12 Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommended by a Former Travel Agent

Some may say that vacations are for rest and relaxation, but I put my feet to work when I travel. When I went to Japan in April, I was averaging 11 miles a day, and I somehow managed to surpass that on a recent trip to London and Paris with several 15-mile days. As a former travel agent, I used to get tons of questions from clients about what type of footwear they should pack to avoid blisters and foot fatigue. Now that I’m a gear tester at Travel + Leisure, I have even more recommendations on the most comfortable walking shoes, all vetted and tested by T+L editors. 

To help you find the best footwear for your next trip, I’ve thought about packing advice I used to give my former clients—like why slip-on shoes are so convenient for travel—along with what sneakers stood out here among our T+L testers. And, as someone who owns over 100 pairs of shoes, I also considered the options I personally own and wear often. Here are my 12 top recommendations for comfortable walking shoes, with prices starting at $45.

Kizik Women’s Athens 2

As I mentioned, I own more than 100 pairs of shoes, and these Kiziks are the most comfortable sneakers I have by far. I love the cushioning, arch support, high-rebound foam, heel stabilizer, and breathable mesh material. Best of all, I highly recommend this slip-on style for travel because you can pop them on or off without using your hands and instantly be on your way. They come in both women’s and men’s styles, with tons of color options to choose from.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Madison Lace Sneaker

I’ve had these Dr. Scholl’s sneakers for a year and a half now, and they’re still comfortable after dozens of wears. My favorite thing about them is the anti-odor insole technology, which keeps any bad smells at bay even after walking miles in them. If you’ve ever sat next to someone on the plane with stinky feet, you know how useful this feature can be. The sidewalls of the shoes are also treated with an easy-clean repellent, which helps keep them looking new.

Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes

We’re big fans of Adidas Cloudfoams at T+L. We wore them while walking 12 miles without socks during our travel shoe testing and found them to be as comfortable as walking on a cloud, as the name suggests. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and have a unique sockliner that molds to your foot for added comfort. Plus, with many colors on sale for as low as $50, the price can’t be beat.

Veja Women Campo Sneakers

As a travel agent, I noticed that many people like to travel with a carry-on whenever possible, and the best way to pack light is to look for versatile items. The Veja Campo Sneakers are our favorite white sneaker that we’ve ever tested at T+L because of how well they match a variety of outfits—and are a supportive shoe you can wear for miles of walking. They’re more fashionable than sporty, so you can wear them with different outfits, day or night, instead of packing multiple pairs of shoes. Even if you don’t want white sneakers, they come in a few other colors that offer the same stylish, streamlined design.

Alo Runner

I’ve spent years trying to find the right running shoe, and I’m so happy I found these Alo sneakers. Most running shoes rub against the back of my foot and cause pain after logging many miles, but these sneakers are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They feature a stabilizing heel cup, firm cushioning at the heel, and a dual-density midsole that helps with responsiveness. I have them in white, and they’ve stayed surprisingly clean even after running outside for months.

Ryka Women’s Podflow Ez Sneaker

These Ryka shoes are specially designed for fitness walking, and I especially love the articulated pods on the bottom of the soles that create stability and cushioning for walking long distances. When I wear these, the ankle and arch support is noticeable, and I love that it gives me a bounce in my step. Plus, the mesh fabric keeps my feet from overheating. There are also reflective accents to make you more visible after dark, which is useful when you’re in unfamiliar cities for added safety.

Cole Haan Men’s GrandPrø Luxe Slip-on Sneakers

I love recommending slip-on shoes for travel for hands-free convenience, and this leather Cole Haan pair is a stylish option for men that is easy to dress up or down. They’re so versatile that you could get away with packing just one pair of shoes for your entire trip. The foam footbed stood out during testing for its cloudlike comfort, which felt nice right out of the box with no break-in period. These Cole Haan shoes are available in six neutral colors that’ll match any outfit.

Olukai Men’s Lae’ahi Shoes

These casual Olukai shoes are another nice slip-on option for men, featuring a special collapsible heel for another way to wear them—simply slide your foot in and go. Our T+L testers thought the microfiber lining felt soft against the skin if you choose to go sockless, and they also offered a good amount of traction. They’re also water-resistant, which is ideal for beachy or rainy destinations.

Hoka Men’s Clifton 9 Sneaker

Hokas are always a classic running shoe, and we especially loved the Clifton 9 sneakers for all-day comfort. They feature plush foam, a roomy toe box, and a supportive heel. They’re also easy on the knees because they offer an ample amount of cushioning, which is ideal for runners. The removable OrthoLite and EVA insoles provide extra padding, and the shoes have a reflective heel panel for heightened visibility at night.

New Balance Classics Men’s Made in USA 990v6

Men who have trouble finding the perfect fit in footwear will appreciate that these New Balance Classics have an inclusive size range, including narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes. They have a classic “dad shoe” aesthetic, and they feel extremely durable and supportive with foam midsole cushioning and a removable, padded footbed. They also have reflective accents for visibility.

Oboz Men’s Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoe

The Oboz Katabatic Wind Low Hiking Shoes are a versatile option that men can wear from trail to town. Our testers wore them in 90-degree heat and never experienced sweaty feet, thanks to the breathable mesh uppers. The traction worked well on slippery surfaces, and the shoes were durable and held up well after multiple hikes, showing no signs of damage or fraying.

Skechers Men’s Summits High Range Slip-in Sneaker

These slip-on Skechers are a fantastic value, with some colors on sale for as low as $57, so you can have comfort and reliability at an affordable price. They feature a breathable mesh upper and memory foam padding in the soles, so your feet will stay dry and comfortable. As a travel agent, I’d feel comfortable recommending these to any clients who have trouble bending over or getting their shoes on because they have a built-in shoehorn rather than a collapsible heel that some slip-ons have, and the rigid heel adds ankle support as well. 

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