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Summer travel means a lot more time spent on your feet, exploring new cities, hiking up gorgeous trails, and walking around theme parks. With so much wear and tear on the soles, choosing the right shoe can truly make or break a vacation. Sneakers are a summer travel essential that ensures you can enjoy your much-anticipated trip with all of the support and cushion required to avoid the dreaded throbbing, aching feet at the end of a packed itinerary day.
Best Sneakers for Travel, at a Glance
Best Sneakers for Travel Overall: Rothy’s The Court Sneaker, $149
Best Sneakers for Europe: Cariuma Salvas Sneakers, $139
Best Walking Sneakers: Nike V2K Run Sneaker, $79 (was $120)
Best Waterproof Sneakers: SOREL ONA AVE™ Women’s Low Waterproof Sneakers, $95
Best White Sneakers for Travel: Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker, $135 (was $180)
Best Sneakers for Disneyland & Other Theme Parks: Adidas Women’s Stan Smith Shoes, $50+
Best Hiking Sneakers: HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low, $155
Best Slip-On Shoes: Vans Classic Slip-On Stackform Shoe, $75
We live in sneakers and have spent years testing some of the most popular styles for their comfort, support, stability, and traction. Ahead, we share the best sneakers for travel, including some of the tried-and-true pairs that we refuse to pack our bags without.
Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel in Europe
One of the many best things about visiting Europe is how walkable so many cities like Amsterdam, Dublin, Barcelona, and Paris are. And, with so much walking, what you wear on your soles can really make or break your trip. Here are the best walking shoes for traveling and walking, including the pair we wore all over Europe last summer.
Cariuma Salvas Sneakers
The Cariuma Salvas are one of the best shoes for everyday wear and our go-to for walking miles around Europe. These sneakers are constructed from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, including responsibly sourced leather, recycled mesh, and cork and bio-based foam. They also have a cushy and supportive sole, making them comfortable enough for long wear. Plus, they come in a ton of different colors—we love the all white leather look—and boast an excellent size range up to 12.5 women’s.
Sizes Available: 5-12.5
Colors: 20
Puma Suede Trippy Sneakers
If you want to spice up your sneaker style for an upcoming trip to Europe but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, the Puma Suede Trippy Sneakers are another fantastic choice. These fun suede sneakers have a retro vibe thanks to their classic 1968 style with modern scalloped edge details. They’re also comfortable and supportive enough for walking all over new cities.
Sizes Available: 4-14
Colors: 3
Reef Lay Day Lift
We also love the Reef Lay Day Lift and have tested these sneakers in all sorts of settings, including travel and a full day at Disneyland, so you know they’re as comfy as they come. These sneakers have a classic sneaker shoe look but feature secret details like a wedge insole to give you some hidden height. The toe box is also wide enough to spread your toes out comfortably for a healthier stride.
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colors: 8
Best Shoes for Theme Parks
If you’re headed on a family vacation to Disney Parks or Universal Studios this summer, a pair of comfortable walking shoes for theme parks can go the distance. Here are some of the best shoes for Disneyland and other popular theme parks.
Nike V2K Run Sneaker
When putting your theme park outfits together, you need a shoe option that is both comfortable and stylish—and we love the retro mom vibes these Nike V2K Run Sneakers give off. The sneakers are technically running shoes, so they’re super comfortable and supportive. Pair them with some bike shorts, an oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt, and some chunky socks for the ultimate theme park look.
Sizes Available: 5-16.5
Colors: 2
Adidas Women’s Stan Smith Shoes
The Adidas Women’s Stan Smith Shoes are a sneaker on regular rotation in our wardrobe because they’re sleek and stylish, go with everything, and are comfortable enough for walking all around Disneyland, Disney World, or Universal Studios. The sneaker isn’t waterproof, but it holds up well in wet climates (we’ve worn ours countless times in pouring rain) and the leather material is easy to wipe down and clean after a day at the parks.
Sizes Available: 5-15
Colors: 30
Best Waterproof Sneakers for Travel
When traveling in the summer, the weather can be very unpredictable, especially if you’re traveling to somewhere tropical or have multiple cities (and countries!) on your itinerary. Packing a pair of waterproof sneakers is the best way to prepare for potential downpours and ensure your soles don’t get soggy while seeing the sights. Here are the best waterproof sneakers to try on your next trip.
SOREL ONA AVE™ Women’s Low Waterproof Sneakers
If you’re traveling somewhere prone to rain—or with unpredictable weather—the SOREL ONA AVE™ Women’s Low Waterproof Sneakers are one of the best waterproof shoes out there. We love SOREL for its functional yet stylish shoes, and these sneakers are no exception. In addition to their waterproof construction, the sneakers feature comfort details like a removable EVA footbed and a platform sole, plus they boast plenty of traction to keep you safe and secure on wet pavement.
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colors: 6
Vessi Weekend Marble Sneakers
For a lightweight and less platform option, try the Vessi Weekend Marble Sneakers. These waterproof sneakers are a fantastic everyday style and are constructed with Dyma-tex® for all-weather protection. They also boast a comfy, cushioned insole and are temperature-regulating, making them a fantastic pick for summer travel.
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colors: 13
Best White Sneakers for Travel
A pair of white sneakers can go with any outfit and is a great shoe style to toss in your carry-on if you want to pack light. And, thanks to their endless versatility, there are so many different styles available—many of which are comfortable enough to be dubbed the best walking sneakers for travel. Here are some of our favorites.
Rothy’s Court Sneaker
The Rothy’s Court Sneakers are another comfortable style you can wear every day while on vacation. These sneakers come in three different colors—including a cream and white combination—and are machine washable, so you can keep them nice and clean, even after days of walking around European cities.
Sizes Available: 5-13
Colors: 3
Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker
The Veja V-90 Leather Sneakers are another classic all-white shoe style, and their comfortable construction and versatile style make them great for summer travel. These sneakers feature a low-cut silhouette and are constructed from high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly leather material. They also have a slightly retro feel, so they’re very on-trend this summer.
Sizes Available: 35-42.5
Colors: 7
Best Slip-On Shoes for Travel
Summer travel means lots of time slipping in and out of shoes at the airport. To make the process more efficient, opt for slip-on shoes that allow you to put on and take off your shoes easily. Bonus points if the shoes are comfortable enough to accompany you on your adventures outside of the airport. Here are the best slip-on shoes for airline travel and beyond.
Vans Classic Slip-On Stackform Shoe
If you want a slip-on shoe with more cushion, go with these cute platform Vans. The Classic Slip-On Stackform Shoe features the brand’s iconic slip-on design with a slightly more elevated feel, thanks to the 1.6-inch soles. The side panels also have elastic, making them easier to slip on and off, and the outsoles have a waffle texture with excellent traction.
Sizes Available: 5-11.5
Colors: 7
Best Shoes for Travel and Hiking
Traveling in the summer means plenty more time spent outdoors. A sneaker for travel and hiking can come in handy if you’re headed somewhere with good terrain. From weekend camping trips to cruise excursions, here are the best hiking sneakers that double as travel shoes.
HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low Sneakers
When it comes to comfortable walking shoes, HOKA is always top of mind. For a walking sneaker comfortable enough for travel and safe enough for hiking, try the HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low Sneakers. These sneakers were specifically designed with terrain in mind and boast all kinds of comfort details, including lightweight construction, excellent traction, and breathable materials. From long walks exploring cities to nature hikes with breathtaking views, these are honestly the only sneakers you need for adventurous travels.
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colors: 4
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