We’re here to share the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel. The following is a collection of our most reliable shoes we put to the test.
Travelers spend a lot of time on their feet. This should not be a surprise as it’s the best way to explore a new city. It’s the first thing we do in any new destination, whether we’re exploring Taipei, New York City, or Florence.
However, the wrong shoes can leave you with blisters and aching feet. Many believe you must sacrifice fashion for comfort, but these comfortable walking shoes all look good and will leave your happy feet.
Cute & Stylish Walking Shoes For Women
We’ve taken a selection of sneakers, slip-on flats, running shoes, and sandals, all of which make up the best walking shoes for women. You can expect stylish looks, substantial arch support, and soles that stand up to travel. If you’re off to a more adventurous destination, check out our post on the best women’s travel shoes, including hiking, winter, and style boots.
Cute walking shoes are a great call for any trip. When it comes to extended travel days involving a lot of walking, you want comfortable closed-toe shoes with thick soles. 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 stylish trainer, flat, slip-on, or sandal.
Walking shoes should be simple, fashionable, comfortable, and affordable. All of these comfortable walking shoes are around $100, with several under $50, so you can save more for travel!
Allbirds Wool Runners
Style: Sneaker | Material: Wool And Sugarcane Foam | Avg. Price: $110
Pros
- Super Comfortable
- Sustainable Materials
- Wide Colorway Choices
- Simple Style
- Antimicrobial Wool Properties
Cons
- The “Toe Hump”
- Longevity
If you’re shopping for a new pair of travel shoes, you’ve likely come across Allbirds Wool Runners on the internet. 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, they are amazing. Allbirds try to source sustainable materials for their shoes, which we love. The style is also great; they look even better in person than online with high-quality details.
The feeling of wearing them is best compared to a comfortable and cozy wool sweater. If that sounds hot for travel in a warm destination, they make a breezy Tree Runner version of the shoe. Fit is exceptional as they come a little tight but stretch to fit your feet like magic on your first day of wearing. Wool’s properties, such as odor and dirt resistance, make these unique. They’re also machine washable, dry quickly, and can keep your feet warm even when wet.
As the shoe uppers are made of thick wool fabric, you can see the big toe through the top of the shoe. The “toe hump” detracts from many, and it’s a little polarizing, but we still love the shoe. As it is wool, you can wear thin spots in the fabric if your feet move around a lot in the interior. We’ve never experienced premature wear in these shoes.
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adidas Ultraboosts 22
Style: Running Shoe | Material: Polyester & Rubber | Avg. Price: $190
Pros
- Excellent Urban Style
- Huge Range Of Colorways & Limited Edition Versions
- Super Comfortable
- Maximalism Style
Cons
- Not Technical Running Shoes
adidas Ultraboosts make perfect 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, it’s easy to find a design that fits your style.
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 a little clunky and heavy. The travel shoes are great for gym wear and light runs for most.
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Born Julianne
Style: Flats | Material: Leather & Rubber | Avg. Price: $99
Pros
- Comfortable
- Very Compact To Pack
- Professional
- Stylish
Cons
- Lacks Support
- Not Suited For Any Athletics
A pair of black flats is always great to have in a suitcase. They’re stylish and comfortable. Best of all, flats take up minimal space in your luggage. For most travel, it’s best to avoid heels as many destinations worldwide have uneven streets. You don’t want to break an ankle trying to look good.
Flats or loafers are a great option for a dress shoe that eats little room in your luggage, unlike a pair of heels. With flats, you can find stylish shoes that allow you to blend in with trendy locals and are comfortable enough to wear all day. These flats from Born are compact enough to fit in a handbag but remain cute and comfortable walking shoes.
These simple flats from Born are super comfortable and great for events involving hours of standing. These are my go-to travel shoes when we travel for business and provide presentations. It’s also an easy choice for an impromptu date night in a romantic destination.
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OluKai Pehuea Slip Ons
Style: Slip On | Material: Leather & Rubber | Avg. Price: $100
Pros
- Uber Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Arch Support
- Super Cute
Cons
- Casual Style
- Mixed Sizing
These shoes originate from Hawaii from OluKai. The company specializes in premium shoes that are all about comfort and easy on the environment. The footbeds of these shoes are designed to anatomically fit your feet and offer superior support for slip-on shoes.
I love these shoes because they’re lightweight, versatile, and provide exceptional comfort, which makes them the perfect travel shoes for women. The only thing to note would be these shoes are slightly narrow, which may present a problem if you have wide feet. I love Olukai’s because they’re comfortable women’s walking shoes that work well for travel.
