the insoles first.
What’s notable: This is one of Hoka’s plushest shoes, but it feels light on the foot and has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
What could be better: The silhouette might be too bulky for some.
For a plush shoe that’s surprisingly lightweight, you can’t go wrong with the popular Clifton 9. It has the brand’s signature rocker sole, which cradles your feet and propels you forward with each step. The compression-molded EVA foam midsole feels supportive and balanced underfoot, and the shoe weighs 4 grams less than the latest iteration.
Sizes: 5 to 13 (wide, extra wide widths) | Colors: 7 | Style: Slip-on sneaker | Cushioning: Cushioned foam outsole | Comfort rating: 5/5 | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: They’re designed to slip on without bending down, and the wide and extra wide widths make it easy to find the right fit.
What could be better: Some reviewers say these shoes run narrow.
Slip-on sneakers are helpful to pack while traveling and make excellent airport shoes (you may need to remove your footwear when going through security). The Kizik Lima sneakers have Rabbit Foam outsoles, which are soft and well-cushioned, and there’s extra padding around the ankles for added support. Plus, the soles are washable, and the roomy toe box ensures a comfortable fit—even after several hours of walking.
What’s notable: These sandals have an ergonomic footbed with arch support.
What could be better: There’s no back strap to keep your foot securely in place.
Similar to the original Birkenstock cork sandal, these comfortable sandals have an ergonomic footbed with two adjustable straps across the front. The waterproof material (an ultra-light plastic that feels like foam) is easy to care for and won’t weigh your foot down when walking. They’re also available in fun colors like hot pink and lavender.
Nordstrom
Vionic Willa II Loafer
Sizes: 5 to 13 (medium, wide widths) | Colors: 5 | Style: Loafer | Cushioning: Cushioned EVA footbed | Comfort rating: 3/5 | Weight: Medium
What’s notable: Despite being a flat shoe, it has impressive arch support and supportive cushioning.
What could be better: The leather uppers are less breathable than sneakers with textile uppers.
If you’re looking for a slightly dressier travel shoe that can easily transition from a day of exploring to dinner, the Vionic Willa II Loafers are a versatile choice. The ergonomic design hugs your arches while the cushioning supports each step. This pick also has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar. Molvar holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion and has covered women’s fashion for over a decade. Some of her recent articles includes the most comfortable heels and the best work pants for women.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics.
Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from Jordanna Sharp, a fashion stylist in New York City, and Dr. Stephanie Tine, DPM, a podiatric physician and surgeon.
How We Chose The Best Travel Shoes For Women
To find the best travel shoes for women, we considered several factors: material, cushioning, size range, fit, versatility and price.
Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers known for comfortable footwear, such as On Cloud, Allbirds and more.
We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any returns or exchanges.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
What To Consider When Buying Travel Shoes For Women
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best travel shoes for women. Here’s what to look for.
Materials
Durability and usage are two important considerations when choosing the right material. You want a material that can withstand a fair amount of walking and won’t fall apart after a week of wear. Also, think about the climate of your destination and the activities on the agenda. The shoes and materials that might work for a cruise in the Caribbean will differ from what you need to wear on a trip to New York City in the winter. “I think when planning a trip, it’s important to consider what activities you’re doing and the climate,” says Tine. “If you are going somewhere that rains a lot, bring a sneaker that is Gortex coated (some of the Hoka Transport shoes have this) so that the shoes can withstand water and not get soaked.” Sharp, a stylist in New York City, recommends leather, which is highly durable and molds to the shape of your foot over time. Leather shoes can get wet, but it’s best to treat them with a waterproofing spray ahead of time to protect the material from stains and excessive moisture that can shorten the lifespan of your shoes.
Fit
Your shoes should fit comfortably, with breathing room in the toes and uppers that are fitted but not constricting. Remember that after being on your feet all day, you will experience some swelling, so you don’t want tight shoes right out of the box. “For sneakers, I always recommend one finger width from your toes to the end of the shoe. That way, your toes won’t rub and cause pain,” says Tine. “Sandals should fit snug over the middle of the foot.” If you’re unsure of your size and cannot try it in person, consult the brand’s size chart and read customer reviews for the most accurate information.
Comfort
Travel shoes will likely see more—and log more miles—than your average shoes. “Comfort and support are probably the most important considerations; you need a shoe that does not feel too tight on your foot for travel,” says Sharp. Therefore, looking for comfort features such as padded insoles and collars, molded footbeds, arch support and enhanced traction is important. All of the shoes we highlight in this guide prioritize comfort, from the bouncy CloudTec cushioning of the On Cloud 5 to the arch support in Vionic’s Willa II Loafer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Most Comfortable Shoes For Airplane Travel?
Shoes that are lightweight, breathable and easy to remove are best for airplane travel. (You may need to remove your footwear when going through security, so avoid options that are difficult to take off.) Slip-on sneakers with cushioned soles are a great choice, and they pair well with everything from loungewear to casual dresses.
Do Podiatrists Recommend On Cloud Shoes?
Tine recommends the On Cloudstratus and On Cloudmonster sneakers, which are very supportive and cushioned. The brand is known for its comfortable shoes that absorb impact and cushion each step, regardless of the terrain.
What Are The Most Comfortable Shoes For Walking All Day?
The most comfortable shoes for walking all day have comfort features like cushioned midsoles, padded collars and arch support. The toe box should provide some breathing room, and the uppers should keep the foot in place without feeling overly tight or constricting.
