The 15 Best Men’s Travel Shoes

Are you seeking the best men’s travel shoes for your next trip? Preparing for a trip always includes a flurry of lists, packing, and getting your gear squared away. From a few days to month-long trips, picking just the right items for your journey is always stressful. A pair of travel shoes may be the most important thing you pack.

You want a shoe that’s comfortable but durable. Practical yet stylish. Breathable but protective. You almost certainly have 2 or 3 pairs that, between them, accomplish this, but you can’t lug all of them across the world on your trip. No travel shoe will achieve all of this. The best packing strategy is to pack the right shoe for the right destination.

The most versatile shoe we pack for a trip is the classic sneaker. Of course, walking around the streets of a major city, you don’t want to look like you’re on the way to the gym, so opt for a casual sneaker. The best travel shoes for men should be simple, fashionable, comfortable, and, most importantly, affordable.

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There Is No “One” or “Best” Travel Shoe

There are too many styles, climates, trips, and personal opinions for a single shoe to work for everyone. Even amongst ardent minimalists, no shoe can do it all, and often the best solution is two shoes for a trip. Most trips fall into the following categories: business travel, leisure travel, and beach/casual.

Business can be the most difficult to pack for, but it’s a great example of how much footwear can vary amongst professions. You can’t replace a proper dress shoe for more formal occasions, so we like to pair it with a more casual athletic shoe for exploration outside the office and gym time.

Sneakers are a great call for any trip. For starters, men in sandals on a plane feel a little gross and slobbish. Then when it comes to extended travel days that involve a lot of walking, you want comfortable closed-toe shoes with thick soles. We suggest you pair casual shoes with athletic shoes for gym time or activities like hikes or bikes.

You can’t take a beach trip without sandals, essential for any hot weather trip. What type of shoe you pair with a beach trip depends on personal priorities, but I prefer a versatile athletic shoe that can be used in the gym or hiking.

Swapping the casual shoe for a versatile waterproof boot is great during colder seasons. A sharp-looking pair of Chelsea boots are versatile and can even work in business with a suit. It’s the most versatile boot you can choose, while the most versatile sneaker is an athletic sneaker with black uppers and soles.

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Best Travel Shoes For Men

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Hoka OneOne Clifton 9

It’s tough to beat the Hoka OneOne’s Clifton 9 performance. They’re a beloved and reliable running shoe with plenty of underfoot cushion. It’s great for long travel days that involve a hefty amount of walking. We regularly walk 10+ miles a day when visiting European cities.

Hoka OneOne specializes in neutral running shoes, providing fantastic arch support and a stable platform to assist people who pronate or have flat feet. It makes them an excellent shoe choice for those with foot pain, not just athletes.

It’s not just the sidewalk where these sneakers excel, but adventure activities. They do a respectable job for hikes, trail runs, or even bike rides. On top of the excellent performance, it’s a pretty sharp-looking shoe if you choose the right colorway. I prefer the all-black as it looks the least like a traditional running shoe.

We like Clifton as they’re the most versatile active shoe for everyday life. They are appropriate in the gym, running on the road, or the trail. It’s a great option if you’d like a lot of bang for your buck. These shoes feel great for the athletic crowd or those who prize comfortable shoes.

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Allbirds Tree Runners

If you’re shopping for a new pair of men’s travel shoes, you’ve likely seen Allbirds online. They’ve billed themselves as the most comfortable shoes in the world, made to fight odor, be worn without socks, and handle the demands of travel exceptionally. Those are all tall claims. While you can undoubtedly contest the claim they are the most comfortable shoe on earth, there is no doubt they are comfortable.

Most importantly, Allbirds try to source sustainable materials for their shoes, which we love. The simple style provides them with a fair amount of versatility. The original Wool Runners are too warm for hot weather, so we prefer the Tree Runners or Dashers for travel. Tree Runners utilize eucalyptus Tencel uppers that provide stretch to fit a wide range of feet without any risk of pinch points.

We appreciate fabric is naturally breathable and provides excellent odor and dirt resistance. They’re also machine washable and dry quickly. As the shoe uppers are made from a thick fabric, you can see the big toe through the top of the shoe. The “toe hump” detracts many, and it’s a little polarizing, but we still love the shoe.

There are a few more negatives. One is that you can wear thin spots in the fabric if your feet move around a lot in the interior. However, we’ve never experienced premature wear in these shoes. The biggest negative is sugarcane soles are comfortable but too soft for athletic performance or hikes on rough terrain. You can opt for their performance shoes, Tree Dashers, but we prefer other athletic shoes for men.

Allbirds Shoes Review: The Most Comfortable Sneaker?