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Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker
Style: Sneaker| Material: Leather & Rubber | Avg. Price: $160
Pros
- High-Quality Leather Finish
- Classic Style
- Wide Color Selection
- Durability
Cons
- Casual Use Only
The classic travel shoe is comfortable and stylish with high-quality leather. 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. Thanks to its simple leather design, 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 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. However, the versatile shoes sit right between a dress shoe and a traditional sneaker.
Shop For Ecco Soft 7
UGG Sammy Slip-On Sneaker
Style: Slip-On| Material: Various | Avg. Price: $110
Pros
- Comfortable
- Various Styles
- Super Cute
Cons
- Casual Style
- Lacks Cushion
That same shoe company we all love for its cozy fur-lined boots also makes cute slip-on sneakers. Sammy Slip-On Sneakers come in various styles, such as knit canvas or leather tops. They’re adorable in the light color knits with a leather accent in the rear and look a little sporty.
UGG Sammy Slip-On Sneakers are excellent walking shoes for some people because they are designed with comfort in mind. They have a slip-on design for easy on and off and a cushioned insole for added comfort. The sole is made of a flexible and durable rubber material, which may provide good traction and support for walking.
I prefer the canvas top knits as it makes these spring/summer shoes breathe a little better. Soles are firm, and the arch support is decent, but those with weak arches may want to look elsewhere. The OluKai slip-on above offers more cushion and support than the UGG Sammy.
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Vans Classic Slip-On
Style: Slip-On| Material: Various | Avg. Price: $60
Pros
- Versatile Shoe
- Stylish
- Easy On & Off
- Affordable
Cons
- Durability
- Lacks Arch Support
When I want the comfort of a shoe but don’t want something as big as sneakers, I love a pair of slip-on shoes. They make airport security a breeze and take up minimal room in my suitcase, so it’s easy to pack and travel light. Since they’re low profile, they can work with many outfits and settings.
Despite being the first time on this list of the best women’s travel shoes, we love Vans. Their classic slip-on is super comfortable and can be worn with or without socks. Vans’ classic slip-on blurs the line between sneakers and slip-on shoes and look great with jeans or shorts.
They require a break-in period with socks as the back is made of leather and creates a tacky sensation that can cause blisters if you’re barefoot. We love a pair of shoes for around $50, so you have more money for travel.
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Vivobarefoot Geo Court Knit
Style: Various| Material: Leather & Rubber | Avg. Price: $150+
Pros
- Style
- Superb Packability
- Foot Health Benefits
- Leather Upper
- Durability
Cons
- Wide Toe Box Style
- Barefoot Tech Is Polarizing
Many foot and joint issues plague modern-day humans 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 shoes last longer than traditional sneakers due to the build quality and lack of midsole. The leather upper style makes for an excellent women’s shoe that works in various environments.
These shoes pack up well in a suitcase for the ultimate travel shoe. The leather uppers and grippy soles make the shoes decent for short hikes and rugged terrain. They are great for people with wide feet who need more room in their shoes. – they are broad, thin, and flexible to promote the foot’s natural movement.
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Birkenstock Mayari
Style: Relaxed | Material: Suede | Avg. Price: $100
Pros
- High-Quality Leather Finish
- Durability
- Conforming Midsole
- Cork Materials
Cons
- Outdoorsy Look
Not everyone loves thong sandals that go between the toes. For straps over the feet, it’s easy to choose the Birkenstock Mayari as they are some of the most stylish walking shoes for women almost anywhere you go (beside maybe Milan!). Birkenstocks are some of the most loved sandals for a good reason. They’re the perfect everyday wear because the sole conforms to the shape of your foot for the ultimate support.
I’m partial to the Mayari as they’re more feminine than the original Arizona style. The neutral heel profile and deep heel cups keep the weight of your body evenly distributed across your feet for the ideal comfort.
They’re perfect for travel as they are so comfortable and you can spend all summer in them without any problems. Birkenstocks come with the highest price tag on this list, but they’re well worth the price for the comfort and warranty.
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Vionic Sandals
Style: Various| Material: Leather & Rubber | Avg. Price: $70+
Vionic is known for its comfort shoes, and with the “orthaheel” line of products, the shoes also provide the necessary support if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis.
They have a range of simple but stylish women’s sandals with rubber soles designed to cushion your feet and keep them in their natural position. Most of which can be adjusted to help the shoe fit correctly for the size and shape of your feet.
You can ditch your old, flat, formless sandals for these to give your feet good support even when it’s hot outside!