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Blundstone BL585

Finding a more versatile shoe than a Chelsea boot for cool weather is tough. Blundstones are my favorite boots; they’re easy to slip on and have great style. Not only can these boots work in a more formal or stylish event, but they’re equally at home on a ranch or going for a walk in the woods. They are timeless.

It’s the thick leather in a range of attractive finishes along with a durable stitch that provides the boots their versatility. That leather can also be treated with leather conditioning to achieve good weatherproofing. They are perfect for travel destinations with mixed climates or the in the winter.

Blundstones have great tread, insoles, and strong arch support, which makes them much more than stylish boots for men. An EVA footbed with special technology in the heels ensures all-day comfort. While a steel shank in the footbed supplies reliable support; however, it can trigger metal detectors in airport security.

The downside to the boots is a slightly polarizing fit. Blundstones work for most people, but some will struggle with the lack of adjustability. The dropdown heel and steel shank aren’t best for foot health. One last bit of advice, they come with double sole inserts to tailor fit. If they’re tight, remove the second insert.

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Vivobarefoot Gobi III

Many foot and joint issues plaguing modern-day humans are from overdesigned shoes. Most shoes cause our feet to move unnaturally, making our feet wither! VivoBarefoot is a company here to fix our troubled feet the natural way. These trendy shoes have made waves with health enthusiasts and minimalists obsessed with details.

The Gobi III lasts longer than traditional sneakers due to the build quality and lack of midsole. The leather upper style is an excellent men’s shoe in various environments. They lack a traditional sole and consume far less valuable room in a suitcase. The leather uppers and grippy soles make the shoes decent for short hikes and rugged terrain.

Additionally, they are great for people with wide feet who need more room in their shoes. It makes them a little goofy looking as the toe box is broad, thin, and flexible to promote the foot’s natural movement. It’s also worth stressing that barefoot shoes are not for everyone, and many men will not enjoy them.

It’s tough to beat these shoes as the leather uppers have a great casual look, and the lack of a sole makes them easy to stash in a bag. However, Leather shoes aren’t a great choice for hot weather destinations. I love to pack these for casual trips and pair them with athletic shoes.

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Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker

The Ecco Soft is a classic sneaker that makes an excellent travel shoe. It’s comfortable and stylish thanks to its high-quality leather upper. Ecco’s elegant look feels relaxed but mature enough to be worn by all ages.

It’s a classic shoe that’s highly versatile and comfortable. The simple leather design makes the shoes look more appropriate for dressier occasions such as business environments, restaurants, and bars.

It’s tough to fault these shoes as the craftsmanship is better than most of the shoes on this list. The leather laces and thick soles ensure a pair of shoes with plenty of longevity for many future trips. The shoe insole is leather molded for reliable comfort and even breathability.

While the shoe is comfortable for walking all day, it is a heavier sneaker. It means they’re not suitable for athletics or hiking. We’d also venture to say men with foot health issues may want a shoe with better support and lighter weight.

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Tropicfeel Canyon

Tropicfeel shoes bill themselves as the ultimate travel shoe. That’s a tall promise. However, they’ve demonstrated attractive shoes capable of handling many environments. They’re fantastic as shoes at coastal destinations as they’re essentially water shoes.

I’ve worn the Tropicfeel Canyon around cities and planes comfortably, as they look like relaxed sneakers. They don’t blur the lines like some sneakers, and you won’t wear them in business or formal occasions. The shoes excel at coastal destinations such as Bali, Hawaii, Greece, or even on a boat.

A reliable sole and comfortable upper make them work well for sightseeing or a quick workout in the hotel gym. I have done a light run in the shoes, but they lack the correct ergonomics for more serious runs and are too loose.

That said, the elastic shoelace design allows you to tailor the fit of the uppers. The upper is lightweight and flexible enough to pack down in a suitcase. I enjoy the Tropicfeels, the main pair of shoes my father wears at home on the beach.

Tropicfeel Shoes Review: The Most Versatile Travel Shoes?

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adidas Ultraboosts 22

Adidas Ultraboosts make great travel shoes as they’re stylish sneakers and very comfortable. They hit the target between a sneaker and running shoe with enough tech to fit either environment. The sleek design with maximalist colorways is the highlight, and they look great on the feet. With a wide range of colorways and models, finding a design that fits your style is easy.

It uses a Primeknit upper and fits like a slip-on for a great fit on the top of the shoe. A plastic midfoot cage with laces allows for adjustment in fit despite the slip-on design. That upper is comfortable and fits well, but the knit is breathable, which keeps the shoes fresh. Under the foot are a heavily cushioned midsole and high stack height for exceptionally comfortable shoes. However, that does sacrifice some performance.

Avid runners or hikers will want to look elsewhere as the shoes are clunky and heavy. I find them better for gym wear and light runs at most — granted, we spend a fair amount of time clambering up mountain peaks. The Ultraboosts are a much better fit for most men and travelers.

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Lems Primal 2

Like Vivobarefoot, Lems specializes in barefoot shoes to correct our problematic feet. These shoes have a period of “breaking in” about your feet, getting used to the sensation of being barefoot.

These trendy shoes have made waves with health enthusiasts and minimalists obsessed with details. The shoes last longer than traditional sneakers due to the build quality and lack of midsole. The most significant difference between these shoes and Vivobarefoot above is the use of vegan materials.

Lems also takes a more technical focus to shoes, with many offerings that revolve around outdoor sports. That shouldn’t be surprising as the company operates from Boulder, Colorado. The breathable uppers and grippy soles of the Primal 2s make the shoes decent for short hikes and rugged terrain.

As with barefoot shoes, they pack well in a suitcase and can easily be packed in carry-on luggage. That also means they easily accommodate men with wide feet as the toe-box is wide and flat. We suggest everyone tries out a barefoot at least once to see if they’ll fall in love.

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Birkenstock Arizona

Birkenstocks are long associated with hippy culture and free-living ideology, so naturally, they make phenomenal sandals that provide support! However, Birkenstock Arizonas is much more than a name.

The sandals feature patented cork footbeds that contour your feet, which provides outstanding arch support and comfort. As a result, they reduce the impact on your knees and make walking more comfortable. I can spend all day walking in my Birkenstocks with little signs of fatigue in my feet.

The ultra-comfy sandals have earned their reputation as a beloved sandal brand. Their following makes them a style statement in their own right. No one will laugh at a pair of Birkenstocks when worn in the appropriate setting. The Arizona or Amalfi leather strap design is one of the best style options for men.

Outside the beach, they look silly in destinations like Europe. However, attitudes are changing, and young men can get away with a lot. Of course, there are exceptions, and men can wear sandals anywhere in destinations like Hawaii or Bali.

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Salomon Speedcross

Speedcross is not your classic travel shoe, but they’re an excellent adventure shoe that I often throw in my luggage. We love to trail run and scramble up craggy peaks, and it’s tough to do better than the Speedcross. It’s versatile, aggressive, lightweight, and comfortable, and the tread has incredible traction. A real go-anywhere-and-do-anything shoe that seems to excel in various locations.

We have several pairs of Speedcross and love them. They’ve built a stripped-down shoe that offers everything you need and nothing that you don’t. You don’t have to be a runner to benefit from the comfort and capabilities of these shoes. Especially on rough terrain, as their traction is excellent.

I’ve watched others slip and slide in muddy/icy trail conditions while I breeze by them. I’ll have the next pair in the closet before I wear out the first, and I don’t think I’m alone. The best shoes!

They do have some significant downsides for travel. Speedcross looks like a trail running shoe and isn’t deceiving anyone. Also, their aggressive tread pattern makes them terrible for running on the road or working out in the gym.

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Vans Classic Slip Ons

Vans’ Classic Slip-On blurs the line between sneakers and slip-on shoes and looks great with jeans or shorts. We love a pair of slip-on shoes when we want the comfort of a shoe but don’t want something as bulky as sneakers. They make airport security a breeze and take up minimal room in a suitcase, so they’re easy to pack.

The classic slip-on is super comfortable and can be worn with or without socks. However, they require a break-in period with socks as the back is made of leather, creating a tacky sensation that can cause blisters if you’re barefoot. The low profile style provides the shoes with some versatility and can work with many outfits and settings.

Most importantly, we love a pair of shoes for around $50, so you have more money for travel. Of course, they aren’t the best quality at that price point. The Vans Classic Slip-Ons lack the support and longevity of many other men’s travel shoes. We wouldn’t want to go for long walks every day exploring new cities with a pair of these shoes.

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ON Cloud 5 Running Shoe

The ON Cloud 5 sneakers are another excellent example of comfortable athletic shoes that make great travel shoes for men. It all comes down to their superb comfort and support. The shoes are ready for a long day of walking, adventures, or a workout in the hotel gym.

They achieve their comfort thanks to a supple polyester upper, which makes slipping them on and off easy at an airport. ON has its proprietary Zero-Gravity foam midsole, which provides exceptional comfort when exploring a new destination.

It’s very similar to the Clifton 9 above, which we love for its versatility in adventure activities while traveling. However, we slightly nod to Clifton as the Cloud 5 has a polarizing style. ON has a chunky proprietary rubber sole that is less sharp than many other sneaker options.

That’s not to say they’re anything but exceptionally comfortable shoes. We can give a slight nod in terms of comfort to their uppers for slipping on and off. These shoes feel great for anyone who prioritizes comfortable shoes over everything else.