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OluKai ‘Upena
Price: $100 | Material: Leather
Pros
- No Break-In
- Comfortable
- Style
Cons
- Straps Not For Wide Feet
Hawaiian baed OluKai makes some amazing comfortable sandals and slip-on shoes. We love their shoes for walking, but the Upena stands out as a travel sandal for women because of its style. It’s super cute, versatile, and, most importantly, comfortable.
The Birkenstock and Rainbow sandals above require a break-in period as they’re leather and cork, but the ‘Upena comes ready to go. These travel sandals do not need to worry about blisters, foot pain, or slick bottoms.
I wore them on a recent trip to the Mediterranean, and they were perfect for long walking days to an evening out in a dress. There are some more comfortable and classic designs from Olukai, such as the ‘Ohana, but we love the style of the ‘Upena.
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How to Travel With Your Cute Walking Shoes?
I always travel with walking 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 with 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 bag.
My travel shoes never go next to my best outfits, just in case they do happen to get dirt everywhere. See more of our packing hacks here. If I am on an adventure, I will wrap my shoes in a reusable bag and place them at the bottom of the backpack or duffel bag.
If they are travel flip-flops or rugged tennis shoes, I will wrap them by their shoelaces on the outside of the bag or place them in the side holds. Just watch out for theft if you leave your suitcase unattended.
What Stylish Walking Shoes For Women Are Good For Travel?
There are always at least three pairs of shoes in my bag, but sometimes more, depending on where I am traveling and the season.
- Athletic Shoes: For working out, hiking, and walking around all day. That may be a pair of running shoes or a pair of hiking boots, but I always like to be prepared to get active. It all depends on the destination.
- Sandals: There is almost always a pair of sandals in my bag. For dirty showers, walking outside your room for just five minutes, or beach-time sandals are key.
- Cute Black Flats or Loafers: This is key as I can always look appropriate for any last-minute formal plans. Surprise event or romantic dinner? Not a problem!
Women’s Foot Care Advice
Even if you have the best cute walking shoes for women, sometimes, your feet will get sore, or a blister will form from hours of walking. These are a few tips to help keep your feet happy and healthy.
Blister Bandages
We keep a couple of these in our first aid kit for hikes and even when we travel. You’ll always be thankful to have these when you need them.
Nail Clippers
Don’t forget to pack some nail clippers in your toiletry bag. Long nails are gross and can lead to blisters and toe pain.
Wool Socks
High-quality socks make all the difference in your comfort in the heat or cold. Whenever we can, we wear our wool socks. Look for a couple of warm wool cushioned wool socks for cooler temps and light ones for the summer months. We love Smartwool, and they have some adorable prints!
Foot Lotion
Our feet often get dried out when we travel, making dry feet uncomfortable. Pamper yourself with a fine body or foot lotion to keep your feet hydrated and happy.
Foot Powder
Some people have smelly feet to fight odor and moisture. A little bit of powder in your shoes at the start of each day can make a world of difference.
What to look for in a pair of travel shoes?
Style
There are thousands of shoes, sandals, and boots out there that can cover the three points described below. But the best travel shoes can accomplish that goal more by presenting them stylishly and attractive. Style is one of the most important things I look for while wearing women’s travel shoes.
Style varies so much between the different shoe types, but my one tip is to look for versatility and opt for prints or colors that work with many outfits. You won’t be able to take a whole closet of shoes with you when you travel.
Support
A sad reality of traveling is that you won’t have room to bring several pairs of shoes to fit every occasion. Whatever pair of walking shoes you settle on, you’re bound to spend a lot of time in them and cover a fair number of miles. So, as you may have guessed, those shoes must be comfortable and supportive!
Pay special attention to the outsole and footbed material to gauge its comfort and durability. We are particularly fond of Vibram outsoles as they provide a nice comfortable ride, but they also hold up very well to wear and tear and allow the boots to last as long as possible.
Utility
Your specific travel goals will play a role in the walking shoe that best suits your needs. Perhaps you’re planning on spending most of your days jetting from sight to sight in the big city. Maybe some time in galleries and museums, interspersed with street walking to find the best eateries and views. Or perhaps you have a particular proclivity for remote mountain trails and exploring the great outdoors in every country you visit.
Whatever your preference, take the time to consider your future activities and pick a shoe that will offer the highest level of utility in that department. A black flat may not serve you well for rock scrambling, and a heavy-duty boot may raise a few eyebrows at your luxurious dinner after a day of exploring.
So, you get the idea, make your travel shoes agree with your activities. Or better yet, opt for a shoe that can be at home almost anywhere! It’s about finding the most extraordinary versatility for you! Everyone is different.