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OluKai Nohea

The OluKai Nohea is a highly comfortable pair of slip-on shoes ready to tackle the world. These Hawaiian exports embrace the laidback Aloha spirit, and the company strives to maintain a low environmental impact. We love these shoes because they’re lightweight, versatile, and comfortable. OluKai makes footbeds that anatomically fit your feet and offer superior support for slip-on shoes.

They have lovely ventilation and are adept at handling water, so they work for men who don’t want to wear sandals. The heel of the shoe also folds down for a more casual fit. Style is casual and versatile enough to work in various warm-weather destinations. Their mesh nature makes them ill-suited for cool climates or seasons. The fit is slightly narrow with OluKai shoes, which may present a problem for those with wide feet.

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Chuck Taylor All Star

There is hardly a more classic sneaker than the Converse All-Star. They’re perfect for travel as they are lightweight, stylish, and comfortable. Plus, they have universal appeal as you can find them worldwide whether you’re exploring London or Beijing. These are a great call if you’re looking for that old-school look with a pair of jeans.

What’s excellent about Chucks is they’re affordable and reliable in their shoe fit. It’s just a great canvas shoe that has been around for decades. There are some drawbacks, such as longevity and lack of arch support. If you have custom insoles, you can always fix that, though. We travel with a pair and swap them in and out of shoes.

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What to Consider When Buying Travel Shoes

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Destination

As you know, matching your shoe choice to your destination is crucial. You wouldn’t take a stylish pair of sandals to Iceland in the winter any more than a couple of clunky hiking boots for a trip to Paris.

Your first step is, therefore, straightforward: do some research. Where are you going? What weather are you expecting; hot or cold, wet or dry?

Once you’ve sorted your destination, it’s time to consider what you plan to do. Are you looking to spend your trip pounding the pavement in a city as you visit the sights and local eateries? Or are you hoping to jump out to the mountain and get some intense trail runs and hikes under your belt?

Or maybe you’re right in the middle, with a healthy balance of city and nature. In any case, your activities will correlate directly with the performance of your travel shoes.

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Performance

Performance correlates heavily to your destination research. Once you’ve selected your destination and the activities you’re looking to do, take a very close look at the overall performance of the shoes you are considering.

It means delving into the shoe specifics. Are the shoes waterproof? What’s the upper made of, and how long will it last? Is the sole durable enough for what you’re planning to do? What’s the comfort rating? Will your feet be screaming after spending all day in these shoes?

We’ve tried to answer many of these questions with our forthcoming shoe descriptions. But always consider what you plan to do with these shoes. Out on the mountains 90% of the time? The high performance is the way to go. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time enjoying the city, you’ll probably spend more time thinking about design.

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Design

Although a non-issue in most cases, design and appearance can play a huge role in travel situations. Most seasoned travelers, this writer included blanch at being pegged as a tourist the moment they step off the plane.

If you look like a bumbling tourist, it opens the floodgates to being targeted by scammers, inflated cab prices, and petty thievery in some cases. We know that your favorite running shoes are incredibly comfortable, but rest assured, nearly everyone and their dog will know you’re a tourist as soon as you leave North America.

If this concerns you, then take the time to consider what the locals are wearing and factor that into your decision-making process.

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Avoid Waterproof Shoes

Waterproof shoes are one of the biggest gimmicks in men’s travel shoes. They’re rarely worth the additional cost and only work for limited water. Once the shoe is soaked through, they dry slower than traditional shoes as the waterproof membrane traps the moisture. We suggest you avoid waterproof shoes for any footwear.

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Cleaning

Shoes get dirty, plain and simple. They will eventually get soiled no matter where we wear them or what we do. However, if you’re on a trip and have condensed your standard top three pairs of shoes down to one travel pair, your travel shoes will get dirty even faster.

Shoes that need a little brush down or the occasional rinse are preferred. Those that require a special cleaning agent get gouged easily or need in-depth preventative layers applied all the time and will be quick to rack up annoyance points.

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How to Travel With Your Shoes

I always travel with shoes in a separate part of my luggage. I don’t want the dust and dirt from the street to get on my clothes. If I’m traveling in a suitcase, I will place my shoes in either a reusable bag or a packing cube and place the sole at the bottom of my luggage. My travel shoes never go next to my best outfits, just in case they get dirt everywhere. See more of our packing hacks here.

If I am on a backpacking trip, I will still wrap my shoes in a reusable bag and place them at the bottom of the backpack. If they are travel flip-flops or rugged tennis shoes, I will wrap them by their shoelaces outside the bag or on the side holders. Just watch out for theft if you leave your suitcase!

There are at least two pairs of shoes in my bag, but sometimes more, depending on where I travel and the season.

• Sneakers: For everyday use and exploring.
• Casual Shoe: I use this as a dress shoe or nice leather boot.

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